GED RLA flashcards

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

Main idea

The central point an entire passage supports. It combines the topic with the author's claim about that topic and must be broad enough to cover every paragraph.

Supporting detail

A specific fact, example, or statistic that backs up the main idea. Details answer who, what, when, or how much rather than stating the passage's overall point.

Inference

A conclusion the reader draws from stated evidence but that the text never states directly. It must be logically required by the passage, not merely plausible.

Vocabulary in context

Determining a word's meaning from surrounding sentences rather than its most common dictionary sense. Substitute each option into the sentence to test it.

Author's purpose

The reason a text was written, such as to inform, persuade, explain a process, or entertain. Purpose differs from main idea, which is what the text says.

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject, revealed through word choice. Tone is described with adjectives such as critical, objective, admiring, or skeptical.

Sequence of events

The order in which actions occur in a passage. Time markers such as first, then, after, and finally signal sequence rather than cause.

Paired passages

Two short texts on one topic, often with opposing views. Readers must state each author's claim separately before classifying how the two relate.

Text structure

How a passage organizes information: cause and effect, comparison, chronological order, problem and solution, or description. Structure signals where key ideas sit.

Claim

A statement the writer asks the reader to accept as true. It is debatable and must be supported by evidence rather than presented as established fact.

Evidence

Facts, statistics, examples, or expert testimony used to support a claim. Evidence must be both relevant to the claim and sufficient in amount.

Warrant

The reasoning that connects evidence to a claim. It explains why the cited evidence should lead the reader to accept the conclusion.

Counterargument

An opposing view that a writer acknowledges and then answers. Presenting and rebutting a counterargument typically strengthens an argument's credibility.

Hasty generalization

A flaw in which a broad conclusion is drawn from a sample too small or unrepresentative to support it, such as judging a school by two students.

False cause

A reasoning error that treats correlation or sequence as proof of causation. Two events occurring together does not establish that one caused the other.

False dilemma

A flaw that presents only two options when others exist. It forces a choice between extremes and ignores middle or alternative possibilities.

Ad hominem

An attack on the person making an argument rather than on the argument itself. It addresses character or motive instead of evidence and reasoning.

Relevant evidence

Evidence that bears directly on the specific claim being made. Evidence can be true yet irrelevant if it addresses a different question.

Sufficient evidence

Enough evidence in amount and variety to justify a claim. A single example or anecdote is usually insufficient for a broad conclusion.

Concession

A point where the writer admits the opposing side has some validity. Concessions are often introduced by although, granted, or admittedly.

Conclusion indicator

A word such as therefore, thus, or consequently that signals the statement following it is the argument's conclusion rather than a reason.

Sentence fragment

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

Run-on sentence

Two independent clauses joined with no punctuation or only a comma. It is corrected with a period, semicolon, or comma plus coordinating conjunction.

Comma splice

A run-on in which a comma alone joins two independent clauses. Replace the comma with a period, semicolon, or comma plus conjunction.

Coordinating conjunctions

The seven connectors for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. Preceded by a comma, they can correctly join two independent clauses.

Conjunctive adverbs

Words such as however, therefore, and moreover that link clauses. Between independent clauses they need a semicolon before and a comma after.

Subject-verb agreement

Matching a verb to its true subject in number. Prepositional phrases between subject and verb do not change whether the verb is singular or plural.

Indefinite pronouns

Pronouns such as everyone, each, neither, and somebody that take singular verbs. 'Everyone are ready' is incorrect; 'everyone is ready' is correct.

Pronoun case

Choosing subject forms (I, he, who) for subjects and object forms (me, him, whom) for objects. After prepositions, use object forms, as in 'between you and me.'

Dangling modifier

An introductory descriptive phrase that does not logically modify the noun following it, as in 'Walking home, the rain started.'

Parallel structure

Using the same grammatical form for items in a list or comparison, such as all gerunds or all infinitives rather than a mixture.

Verb tense consistency

Keeping one tense throughout a passage unless time markers require a shift. 'Had' plus a past participle marks the earlier of two past events.