GED Reasoning Through Language Arts flashcards

A dangling modifier modifies a word that is not clearly stated in the sentence. A misplaced modifier is placed too far from the word it modifies, leading to confusion or an illogical meaning.

• Modifiers must be placed close to the word they modify.
• A dangling modifier often appears at the beginning of a sentence.
• To fix, either move the modifier or rephrase the sentence to include the missing subject.

Memory trick: Keep the description close to its target, or confusion will start.

'Ensure' means to make certain or guarantee. 'Insure' means to provide insurance or protection against risk.

• Ensure = to make certain something happens
• Insure = to protect with insurance
• Assure = to make someone confident

Memory trick: ENSURE you are CERTAIN (E for 'establish certainty'). INSURE your CAR (I for 'insurance').

Parallelism is the use of similar grammatical constructions to express ideas that are related or of equal importance. This creates balance, rhythm, and clarity in writing.

• Applies to words, phrases, or clauses in a series.
• Elements should have the same grammatical form (e.g., all nouns, all verbs, all prepositional phrases).
• Often used with coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or) and correlative conjunctions (either/or, neither/nor).

Memory trick: Keep the grammatical paths even for clear journeys.

'Affect' is typically a verb meaning 'to influence' or 'to produce a change in.' 'Effect' is typically a noun meaning 'a result' or 'a consequence.' 'Effect' can also be a verb meaning 'to bring about' or 'to accomplish,' but this usage is less common.

• Affect (verb): to influence (e.g., 'The rain affected the game').
• Effect (noun): a result (e.g., 'The effect of the rain was a delay').
• Effect (verb, less common): to bring about (e.g., 'to effect change').
• Remember: 'A' for action (affect), 'E' for end result (effect).

Memory trick: Sound alike, look alike, but meanings differ, so check with your inner grammar referee.

'Affect' is usually a verb meaning 'to influence' or 'to impact.' 'Effect' is usually a noun meaning 'a result' or 'a consequence.' 'Effect' can also be a verb meaning 'to bring about' or 'to accomplish,' but this usage is less common.

• Affect (verb): to influence.
• Effect (noun): a result.
• Effect (verb, less common): to bring about.

Memory trick: RAVEN: Remember Affect Verb, Effect Noun.

An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. When modifying an adjective, the adverb typically describes the degree or intensity of that adjective.

• Adverbs answer questions like 'how?', 'when?', 'where?', 'to what extent?'.
• Many adverbs end in '-ly'.
• Common adverbs that modify adjectives include 'very,' 'really,' 'extremely,' 'quite,' 'somewhat.'

Memory trick: Adverbs add a 'V'ivid 'A'ction or 'A'djective 'D'etail.

A comma is used before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when it connects two independent clauses.

• Connects two complete thoughts (independent clauses).
• The comma always precedes the conjunction.
• FANBOYS is a common mnemonic for coordinating conjunctions.

Memory trick: FANBOYS connect, comma before they project.

A semicolon can be used to join two closely related independent clauses that are not connected by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

• Both clauses must be independent (can stand alone as sentences).
• The clauses should be closely related in meaning.
• No coordinating conjunction should be present between the clauses.

Memory trick: Semicolon: A strong comma, a weak period.

An introductory participial phrase begins with a participle (a verb form ending in -ing or -ed/-en) and functions as an adjective, modifying the subject of the main clause. It is always followed by a comma, and the subject it modifies must immediately follow the comma.

• Starts with a participle (-ing or -ed/-en verb form).
• Functions as an adjective.
• Must be followed by a comma.
• The subject it modifies must immediately follow the comma (avoid dangling modifiers).

Memory trick: The 'ing' or 'ed' phrase kicks off the sentence, then a comma, then *who* is doing it!

In MLA style, parenthetical citations include the author's last name and the page number(s) from which the information was taken, placed in parentheses at the end of the sentence before the final punctuation.

• Format: (AuthorLastName PageNumber).
• No comma between author and page number.
• Punctuation goes after the closing parenthesis.
• If author is mentioned in the sentence, only page number is needed in parentheses.

Memory trick: Author and page, then period on the stage.

'Discrete' means individually separate and distinct. 'Discreet' means careful and circumspect in one's speech or actions, especially in order to keep something confidential or to avoid embarrassment.

• Discrete: separate, distinct.
• Discreet: careful, private, unnoticeable.
• They are homophones but have different meanings and spellings.

Memory trick: DiscrEte has 'E' for Elements, DiscrEET has 'EE' for sEcrEt.

