Glossary

Example and Directions

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Glossary Entries

Word(s)	Definition	Image	Caption	Link	Source
5WH questions	The questions that reporters and journalists use to gather information for their stories and that writers use in the writing process: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?
abstract	Referring to an intangible concept.
abstract	A concise (one hundred to one hundred fifty words) summary of research findings that appears at the beginning of an APA-style paper.
abstract noun	A noun that you cannot see, touch, or count.
accommodation	The process by which you adapt or filter out new sources of information as they relate to your goal.
accommodation	The process by which you adapt or filter out new sources of information as they relate to your goal.
action verb	A verb that identifies the action the subject performs.
action verb	A verb that identifies the action the subject performs.
adjective	A word that describes a noun or a pronoun.
adjective	A word that describes a noun or a pronoun.
adjective	A word that describes a noun or a pronoun.
adjective	A word that describes a noun or a pronoun.
adverb	A word that describes a verb, adjective, or other adverb and often ends in -ly.
adverb	A word that describes a verb, adjective, or other adverb and often ends in -ly.
adverb	A word that describes a verb, adjective, or other adverb and often ends in -ly.
adverb	A word that describes a verb, adjective, or other adverb and often ends in -ly.
agree	To match parts of speech in number, case, gender or person.
agree	To match parts of speech in number, case, gender or person.
analysis	A purpose for writing that separates the individual points in a piece of writing and studies how the points relate to one another.
analysis	A purpose for writing that separates the individual points in a piece of writing and studies how the points relate to one another.
antecedent	The noun that a pronoun refers to.
antecedent	The noun that a pronoun refers to.
Antonyms	Words that have the opposite meaning of a given word.
Antonyms	Words that have the opposite meaning of a given word.
apostrophe (’)	A punctuation mark that is used with a noun to show possession or to indicate where a letter has been left out to form a contraction.
apostrophe (’)	A punctuation mark that is used with a noun to show possession or to indicate where a letter has been left out to form a contraction.
appositive	A word or group of words that describes or renames a noun or pronoun.
appositive	A word or group of words that describes or renames a noun or pronoun.
assertion	A declaration, a statement of fact, or claim of fact.
assertion	A declaration, a statement of fact, or claim of fact.
asynchronous	Occurring at different times.
asynchronous	Occurring at different times.
audience	The individual(s) or group(s) whom the writer intends to address.
audience	The individual(s) or group(s) whom the writer intends to address.
Audience	Identifies the individual(s) or group(s) whom the writer intends to address.
Audience	Identifies the individual(s) or group(s) whom the writer intends to address.
benefit	What the buyer gains with the purchase.
benefit	What the buyer gains with the purchase.
block quotation	A long quotation (forty words or more) that uses indentation, rather than quotation marks, to indicate that the material is quoted. Block quotations are indented five spaces from the left margin. The page reference is included in parentheses after the end punctuation for the quote.
block quotation	A long quotation (forty words or more) that uses indentation, rather than quotation marks, to indicate that the material is quoted. Block quotations are indented five spaces from the left margin. The page reference is included in parentheses after the end punctuation for the quote.
Body sentences	Sentences that support the topic sentence and relate clearly to the subject matter of the paragraph and overall document.
Body sentences	Sentences that support the topic sentence and relate clearly to the subject matter of the paragraph and overall document.
Brainstorming	A prewriting strategy similar to list making. Writers start with a general category and list specific items that fall into the category.
Brainstorming	A prewriting strategy similar to list making. Writers start with a general category and list specific items that fall into the category.
Business proposals	Document designed to make a persuasive appeal to the audience to achieve a defined outcome, often proposing a solution to a problem.
Business proposals	Document designed to make a persuasive appeal to the audience to achieve a defined outcome, often proposing a solution to a problem.
Bypassing	The misunderstanding that occurs when the receiver completely misses the source’s intended meaning.
Bypassing	The misunderstanding that occurs when the receiver completely misses the source’s intended meaning.
capitalization	Using a capital letter as the first letter of a word.
capitalization	Using a capital letter as the first letter of a word.
Casual language	Involves everyday words and expressions in a familiar group context.
Casual language	Involves everyday words and expressions in a familiar group context.
Clichés	A descriptive expression that has lost its effectiveness because it is overused.
