GED Reasoning Through Language Arts flashcards

A perspective characterized by the use of exaggerated language, dire predictions, and strong negative emotional appeals to warn of perceived dangers or to actively oppose a particular idea, policy, or action.

• Uses emotionally charged words (e.g., 'tyranny,' 'catastrophe').
• Often forecasts worst-case scenarios.
• Aims to provoke fear or outrage and mobilize opposition.

Memory trick: Alarmist: 'A-larm' bells ringing, warning of danger.

The common spelling rule is 'i before e, except after c, or when sounded as 'ay' as in neighbor and weigh.'

• Rule applies to many English words
• Many exceptions exist (e.g., seize, weird, protein)
• Focus on common misspellings

Memory trick: Spelling rules are tricky, but 'i before e' is a key.

An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. When modifying a verb, it describes how, when, where, or to what extent the action is performed. Many adverbs end in -ly.

• Modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
• Answers how, when, where, to what extent.
• Often ends in -ly.

Memory trick: Adverbs add detail to actions, like a super-charger for verbs.

'Cite' means to quote or refer to a source, or to commend for bravery. 'Site' refers to a location or place, or to place something in a particular location.

• Cite: quote, refer, commend.
• Site: location, place.
• Context determines correct usage.

Memory trick: Homophones sound alike, but their meanings are distinct; always check the context.

A text structure that highlights the similarities and differences between two or more subjects, ideas, or concepts.

• Uses signal words like 'similarly,' 'however,' 'in contrast,' 'both,' 'unlike.'
• Can be organized point-by-point or subject-by-subject.
• Aims to clarify understanding or evaluate subjects by showing their relationship.

Memory trick: Compare and Contrast: 'C' is for 'Compare' (similarities), 'C' is for 'Contrast' (differences).

An impactful argumentative essay conclusion summarizes main points, restates the thesis, and then extends the argument by suggesting broader implications or a call to action, leaving a lasting impression.

• Goes beyond mere summary.
• Connects argument to wider context.
• Can include a call to action or final thought.

Memory trick: End your essay like a powerful speech: summarize, re-emphasize your main point, and then leave them with something to think about or do.

'Disinterested' means impartial, unbiased, or having no personal stake in a matter. 'Uninterested' means not interested, bored, or indifferent.

• Disinterested: impartial, unbiased.
• Uninterested: bored, not curious.
• Subtle but important distinction.

Memory trick: Disinterested is fair (like a judge); uninterested is bored (like a sleepy student).

The central argument or point an author is trying to make in a text, often supported by evidence and details.

• It is the author's primary message.
• All other details and arguments typically support the main claim.
• It can be explicitly stated or implied.

Memory trick: The 'Claim Crown' is the biggest idea, ruling all others.

Capitalize a person's title when it precedes their name, but generally not when it follows the name or is used as a general description.

• Titles before names are capitalized (e.g., President Lincoln)
• Titles after names are usually lowercase (e.g., Barack Obama, president of the United States)
• General job titles are lowercase (e.g., 'she is a doctor')
• Official, specific department/organizational titles might be capitalized (e.g., 'Department of Justice')

Memory trick: Capital letters make proper things important.

'Allusion' is an indirect reference to something. 'Illusion' is a false idea or belief, or a misleading image or appearance.

• Allusion: indirect reference.
• Illusion: false impression or deceptive appearance.
• Think 'A' for 'A reference' and 'I' for 'I see something that isn't real'.

Memory trick: Homophones sound alike, but their meanings are distinct; always check the context.

Determining the meaning of an unfamiliar word in an older text by analyzing its surrounding words, phrases, and the historical period's common language usage.

• Context clues are crucial for understanding archaic or specialized terms.
• Historical documents may use words with different meanings than in modern English.
• Consider the legal, social, or political context of the era.

Memory trick: Calumny is like a 'calamity' of words, ruining reputations.

'Who' is a subjective pronoun, acting as the subject of a verb or a predicate nominative. 'Whom' is an objective pronoun, acting as the object of a verb or preposition.