A dangling modifier is a phrase or clause that modifies a word not clearly stated in the sentence. It 'dangles' because it has nothing to attach to, creating confusion about who or what is performing the action.

• Introductory phrase or clause.
• Does not logically modify the subject of the main clause.
• Creates illogical or nonsensical meaning.
• To fix: rephrase the main clause or add a clear subject to the modifying phrase.

Memory trick: Modifiers must cling, to what they're describing, or they'll just swing.

'Because' is a subordinating conjunction used to introduce a subordinate clause that states the reason or cause for the action in the main clause.

• Connects a cause to an effect.
• Introduces a subordinate (dependent) clause.
• Usually no comma needed if the 'because' clause is essential to the meaning.
• If the 'because' clause begins the sentence, a comma follows it.

Memory trick: Because explains why, making connections fly.

Periods and commas always go inside the closing quotation marks. Semicolons and colons always go outside. Question marks and exclamation points go inside if they are part of the quote, outside if they are part of the main sentence.

• Periods and commas: always inside.
• Semicolons and colons: always outside.
• Question marks/Exclamation points: inside if part of quote, outside if part of sentence.
• Parenthetical citations: period AFTER the citation.

Memory trick: Periods and commas snuggle in, others stay out or ask where to begin.

A comma is used to separate an introductory word, phrase, or clause from the main part of the sentence. This helps improve clarity and readability.

• Applies to introductory words (e.g., 'Yes,' 'Finally,' 'However,'), phrases (e.g., 'In the morning,' 'To begin,'), and clauses (e.g., 'While he waited,').
• The comma signals a pause.
• Omitting the comma can cause confusion or misreading.

Memory trick: Pauses in thought, lists in order, separate the introduction.

A colon can be used to introduce a list when the introductory statement preceding the colon is a complete independent clause.

• The clause before the colon must be a complete sentence.
• Do not use a colon directly after a verb or preposition.
• The list clarifies or elaborates on the preceding statement.

Memory trick: Colon introduces, a complete thought it produces.

The verb in a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject. Singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs.

• Identify the true subject of the sentence, ignoring intervening phrases.
• Watch out for collective nouns, indefinite pronouns, and compound subjects.
• Verbs ending in 's' are usually singular in the present tense (e.g., 'he runs').

Memory trick: Subject and verb must match in their count, no matter the amount.

'Imply' means to suggest or hint at something indirectly (the speaker/writer's action). 'Infer' means to deduce or conclude from evidence (the listener/reader's action).

• Imply: to hint (speaker/writer).
• Infer: to deduce (listener/reader).
• Think 'I' for 'imply' (I'm hinting), 'you' for 'infer' (you're deducing).
• They are two sides of the same communication coin.

Memory trick: Speakers imply, listeners infer, no reason to fear.

Conjunctive adverbs are words like 'however,' 'nevertheless,' 'on the other hand,' and 'conversely' that connect two independent clauses and indicate a relationship of contrast between them. They are typically preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma.

• Connects two independent clauses.
• Shows a relationship of contrast.
• Punctuation: semicolon before, comma after.
• Examples: however, nevertheless, on the other hand, conversely.

Memory trick: Conjunctive adverbs are the 'bridge builders' between contrasting independent clauses.

Semicolons are used to separate items in a list when one or more of the items themselves contain commas, preventing confusion about where one item ends and the next begins.

• Used when list items have internal commas.
• Clarifies boundaries between complex list elements.
• Acts as a stronger separator than a comma.
• Often seen in lists of names with titles, or complex phrases.

Memory trick: Semicolon links, divides complex list sinks.

An appositive phrase is a noun phrase that renames or explains another noun right beside it. It is usually set off by commas.

• A noun or noun phrase that renames another noun.
• Adds extra information to a sentence.
• Usually set off by commas if nonessential.
• Can be essential (no commas) if it's crucial for identification.

Memory trick: Appositive neighbor, renames with favor.

Capitalize proper nouns (specific names of people, places, organizations, and specific days/months) and the principal words in titles of books, articles, and reports. Do not capitalize general nouns.

• Always capitalize specific names (e.g., John, Paris, Microsoft).
• Capitalize specific days of the week and months (e.g., Monday, January).
• Capitalize major words in titles (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns).
• Do not capitalize general terms like 'meeting,' 'report,' 'season,' 'phase' unless they are part of a specific title.

Memory trick: Start of sentence, proper names, and main title words rise up.

'Principal' is an adjective meaning 'main' or 'most important', or a noun for a school head or money. 'Principle' is a noun meaning a fundamental truth or belief.