Clichés	A descriptive expression that has lost its effectiveness because it is overused.
cognate strategies	Ways of framing, expressing and representing a message to an audience.
cognate strategies	Ways of framing, expressing and representing a message to an audience.
coherence	A quality in which the wording of an work clearly indicates how one idea leads to another within a paragraph and from paragraph to paragraph.
coherence	A quality in which the wording of an work clearly indicates how one idea leads to another within a paragraph and from paragraph to paragraph.
collective noun	A noun that identifies more than one person, place, or thing and treats those people, places, or things as a singular unit.
collective noun	A noun that identifies more than one person, place, or thing and treats those people, places, or things as a singular unit.
Collective nouns	A noun that identifies more than one person, place, or thing and treats those people, places, or things as a singular unit.
Collective nouns	A noun that identifies more than one person, place, or thing and treats those people, places, or things as a singular unit.
Colloquial language	An informal, conversational style of writing.
Colloquial language	An informal, conversational style of writing.
colon (:)	A punctuation mark that is used to indicate a full stop. Colons can introduce lists, quotes, examples, and explanations.
colon (:)	A punctuation mark that is used to indicate a full stop. Colons can introduce lists, quotes, examples, and explanations.
comma	A punctuation mark that tells the reader when to pause or when a word is part of a list.
comma	A punctuation mark that tells the reader when to pause or when a word is part of a list.
comma splice	A run-on sentence created by two complete sentences separated only by a single comma.
comma splice	A run-on sentence created by two complete sentences separated only by a single comma.
commonly confused words	Words that share a similar pronunciation, meaning, or spelling.
commonly confused words	Words that share a similar pronunciation, meaning, or spelling.
Comparative	Adjectives and adverbs used to compare two things.
Comparative	Adjectives and adverbs used to compare two things.
Compiling	Involves composing your speech out of materials from the documents and other sources you have collected.
Compiling	Involves composing your speech out of materials from the documents and other sources you have collected.
Compound object pronouns	Two or more pronouns joined by a conjunction or preposition that function as the object of the sentence.
Compound object pronouns	Two or more pronouns joined by a conjunction or preposition that function as the object of the sentence.
compound subject	A subject that is formed when two or more nouns are linked by the coordinating conjunctions and, or, or nor.
compound subject	A subject that is formed when two or more nouns are linked by the coordinating conjunctions and, or, or nor.
Compound subject pronouns	Two or more pronouns joined by a conjunction or preposition that function as the subject of the sentence.
Compound subject pronouns	Two or more pronouns joined by a conjunction or preposition that function as the subject of the sentence.
compound subjects	A subject that contains two or more nouns or pronouns joined by the words and, or, or nor.
compound subjects	A subject that contains two or more nouns or pronouns joined by the words and, or, or nor.
concluding sentence	The final sentence of a paragraph that summarizes the topic sentence using different words.
concluding sentence	The final sentence of a paragraph that summarizes the topic sentence using different words.
conclusion	The closing paragraph of an essay that reinforces the thesis statement and leaves the audience with a feeling of completion.
conclusion	The closing paragraph of an essay that reinforces the thesis statement and leaves the audience with a feeling of completion.
Conclusion	The final sentence in a paragraph that summarizes the main point.
Conclusion	The final sentence in a paragraph that summarizes the main point.
conclusion sentence	Sentence that brings the paragraph to a close.
conclusion sentence	Sentence that brings the paragraph to a close.
concrete terms	Describes something we can see and touch.
concrete terms	Describes something we can see and touch.
confirmation bias	When you only pay attention to information that reinforces your existing beliefs, and ignore or discredit information that contradicts your beliefs.
confirmation bias	When you only pay attention to information that reinforces your existing beliefs, and ignore or discredit information that contradicts your beliefs.
conjunctive adverb	An adverb that connects two clauses by describing the relationship between them.
conjunctive adverb	An adverb that connects two clauses by describing the relationship between them.
connotation	The emotional or cultural meaning attached to a word.
connotation	The emotional or cultural meaning attached to a word.
Consistent verb tense	Using the same verb tense throughout a sentence or paragraph.
Consistent verb tense	Using the same verb tense throughout a sentence or paragraph.
Content	All the written substance in a document.
Content	All the written substance in a document.
context clues	Words or phrases in a text that help clarify the meaning of an unfamiliar word.
context clues	Words or phrases in a text that help clarify the meaning of an unfamiliar word.
Context clues	Words or phrases in a text that help clarify the meaning of an unfamiliar word.
