Persuasive writing ~  This convinces you to adopt the same viewpoint as the writer.   ~ It contains a clear opinion statement and at least three supporting details

 

Propaganda techniques ~ are methods --not based in fact-- that are used to make arguments more persuasive.  Critical readers need to watch out for them, whether they were used on purpose or by accident.  (ex.  bandwagon, using emotionally charged words, oversimplification)...

Cause & Effect ~   is a relationship between two or more events in which one event brings about another.  The event that happens first is the cause; the one that follows is the effect.

Topic sentence ~  states or strongly suggests the focus of a paragraph.  The sentences that relate to and support the topic sentence are called supporting details.

Viewpoint ~ is the author's perspective, or opinion on an issue or topic.  It is how the writer sees this issue or what they feel about the topic. . . “the opinion statement”

Classification and definition ~ writing that is used to explain and describe a thing or concept and how it looks, acts, and fits in.

Chronological order  – the arrangement of details in time order.

Connotation ~ The emotional feelings that surround a word.  (ex. cheap vs. thrifty...which one is more negative in its connotation)?

Denotation ~ is the strict, literal meaning of a word.

Compare ~ most often it means to point out the similarities between two things/people/places.  

Contrast  ~  points out the differences between two things.

Editorial  ~  An essay or article that givea an opinion about a timely or important topic.

Fact ~  A statement that is know to be true…which can be proven.

Opinion  ~ a statement that reflects a writer’s belief.  It cannot be proved, but it should be supported with strong compelling facts and details.

Main idea  ~  the central idea in a piece of writing.  Some authors will state the main idea directly, others will expect you to make inferences about the main idea.  Subject + what the author says about the subject = the MAIN IDEA

A topic sentence of a paragraph will often strongly state the main focus of the paragraph.

Interview ~ A series of questions and answers between two or more people.  The purpose is an exchange of information about a given topic.

Lead ~  The opening paragraph(s)  of a newspaper, magazine or Internet article.  It establishes what the article is about and often answers the important questions:  who, what, where, when, and why.  

Problem / Solution  ~  In this writing the author identifies and describes a problem /conflict and then offers one or more possible solutions.