LCA English and Communication key terms

The central point a passage is built to convey, which the supporting details explain, illustrate, or defend. Identifying it means stating in one sentence what the author most wants the reader to accept.

A fact, example, statistic, or reason offered to make a claim believable. Details are subordinate to the main idea and can be tested by asking whether removing them would weaken the author's point.

A conclusion drawn from clues in a text rather than from a statement made outright. A sound inference is compelled by the evidence and does not require guessing beyond what the passage supports.

Information stated directly in words, leaving no gap for the reader to fill. Questions about explicit meaning are answered by locating the sentence that says it, not by reasoning about what it suggests.

A meaning a text carries without stating it, often signalled by word choice or omission. Unlike a loose association, an implication follows from what the author has written and expects the reader to recognise.

The attitude an author conveys toward the subject and audience, created through diction, sentence rhythm, and level of formality. Tone differs from mood, which describes the feeling produced in the reader.

The reason a writer produced a text, commonly to inform, persuade, entertain, or instruct. Purpose shapes structure and evidence, so naming it helps a reader judge whether the text succeeds at its own goal.

The organisational pattern a passage follows, such as comparison, cause and effect, chronology, problem and solution, or claim and counterclaim. Recognising structure makes relationships between ideas easier to track and summarise.

A sentence, usually opening a paragraph, that announces the paragraph's controlling idea. The remaining sentences should develop or support it, so a paragraph with two competing topic sentences is usually unfocused.

A single sentence that states the central claim of an essay and previews how it will be supported. It should be specific and arguable, not a bare announcement of the topic.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number and person. Errors typically arise when phrases sit between subject and verb, or with indefinite pronouns such as each, either, and none.

The clarity with which a pronoun can be linked to exactly one preceding noun. Ambiguous or missing antecedents, as in unclear uses of it or they, force readers to guess and weaken precision.

Positioning descriptive words or phrases next to the element they describe. A misplaced modifier attaches to the wrong word, and a dangling modifier has no logical word to attach to at all.

Presenting items in a series or comparison in the same grammatical form, such as all nouns or all infinitives. Parallelism signals that the items are logically equal and makes lists easier to read.

A group of words punctuated as a sentence but lacking an independent clause, an essential subject, or a complete verb. Fragments are sometimes stylistically deliberate but usually read as errors in formal prose.

Two or more independent clauses joined without adequate punctuation or a conjunction. The comma splice, which links clauses with only a comma, is the most common variety in academic writing.

A group of words containing a subject and a finite verb that can stand alone as a complete sentence. Recognising clause boundaries is the basis for fixing fragments, run-ons, and punctuation errors.

Joining two or more elements of equal grammatical rank, typically with a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or so. Coordination signals equal weight, whereas subordination signals that one idea depends on another.

Placing one idea in a dependent clause or phrase so that it ranks below the main clause. It shows which information is central and which merely sets conditions, time, or cause.

A writer's choice of words, judged for precision, register, and appropriateness to audience. Effective diction avoids vague generalities and matches formality to the occasion.

The associations and emotional colouring a word carries beyond its literal meaning. Words with similar denotations, such as cheap and inexpensive, can differ sharply in connotation and thus in effect.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, independent of personal or cultural associations. Precise reading requires separating denotation from the connotations a word may trigger in context.

The level of formality and specialised vocabulary suited to a particular situation, such as a seminar, a job interview, or a text message. Shifting register inappropriately can confuse or alienate an audience.

Information in surrounding words, sentences, or the wider passage that helps a reader work out an unfamiliar word's meaning. Contrasts, definitions, and examples are among the most reliable types.

A set of reasons offered to support a debatable claim, addressed to an audience that may not already agree. An argument differs from a mere opinion in that it supplies evidence and answers objections.

A statement the writer asks the audience to accept, which must be arguable rather than a plain fact. Strong claims are specific enough to be supported and challenged by identifiable evidence.

Material such as data, examples, testimony, or documented cases used to support a claim. Evidence must be relevant, sufficient, and credible to carry weight with a sceptical reader.

The often unstated assumption that licenses the move from evidence to claim. Exposing a weak warrant is a common way to show that an argument's support does not actually reach its conclusion.

A belief taken for granted rather than argued or proven within a piece of reasoning. Identifying hidden assumptions lets a reader test whether the argument collapses if they are rejected.

A pattern of reasoning that appears persuasive but fails to support its conclusion, such as attacking a person instead of their argument. Fallacies are faults in the link between evidence and claim, not merely false statements.

An objection or opposing position that a writer acknowledges and answers. Addressing counterarguments strengthens credibility by showing the writer has considered alternatives rather than ignored them.

The response that answers a counterargument, usually by conceding a limited point and then showing why the main claim still holds. A rebuttal should engage the strongest version of the objection.

Adjusting content, vocabulary, and tone to what readers already know and what they need to be convinced of. Skilled writers anticipate questions and objections rather than writing only for themselves.

The combination of writer, audience, purpose, context, and medium that shapes how a message should be composed. Naming these elements helps explain why the same content must be written differently for different readers.

Listening with full attention in order to understand a speaker's meaning, including paraphrasing, asking clarifying questions, and withholding judgement. It contrasts with passive hearing that merely registers sound.

Restating another person's idea in your own words while keeping the original meaning and acknowledging the source. Paraphrasing demonstrates understanding and is distinct from quoting or from patchwriting.

Condensing a text or speech to its essential points in proportion to their importance. A good summary omits examples and repetition while preserving the author's stance and main reasoning.

The quality that makes a text's ideas hang together logically, achieved through clear ordering and consistent focus. Cohesion, by contrast, is the surface linking provided by transitions and pronouns.

A word, phrase, or sentence that signals the relationship between ideas, such as however, therefore, or in contrast. Transitions guide readers but cannot repair a missing logical connection.