Context clues	Words or phrases in a text that help clarify the meaning of an unfamiliar word.
contraction	A word that is formed by combining two words. In a contraction, an apostrophe shows where one or more letters have been left out.
contraction	A word that is formed by combining two words. In a contraction, an apostrophe shows where one or more letters have been left out.
controlling idea	Indicates the writer’s stance on the main idea of a paragraph. The controlling idea appears in the paragraph’s topic sentence.
controlling idea	Indicates the writer’s stance on the main idea of a paragraph. The controlling idea appears in the paragraph’s topic sentence.
controlling idea	The main idea that guides the content of an essay; the idea upon which a thesis statement is built.
controlling idea	The main idea that guides the content of an essay; the idea upon which a thesis statement is built.
conventions	Conventional language patterns for a specific genre.
conventions	Conventional language patterns for a specific genre.
conversational tone	Writing style that resembles oral communication.
conversational tone	Writing style that resembles oral communication.
coordinating adjectives	A series of adjectives that come before the noun they describe.
coordinating adjectives	A series of adjectives that come before the noun they describe.
coordinating conjunction	A word that links two independent clauses. Common coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so.
coordinating conjunction	A word that links two independent clauses. Common coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so.
coordinating conjunction	A linking word that joins two independent clauses. The seven common coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and, so.
coordinating conjunction	A linking word that joins two independent clauses. The seven common coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and, so.
correlative conjunction	A paired conjunction that connects two equal parts of a sentence and shows the relationship between them. Common correlative conjunctions include both…and, neither…nor, and either…or.
correlative conjunction	A paired conjunction that connects two equal parts of a sentence and shows the relationship between them. Common correlative conjunctions include both…and, neither…nor, and either…or.
count nouns	A noun that can be made plural by adding -s.
count nouns	A noun that can be made plural by adding -s.
Credibility	Qualities, capabilities, or power to elicit from the audience belief in one’s character.
Credibility	Qualities, capabilities, or power to elicit from the audience belief in one’s character.
Critical thinking	“Self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking.”
Critical thinking	“Self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking.”
Critical thinking	“Self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking.”
Critical thinking	“Self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking.”
dangling modifier	A word, phrase, or clause that describes or modifies something that has been left out of the sentence.
dangling modifier	A word, phrase, or clause that describes or modifies something that has been left out of the sentence.
dangling modifier	A modifier that is not logically connected to the rest of the sentence.
dangling modifier	A modifier that is not logically connected to the rest of the sentence.
dash (—)	A punctuation mark used to set off information in a sentence for emphasis.
dash (—)	A punctuation mark used to set off information in a sentence for emphasis.
definite article	The word the that refers to one or more specific things.
definite article	The word the that refers to one or more specific things.
dependent clause	A group of words that contain a subject and verb but cannot stand alone as a complete thought.
dependent clause	A group of words that contain a subject and verb but cannot stand alone as a complete thought.
dependent word	The first word in a dependent clause. Common dependent words are since, because, without, unless, and so on.
dependent word	The first word in a dependent clause. Common dependent words are since, because, without, unless, and so on.
DOI	Digital Object Identifier, an identification code provided for some online documents, typically articles in scholarly journals. DOIs are more stable than URLs, so they should be included in reference entries when available.
DOI	Digital Object Identifier, an identification code provided for some online documents, typically articles in scholarly journals. DOIs are more stable than URLs, so they should be included in reference entries when available.
double negative	A phrase or sentence construction that employs two negatives to indicate a positive.
double negative	A phrase or sentence construction that employs two negatives to indicate a positive.
Double negatives	Two negatives used in the same phrase or sentence.
Double negatives	Two negatives used in the same phrase or sentence.
Drafting	The stage of the writing process in which the writer develops a complete first version of a piece of writing.
Drafting	The stage of the writing process in which the writer develops a complete first version of a piece of writing.
e-mail	Electronic mail.
e-mail	Electronic mail.
edit	To examine a piece of writing for how the writer expressed his or her ideas. Editing often involves adding or changing words, and fixing any problems in grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
edit	To examine a piece of writing for how the writer expressed his or her ideas. Editing often involves adding or changing words, and fixing any problems in grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
Emotional resistance	Occurs when the audience gets tired, often to the point of rejection, of hearing messages that attempt to elicit an emotional response.
Emotional resistance	Occurs when the audience gets tired, often to the point of rejection, of hearing messages that attempt to elicit an emotional response.
Emotions	A psychological and physical reaction, such as fear or anger, to stimuli that we experience as a feeling.