• Principal (adjective): main, chief, most important.
• Principal (noun): head of a school, original sum of money.
• Principle (noun): fundamental truth, belief, or rule.

Memory trick: The 'pal' (principal) is your main friend; 'principle' is a rule you live by.

A nonrestrictive clause (or phrase) provides additional, non-essential information about a noun or pronoun. It is set off by commas and can be removed without changing the fundamental meaning of the sentence.

• Adds extra information, not essential for identification.
• Always set off by commas.
• Often introduced by 'which' (for things) or 'who' (for people).
• Cannot use 'that' to introduce a nonrestrictive clause.

Memory trick: If you can delete it without losing the main meaning, it needs commas!

A hyphen is used to connect two or more words that function as a single adjective before a noun.

• Only hyphenate when the compound modifies a noun that follows it.
• Not used when the compound adjective follows the noun.
• Adverbs ending in -ly are generally not hyphenated with adjectives.

Memory trick: Compound words unite, but only before a noun's light.

A pronoun must agree in number (singular/plural) and gender (masculine/feminine/neuter) with the noun or pronoun it refers to (its antecedent).

• Singular antecedents take singular pronouns.
• Plural antecedents take plural pronouns.
• Indefinite pronouns (e.g., each, every, either, neither, one, anybody) are usually singular.
• Collective nouns (e.g., team, committee) can be singular or plural depending on context.

Memory trick: Pronoun and leader, match their number, or confusion will slumber.

A conjunctive adverb is used to connect two independent clauses and show a relationship between them. To show contrast, adverbs like 'however,' 'nevertheless,' and 'on the other hand' are used.

• Connects two independent clauses.
• Shows a relationship (e.g., contrast, cause/effect, addition).
• Preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma (most common punctuation).

Memory trick: Connect with a Semicolon, Flow with a Comma.

In active voice, the subject performs the action (e.g., 'The dog chased the ball'). In passive voice, the subject receives the action (e.g., 'The ball was chased by the dog'). Active voice is generally more direct and clear.

• Active voice: Subject + Verb + Object.
• Passive voice: Object + 'to be' verb + Past Participle + 'by' (optional) + Subject.
• Active voice is typically preferred for clarity and conciseness, especially in technical or formal writing.

Memory trick: Active speaks, passive receives, clarity it achieves.

A sophisticated comprehension of a topic that recognizes complexities, multiple perspectives, and the interplay of different factors, avoiding oversimplification or absolute statements.

• Involves acknowledging strengths and weaknesses.
• Often uses qualifying language (e.g., 'while,' 'however,' 'despite').
• Demonstrates critical thinking beyond a superficial level.

Memory trick: Nuance Nurtures Nurturing New Understandings.

The principle that all sentences in a paragraph should contribute to and support a single, central idea or topic, typically stated in the topic sentence.

• Ensures clarity and focus within a paragraph.
• Avoids including irrelevant or tangential information.
• Helps the reader follow the argument without distraction.

Memory trick: Unity Unifies Under One Ultimate Idea.

The process of integrating evidence into an essay and explaining its relevance to the thesis or main argument.

• Involves introducing, presenting, and explaining evidence.
• Must clearly link evidence back to the essay's central claim.
• Avoids simply dropping quotes without analysis.

Memory trick: Fit the evidence, link it strong, illuminate your point along.

Structuring an argumentative essay by grouping related points or themes into paragraphs, integrating evidence from multiple sources to support each theme and the overall thesis.

• Avoids summarizing sources one by one.
• Allows for direct comparison and synthesis of ideas.
• Strengthens the author's argument by building points around themes, not just sources.

Memory trick: Weave the ideas by theme, not by source, to build your argument's course.

Different categories of information used to support claims in an argument, each with varying degrees of persuasiveness.

• Empirical evidence (statistics, facts) is often highly persuasive.
• Expert testimony provides credibility from authoritative figures.
• Examples and anecdotes can illustrate points but are less generalized.

Memory trick: Specific Stats Solidify Strong Statements.

The advanced skill of incorporating multiple, sometimes conflicting, viewpoints into an argument, demonstrating how they collectively contribute to a complex understanding or a specific thesis.

• Goes beyond simply summarizing or contrasting sources.
• Explains how differing views inform a broader, more complex truth.
• Strengthens the author's own nuanced argument by addressing counterarguments thoughtfully.

Memory trick: Weave the threads, even if they clash, to show your full truth in a flash.

The process of elaborating on main points in an essay by providing sufficient evidence, examples, explanations, and analysis to fully support and clarify the argument.

