CSEC English A flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Thesis statement

A single sentence in the introduction that states the writer's main claim or position; every body paragraph should support or develop it.

Topic sentence

The first sentence of a paragraph that names the one idea the paragraph develops, giving the reader a clear signal of the paragraph's focus.

Cohesive devices

Linking words and phrases such as however, therefore, in addition, and for instance that show relationships between ideas and make writing flow smoothly.

Counter-argument and rebuttal

Acknowledging an opposing view and then explaining why it is weaker or limited; this strengthens persuasive writing by showing balanced reasoning.

Summary writing

Condensing a passage into its main points in your own words, keeping the original order and omitting examples, repetition, and figurative language.

Narrative hook

An opening line or short scene that grabs attention through action, dialogue, a question, or a striking image, drawing the reader into the story.

Point of view

The perspective from which a story is told, such as first person (I, we) or third person (he, she, they); it must stay consistent throughout.

Formal letter close

Yours faithfully is used when the receiver's name is unknown; Yours sincerely is used when the letter opens with the receiver's name.

Inference in comprehension

A conclusion drawn from clues in the passage rather than stated directly; answers must cite the textual detail that supports the inference.

Context clue

Information in surrounding words, such as synonyms, definitions, or contrast signals like but and unlike, that helps reveal an unfamiliar word's meaning.

Subject-verb agreement

The rule that a singular subject takes a singular verb and a plural subject takes a plural verb, even when words come between them.

Pronoun-antecedent agreement

A pronoun must match its antecedent in number and gender, as in 'Each student must bring his or her book.'

Apostrophe for possession

An apostrophe plus s shows singular possession (the girl's bag); an apostrophe after s shows plural possession (the girls' bags); it never marks a simple plural.

Comma in a list

Commas separate three or more items in a series, as in 'bread, cheese, and fruit,' preventing misreading of the items.

Non-defining clause commas

A clause that adds extra, non-essential information about a noun is enclosed in commas, as in 'My uncle, who lives abroad, is visiting.'

Persuasive essay structure

An introduction with a thesis, body paragraphs each making one point with evidence, a handled counter-argument, and a conclusion that restates the position.

Expository writing

Writing that explains or informs using facts and clear organization, usually in the present tense with a topic sentence leading each paragraph.

Figurative language

Words used beyond their literal meaning, such as similes, metaphors, and personification, to create vivid images or emphasis in writing.

Simile

A comparison of two unlike things using like or as, for example 'her voice was as smooth as silk.'

Metaphor

A direct comparison that states one thing is another without using like or as, such as 'the classroom was a zoo.'

Personification

Giving human qualities to non-human things, as in 'the wind whispered through the trees,' to create imagery or mood.

Imagery

Descriptive language appealing to the senses that helps the reader see, hear, smell, taste, or feel what is being described.

Tone

The writer's attitude toward the subject, revealed through word choice and detail, such as humorous, serious, or critical.

Mood

The feeling a text creates in the reader, such as suspense, calm, or sadness, built through setting, word choice, and imagery.

Theme

The central message or underlying idea about life that a literary work explores, distinct from its plot or subject matter.

Dialogue punctuation

Each new speaker's words begin on a new line, with quotation marks around the spoken words and punctuation inside the closing quote.

Active versus passive voice

Active voice has the subject doing the action (The dog chased the ball); passive voice has the subject receiving it (The ball was chased).

Run-on sentence

Two or more independent clauses joined without correct punctuation or a conjunction; fix it with a period, semicolon, or coordinating conjunction.

Sentence fragment

A group of words punctuated as a sentence but missing a subject, a verb, or a complete thought, such as 'Running down the street.'

Dangling modifier

A descriptive phrase that does not clearly attach to the word it describes, as in 'Walking home, the rain started.'

Formal register

Language suited to official or academic writing: complete sentences, standard grammar, no slang or contractions, and a respectful tone.

Audience and purpose

The intended reader and the reason for writing; together they determine the register, structure, and level of detail in a piece.