Emotions	A psychological and physical reaction, such as fear or anger, to stimuli that we experience as a feeling.
et al.	An abbreviation for the Latin phrase et alia, meaning “and others.” This abbreviation frequently appears in citations for works with multiple authors.
et al.	An abbreviation for the Latin phrase et alia, meaning “and others.” This abbreviation frequently appears in citations for works with multiple authors.
evaluation	A purpose for writing that communicates a writer’s opinion about a document or a topic and the justifications for that opinion.
evaluation	A purpose for writing that communicates a writer’s opinion about a document or a topic and the justifications for that opinion.
exclamatory sentences	Sentence that expresses a strong emotion.
exclamatory sentences	Sentence that expresses a strong emotion.
expository writing	Writing that conveys facts or descriptions.
expository writing	Writing that conveys facts or descriptions.
Exposure	Involves your condition of being presented with views, ideas, experiences, or made known to you through direct experience.
Exposure	Involves your condition of being presented with views, ideas, experiences, or made known to you through direct experience.
external communications	The sharing and understanding of meaning between individuals, departments, or representatives of the business and parties outside the organization.
external communications	The sharing and understanding of meaning between individuals, departments, or representatives of the business and parties outside the organization.
Fallacy	False logic.
Fallacy	False logic.
faulty parallelism	A failure to create grammatically parallel structures in a sentence.
faulty parallelism	A failure to create grammatically parallel structures in a sentence.
formal outline	A detailed guide that shows how all the supporting ideas in an essay are related to one other.
formal outline	A detailed guide that shows how all the supporting ideas in an essay are related to one other.
fragment	An incomplete sentence that results when a subject or a verb is missing.
fragment	An incomplete sentence that results when a subject or a verb is missing.
Framing	Placing an imaginary set of boundaries, much like a frame around a picture or a window, around a story, of what is included and omitted, influencing the story itself.
Framing	Placing an imaginary set of boundaries, much like a frame around a picture or a window, around a story, of what is included and omitted, influencing the story itself.
Freewriting	A prewriting strategy in which writers write freely about any topic for a set amount of time (usually three to five minutes).
Freewriting	A prewriting strategy in which writers write freely about any topic for a set amount of time (usually three to five minutes).
funnel technique	A writing device that begins with a broad statement and then gradually moves toward the heart of the matter.
funnel technique	A writing device that begins with a broad statement and then gradually moves toward the heart of the matter.
General purposes	The overall goal of the communication interaction: to inform, persuade, entertain, facilitate interaction, or motivate a reader.
General purposes	The overall goal of the communication interaction: to inform, persuade, entertain, facilitate interaction, or motivate a reader.
gerund	A verb form ending in -ing that is used as a noun, such as running, writing, or celebrating.
gerund	A verb form ending in -ing that is used as a noun, such as running, writing, or celebrating.
gerund	A verb form ending in -ing that is used as a noun, such as running, writing, or celebrating.
gerund	A verb form ending in -ing that is used as a noun, such as running, writing, or celebrating.
Grammar	The written construction of meaning from words, involving customs that evolve and adapt to usage over time.
Grammar	The written construction of meaning from words, involving customs that evolve and adapt to usage over time.
grapevine	The unofficial, informal communication network within an organization, often characterized by rumor, gossip, and innuendo.
grapevine	The unofficial, informal communication network within an organization, often characterized by rumor, gossip, and innuendo.
helping verb	Verbs that are used with a main verb to describe mood or tense. The helping verb is usually a form of be, do, or have.
helping verb	Verbs that are used with a main verb to describe mood or tense. The helping verb is usually a form of be, do, or have.
helping verb	A verb that is used with a main verb to describe mood or tense. The helping verb is usually a form of be, do, or have.
helping verb	A verb that is used with a main verb to describe mood or tense. The helping verb is usually a form of be, do, or have.
helping verbs	A verb that is used with a main verb to describe mood or tense. The helping verb is usually a form of be, do, or have.
helping verbs	A verb that is used with a main verb to describe mood or tense. The helping verb is usually a form of be, do, or have.
Homonyms	A word that sounds like another word but has a different meaning.
Homonyms	A word that sounds like another word but has a different meaning.
hyphen (-)	A punctuation mark that combines words that work together to form a single description, or it breaks a word across two lines of text.
hyphen (-)	A punctuation mark that combines words that work together to form a single description, or it breaks a word across two lines of text.
Idea mapping	A prewriting strategy in which writers cluster ideas on paper using circles, lines, and arrows.
Idea mapping	A prewriting strategy in which writers cluster ideas on paper using circles, lines, and arrows.
Idioms	Expressions that have a meaning different from the dictionary definitions of the individual words that make them up.
Idioms	Expressions that have a meaning different from the dictionary definitions of the individual words that make them up.
Incorporation	The process by which you bring the information into a whole or complete topic.
Incorporation	The process by which you bring the information into a whole or complete topic.
