EPSO Verbal Reasoning key terms

The central point or overall message that a passage conveys, often stated in a topic sentence and supported by details throughout the text.

The primary claim or argument that an author advances and defends in a text, serving as the unifying focus for all supporting evidence.

A sentence, usually at the beginning of a paragraph, that states the paragraph's main point and signals what the following sentences will develop.

A concise restatement of the most important points of a text, omitting minor details and examples while preserving the overall meaning.

A rewording of a passage that expresses the same meaning in different words, often to clarify or to integrate the idea into a new context.

The process of combining information from multiple parts of a text or from several texts to form a coherent new understanding or conclusion.

A fact or piece of information that is directly and clearly stated in the text, requiring no interpretation or inference to identify.

The skill of locating specific, stated information in a passage quickly and accurately, often under time pressure.

A reading technique used to find particular facts or keywords in a text by moving the eyes quickly over the material without reading every word.

A fast reading method that focuses on headings, first sentences, and keywords to grasp the general idea or structure of a text.

A logical conclusion drawn from evidence in the text combined with background knowledge, even though the conclusion is not explicitly stated.

Reasoning from general premises to a specific conclusion, where the conclusion must follow if the premises are true.

An unstated belief or premise that an author takes for granted and that is necessary for the argument to hold together.

A statement or piece of evidence offered in support of a conclusion; it is the starting point from which an argument is built.

The claim or proposition that an argument seeks to establish, supported by premises and evidence.

A set of reasons or evidence presented to support a particular claim or conclusion, often with the aim of persuading the reader.

Facts, examples, statistics, or expert testimony used to support a claim or to make an argument more convincing.

An argument structured so that if its premises are true, the conclusion cannot be false; the conclusion follows logically from the premises.

A valid argument whose premises are all true, making the conclusion necessarily true as well.

To provide additional evidence or reasoning that makes a claim or argument more likely to be true or more persuasive.

To introduce evidence or reasoning that undermines a claim or argument, making it less likely to be true or less persuasive.

An opposing viewpoint or set of reasons presented to challenge or refute another argument.

A response that directly answers or refutes a counterargument, often by showing its weaknesses or offering contrary evidence.

The reason an author writes a text, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain, which shapes the content and tone.

The author's attitude toward the subject matter, conveyed through word choice, sentence structure, and stylistic devices.

The author's stance or feeling toward the topic or audience, which can be neutral, critical, supportive, skeptical, or ironic.

The distinctive way an author uses language, including diction, sentence variety, figurative language, and rhetorical devices.

The choice and use of words in speech or writing, which affects tone, clarity, and the overall impression on the reader.

The emotional or cultural associations that a word carries beyond its literal meaning, influencing how readers interpret it.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, independent of any emotional or cultural associations it may have.

Information from the surrounding words or sentences that helps a reader infer the meaning of an unfamiliar word or phrase.

Language that uses words in a non-literal way, such as metaphors, similes, and personification, to create vivid imagery or emphasis.

A preference or inclination that affects an author's presentation of information, often leading to unbalanced or unfair treatment of a topic.

The quality of presenting information in a fair, neutral, and unbiased manner, without letting personal feelings or opinions influence the content.

An error in reasoning that undermines the validity of an argument, such as attacking the person instead of the argument or making hasty generalizations.

A broad statement or conclusion drawn from specific instances, which may be valid if based on sufficient evidence or flawed if too hasty.

A specific piece of information, example, or fact that reinforces or illustrates a main idea or claim in a text.

A word or phrase that connects ideas and shows the relationship between sentences or paragraphs, such as however, therefore, or in addition.

The quality of a text that makes it clear and easy to follow, achieved through logical organization, consistent terminology, and effective transitions.

The way a paragraph is organized, typically with a topic sentence, supporting details, and a concluding or transitional sentence.