• Ensures arguments are well-supported and convincing.
• Involves providing details, facts, statistics, and expert opinions.
• Requires explaining how evidence connects to and proves the point.

Memory trick: Build your argument strong with clear thoughts and solid proof.

A style of writing characterized by objective language, precise vocabulary, and an avoidance of slang, contractions, and personal opinions.

• Maintains credibility and professionalism.
• Focuses on evidence and logical reasoning.
• Avoids emotional appeals and subjective statements.

Memory trick: Formality Fosters Factual Focus.

The use of specific, unambiguous, and appropriate vocabulary to convey ideas clearly and exactly, avoiding vagueness, jargon, or informal expressions.

• Clarity ensures the reader easily understands the message.
• Precision ensures the message is exact and accurate.
• Often involves using strong verbs and specific nouns, and avoiding clichés.

Memory trick: Clarity Comes from Concise, Correct, Clear Communication.

In argumentative writing, each body paragraph typically focuses on a single main argument, providing evidence and explanation to support the overall thesis.

• Starts with a topic sentence introducing the paragraph's main point.
• Includes supporting evidence (quotes, data, examples).
• Provides analysis and explanation of how evidence supports the argument.
• Connects back to the overall thesis statement.

Memory trick: Build your essay with blocks, each a clear, supported thought.

Words, phrases, or sentences that connect ideas between paragraphs, creating a smooth and logical flow throughout an essay.

• Signal relationships between ideas (e.g., addition, contrast, cause/effect).
• Help the reader follow the argument's progression.
• Can be a single word, a phrase, or an entire sentence.

Memory trick: Transitions Tie Thoughts Together, Truly.

The process of integrating information from multiple sources, especially when they present differing or seemingly contradictory perspectives, to form a cohesive and well-supported argument.

• Requires identifying points of agreement and disagreement.
• Involves explaining how different pieces of information relate to each other.
• Often used to address counterarguments or provide a more complete picture.

Memory trick: Sources Synchronize, Synthesis Shows Strength.

The process of evaluating multiple sources, especially those with contrasting viewpoints, by examining their arguments, evidence, assumptions, and potential biases to inform a nuanced position.

• Goes beyond summarizing to interpret and evaluate.
• Identifies points of agreement, disagreement, and underlying reasons.
• Uses analysis to strengthen and refine one's own argument.

Memory trick: Weigh the claims, peek beneath, then form your truth, with thoughtful breath.

Effective evidence integration involves introducing supporting material, presenting it accurately, and thoroughly explaining how it connects to and supports the specific claims within an argumentative essay.

• Evidence should be introduced smoothly, not dropped abruptly.
• Always provide analysis or explanation for each piece of evidence.
• Ensure evidence directly supports the claim it is meant to illustrate.

Memory trick: Don't just show; tell them why it matters.

A formal tone in academic writing is characterized by objective language, precise vocabulary, avoidance of slang and contractions, and a respectful, serious approach to the subject matter.

• Avoids colloquialisms, jargon, and clichés.
• Uses complete sentences and standard grammar.
• Focuses on objective presentation rather than personal feelings.

Memory trick: Sound smart, serious, and respectful.

The quality of writing that makes it easy to understand, unambiguous, and straightforward for the reader.

• Achieved through precise word choice and effective sentence structure.
• Avoids jargon, convoluted phrasing, and excessive complexity.
• Ensures the reader grasps the intended meaning quickly and accurately.

Memory trick: Good writing: clear, organized, developed, and correct.

The process of integrating multiple source texts, especially those with differing viewpoints, to build a cohesive and persuasive argument that supports a specific thesis.

• Requires identifying how sources can be used to support or refute points.
• Often involves acknowledging counterarguments to strengthen one's own position.
• The goal is to use sources to advance a thesis, not just summarize them.

Memory trick: Diverse Data Drives Decisive Debates.

The process of assessing the trustworthiness, expertise, and objectivity of a source to determine its reliability for use in an argument.

• Involves examining the author's background, affiliations, and purpose.
• Identifies potential biases that might influence the information presented.
• Essential for selecting strong, reliable evidence for an argumentative essay.

Memory trick: Inspect the source, weigh its truth, for a foundation strong and proof.

Synthesizing sources involves combining information from multiple texts to form a new, comprehensive understanding or argument, rather than just summarizing them individually.

• Identifies connections and relationships between sources.
• Goes beyond mere summarization.
• Supports a central argument or thesis.
• Integrates different perspectives and evidence.

Memory trick: Connect, Compare, Critique, Construct, not just Copy.

A strong essay conclusion synthesizes main points, rephrases the thesis, and offers a final impactful statement or call to action to leave a lasting impression.

