HiSET Writing flashcards

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

Topic sentence

The sentence that states the main idea of a paragraph; it is usually the most general statement, and all other sentences support or explain it.

Paragraph unity

A paragraph has unity when every sentence develops the same main idea; sentences that drift to unrelated topics should be removed or moved.

Chronological organization

Arranging ideas in time order, using signal words such as first, next, then, and finally; it suits narratives and step-by-step processes.

Cause-and-effect organization

Arranging ideas to show why something happened and what resulted; common transition words include therefore, because, and as a result.

Transition words

Words or phrases such as however, moreover, and therefore that show the relationship between sentences and guide readers through an argument.

Order of importance

Organizing details from least to most important, or most to least, often used in persuasive writing to end with the strongest point.

Concluding sentence

The final sentence of a paragraph that restates or summarizes the main idea without introducing new evidence or a new topic.

Irrelevant sentence

A sentence that does not support the paragraph's topic sentence; in revision questions, it is the one to delete or relocate.

Cohesion through pronouns

Using pronouns to refer back to earlier nouns creates links between sentences, but each pronoun must have one clear antecedent.

Compare and contrast order

Organizing ideas by similarities and differences, using transitions such as similarly, unlike, and on the other hand, to make relationships clear.

Concision in writing

Expressing an idea in the fewest words without losing meaning; replace wordy phrases like due to the fact that with because.

Parallel structure

Using the same grammatical form for items in a list or comparison, such as reading, writing, and speaking rather than reading, writing, and to speak.

Active voice

A sentence construction in which the subject performs the action, as in The committee approved the plan; it is usually clearer and more direct.

Passive voice

A construction in which the subject receives the action, as in The plan was approved; it is useful when the actor is unknown or unimportant.

Dangling modifier

An introductory phrase that does not logically describe the subject of the main clause, as in Walking home, the rain began.

Wordiness

Using more words than necessary, which weakens clarity; revise by cutting redundant pairs and empty phrases such as in my opinion.

Formal tone

Writing that avoids slang, contractions, clichés, and conversational language; it is appropriate for essays and academic responses.

Sentence variety

Mixing short and long sentences and different structures to keep writing interesting and to show relationships among ideas.

Subordination

Combining ideas by making one less important with a subordinating conjunction such as although, because, or when.

Precise word choice

Selecting specific, accurate words instead of vague ones; replace thing or a lot with terms that name exactly what is meant.

Redundancy

Repeating the same meaning in different words, such as free gift or past history; revise by keeping only one term.

Comma splice

Two independent clauses joined by only a comma; repair with a period, a semicolon, or a coordinating conjunction.

Semicolon use

A semicolon joins two related independent clauses or separates list items that already contain commas.

Its versus it's

Its is possessive, as in its color; it's is a contraction of it is or it has.

Subject-verb agreement

A verb must match its subject in number; ignore prepositional phrases between them, as in The box of tools is heavy.

Pronoun-antecedent agreement

A pronoun must match its antecedent in number and gender; singular antecedents such as everyone take singular pronouns.

Nonrestrictive clause

A clause that gives extra, nonessential information and is set off by commas, as in My brother, who lives in Ohio, is visiting.

Restrictive clause

A clause essential to the meaning of the sentence; it is not set off by commas, as in The book that I lost was returned.

Introductory comma

A comma follows an introductory word, phrase, or dependent clause before the main clause, as in After the storm, we cleaned up.

Apostrophe for possession

Add apostrophe s to a singular noun and to a plural noun not ending in s; add only an apostrophe to a plural ending in s.

Tense consistency

Keeping verbs in the same tense throughout a passage unless a shift is needed to show a change in time.

Capitalization rules

Capitalize proper nouns, the first word of a sentence, and titles before names; do not capitalize seasons or general subject names.