• Who = subject (like 'he'/'she').
• Whom = object (like 'him'/'her').
• Use 'whom' after prepositions (e.g., to whom, for whom).
• Test with 'he/him' or 'she/her': if 'he/she' works, use 'who'; if 'him/her' works, use 'whom'.

Memory trick: Who is the subject, whom is the object.

The use of strong, often negative, imagery, emotionally charged language, or alarming statistics to create a sense of threat, danger, or immediate need for action in the audience.

• Employs words with negative connotations (e.g., 'shadowy,' 'insatiable').
• Often uses metaphors or similes that equate the subject with something dangerous.
• Aims to motivate the audience to prevent a perceived negative outcome.

Memory trick: Fear and Urgency: 'F' for Frightening words, 'U' for Urgent action needed.

Determining the meaning of a specialized legal term by analyzing its usage within a contract or legal document and understanding common legal principles.

• Legal terms often have precise, specific meanings.
• Context clues include other legal terms and the overall purpose of the clause.
• Understanding prefixes/suffixes can sometimes help (e.g., 're-' for 'again').

Memory trick: Revocable: You can 'revoke' that privilege, taking it back.

Nuanced argumentation in an essay involves exploring complexities, acknowledging conditional effectiveness, and demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of how different ideas or approaches can interact or complement each other.

• Moves beyond simple 'for or against'.
• Considers context and conditions.
• Demonstrates deeper critical thinking.

Memory trick: Think like a skilled chef: you don't just pick one ingredient; you blend them perfectly for different dishes and occasions.

In active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action of the verb. It typically follows a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) structure, making sentences direct, clear, and concise.

• Subject performs action.
• Direct and clear.
• Often SVO structure.
• More concise than passive voice.

Memory trick: Active voice acts, passive voice is acted upon.

Maintaining essay tone involves using consistent language, style, and attitude throughout a piece of writing, especially in argumentative essays, to ensure credibility and persuasiveness.

• Formal tone for academic essays.
• Avoid colloquialisms and slang.
• Consistent language choice reinforces the argument.

Memory trick: Keep your essay's voice like a professional speaker: consistent, clear, and appropriate for the audience.

Integrating diverse sources for an argumentative essay involves analyzing how different texts relate (agree, disagree, complement) to construct a comprehensive, nuanced, and persuasive argument.

• Goes beyond summarizing; involves analysis.
• Identifies connections and contrasts.
• Builds a more compelling and credible argument.

Memory trick: Think of sources as puzzle pieces; you need to see how they fit and where they diverge to complete the full picture.

Transition words and phrases (often conjunctive adverbs) are used to show a cause-and-effect relationship between two independent clauses or sentences. Examples include 'consequently,' 'therefore,' 'as a result,' 'thus,' and 'accordingly.'

• Connects cause to its effect.
• Often conjunctive adverbs.
• Requires semicolon before and comma after (if connecting clauses).
• Examples: consequently, therefore, as a result.

Memory trick: Transitions are like road signs guiding your reader through your thoughts.

Effective organization of evidence in an argumentative essay involves grouping diverse evidence types around specific claims or sub-points to build a coherent and persuasive argument.

• Evidence should support a specific point, not just be listed.
• Different types of evidence (statistics, expert opinion, anecdotes) can be integrated within the same section.
• Logical grouping enhances readability and persuasiveness.

Memory trick: Group your evidence like a puzzle, where each piece fits a specific argument section.

'Cite' means to quote or refer to a source. 'Site' refers to a location (physical or digital). 'Sight' refers to the ability to see or something seen.

• Cite = quote, refer to.
• Site = location (e.g., construction site, website).
• Sight = vision, something seen.
• Homophones that are often confused.

Memory trick: Cite your sources, visit a site, enjoy the sight.

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

• Provides non-essential information.
• Set off by commas.
• Can be removed without changing core meaning.
• Often uses 'who', 'which', 'whose'.

Memory trick: Restrictive clauses are glued to the noun; nonrestrictive clauses are just visiting, set apart by commas.