• Summarize main points without introducing new information.
• Restate the thesis in a fresh way.
• Provide a sense of closure and significance.

Memory trick: Finish strong, leave them thinking, or inspire action.

The quality of a paragraph being logically organized and easy to understand, with all sentences contributing to a single, clear idea or argument.

• Achieved through logical ordering of ideas and smooth transitions.
• Each paragraph should ideally focus on one main point.
• Lack of coherence makes the writing confusing and difficult to follow.

Memory trick: Organize Opinions, Outline Obvious Order.

Words, phrases, or sentences that create connections between ideas, sentences, and paragraphs, ensuring smooth flow and logical progression.

• Signal relationships (e.g., addition, contrast, cause/effect).
• Improve coherence and readability.
• Can be simple words (e.g., 'also') or complex phrases (e.g., 'in contrast').

Memory trick: Build bridges between thoughts, so readers can cross with ease.

An argument that acknowledges and addresses multiple perspectives, including potential counterarguments or drawbacks, to present a more comprehensive and credible position.

• Strengthens credibility by showing a thorough understanding.
• Often involves acknowledging opposing views before refuting or qualifying them.
• Avoids presenting an overly simplistic or one-sided view.

Memory trick: Balance Brings Better Beliefs.

The systematic and coherent arrangement of arguments and evidence in an essay, where each point builds upon the last and contributes to the overall thesis.

• Ensures clarity and easy readability for the audience.
• Requires each paragraph to have a distinct, focused purpose.
• Avoids redundancy and ensures smooth transitions between points.

Memory trick: Structure Strong, Smooth Story.

Synthesizing diverse perspectives in an argumentative essay involves integrating multiple viewpoints, acknowledging their individual merits and limitations, and exploring their interconnections to create a comprehensive and nuanced argument.

• Avoid presenting sources as isolated or mutually exclusive.
• Identify common ground, points of divergence, and complementary aspects.
• Use synthesis to build a more complex and well-rounded argument.

Memory trick: Don't just list; connect, compare, and build a bigger picture.

Addressing counter-arguments involves acknowledging opposing viewpoints and then providing a rebuttal or refutation that explains why those opposing views are flawed or less convincing than one's own argument.

• Strengthens credibility and shows balanced understanding.
• Preempts reader objections.
• Should be concise and followed by a strong refutation.

Memory trick: Know your enemy's arguments, then crush them.

Using exact and specific words and phrases to convey meaning, avoiding vagueness, ambiguity, or generalizations.

• Involves choosing the right word, not just any word.
• Replaces vague terms (e.g., 'things,' 'some,' 'many') with specific details.
• Enhances clarity and the credibility of the argument.

Memory trick: Cut the vague, seek the specific, make your meaning crystal clear.

The process of incorporating numerical data (statistics, figures) into an essay, ensuring it is understood by the reader and clearly supports the argument.

• Always introduce the source and context of the data.
• Explain what the numbers mean in relation to your argument.
• Avoid simply 'dropping' numbers without interpretation.
• Use data to strengthen, not replace, your analysis.

Memory trick: Show the data, speak its meaning, hit your argument's target.

A distinction in grammar where countable nouns refer to items that can be counted individually (e.g., students, apples), and uncountable nouns refer to things that cannot be counted individually (e.g., water, information).

• Use 'fewer' for countable nouns.
• Use 'less' for uncountable nouns.
• Affects quantifier choice (e.g., 'many' vs. 'much').

Memory trick: Conventions Confirm Correct Communication.

Determining the meaning of an unfamiliar word by analyzing the surrounding words, phrases, and sentences.

• Look for synonyms or antonyms in the text.
• Consider the overall tone and subject matter.
• Substitute the options to see which makes the most sense.

Memory trick: The words around an unknown word are like detectives, giving clues to its meaning.

Analyzing meteorological data in aviation reports to understand current and forecast weather conditions relevant to flight safety and planning.

• Involves understanding standard meteorological abbreviations and units.
• Requires assessing conditions like wind, visibility, clouds, and temperature.
• Helps pilots make informed decisions about flight routes and operations.

Memory trick: Winds, Clouds, Visibility, and Temp-Dew Point are the pilot's weather checklist.

The impact or influence a speaker's or writer's language choices have on the audience, often related to persuasion, emotion, or clarity.

• Achieved through rhetorical devices like repetition, metaphor, or appeals.
• Aims to evoke a specific response from the listener/reader.
• Can shape understanding, belief, or action.

Memory trick: How does the speaker's language make me feel or think, and why?