Incubation	The process by which you cause an idea or ideas to develop in your mind.
Incubation	The process by which you cause an idea or ideas to develop in your mind.
indefinite articles	The words a and an that refer to one nonspecific thing.
indefinite articles	The words a and an that refer to one nonspecific thing.
Indefinite pronouns	A pronoun that refers to an unspecified person, thing, or number.
Indefinite pronouns	Does not refer to a specific person or thing and is usually singular.
Indefinite pronouns	A pronoun that refers to an unspecified person, thing, or number.
Indefinite pronouns	Does not refer to a specific person or thing and is usually singular.
independent clause	A group of words that contains a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete, grammatically correct thought. An independent clause is a complete sentence.
independent clause	A group of words that contains a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete, grammatically correct thought. An independent clause is a complete sentence.
independent verification	Looking up facts in a different source from the one where you got it.
independent verification	Looking up facts in a different source from the one where you got it.
indirect object	A noun or pronoun in a sentence that answers to whom or to what the action is being done. The indirect object comes before the direct object in a sentence.
indirect object	A noun or pronoun in a sentence that answers to whom or to what the action is being done. The indirect object comes before the direct object in a sentence.
indirect objects	A noun or pronoun in a sentence that answers the question to whom? or to what? after the verb. The indirect object comes before the direct object in a sentence.
indirect objects	A noun or pronoun in a sentence that answers the question to whom? or to what? after the verb. The indirect object comes before the direct object in a sentence.
indirect quotation	A restatement of what someone said or wrote. An indirect quotation does not use the person’s exact words. You do not need to use quotation marks for indirect quotations.
indirect quotation	A restatement of what someone said or wrote. An indirect quotation does not use the person’s exact words. You do not need to use quotation marks for indirect quotations.
infinitive	A verb form that combines the word to with a verb, such as to buy, to go, or to gather.
infinitive	A verb form that combines the word to with a verb, such as to buy, to go, or to gather.
infinitive	Form of verb without a reference to time; in its standard form it includes the auxiliary word “to.”
infinitive	Form of verb without a reference to time; in its standard form it includes the auxiliary word “to.”
interrupting words	Words or phrases that describe a noun, separated from the rest of the sentence by commas. Interrupters can come before or after the noun they describe.
interrupting words	Words or phrases that describe a noun, separated from the rest of the sentence by commas. Interrupters can come before or after the noun they describe.
introduction	The opening paragraph of an essay that piques the audience’s interest, tells what the essay is about, and motivates the audience to keep reading.
introduction	The opening paragraph of an essay that piques the audience’s interest, tells what the essay is about, and motivates the audience to keep reading.
inverted sentence	A sentence that inverts the traditional subject-verb-object structure so that the verb follows the subject.
inverted sentence	A sentence that inverts the traditional subject-verb-object structure so that the verb follows the subject.
irregular verbs	Verbs that do not follow a predictable pattern when shifting tenses, such as from the present to the past tense.
irregular verbs	Verbs whose endings do not follow regular patterns when shifting from present to past tense.
irregular verbs	Verbs that do not follow a predictable pattern when shifting tenses, such as from the present to the past tense.
irregular verbs	Verbs whose endings do not follow regular patterns when shifting from present to past tense.
Irregular verbs	Verbs that change a vowel or convert to another word when representing the past tense.
Irregular verbs	Verbs that change a vowel or convert to another word when representing the past tense.
Letters	Brief message sent to recipient(s) that are often outside the organization.
Letters	Brief message sent to recipient(s) that are often outside the organization.
Libel	The written form of defamation, or a false statement that damages a reputation.
Libel	The written form of defamation, or a false statement that damages a reputation.
linking verb	A verb that connects or links the subject of a sentence to a noun or adjective.
linking verb	A verb that connects or links the subject of a sentence to a noun or adjective.
linking verbs	A verb that connects or links the subject of a sentence to a noun or adjective.
linking verbs	A verb that connects or links the subject of a sentence to a noun or adjective.
logos	Logic and reason.
logos	Logic and reason.
memo	An abbreviation for memorandum; normally used for communicating policies, procedures, or related official business within an organization.
memo	An abbreviation for memorandum; normally used for communicating policies, procedures, or related official business within an organization.
metasearch	Returning search results from several search engines at once.
metasearch	Returning search results from several search engines at once.
misplaced modifier	A modifier that is placed too far away from the word or words it modifies.
misplaced modifier	A modifier that is placed too far away from the word or words it modifies.
MLA style	Modern Language Association style, or MLA, is often used in the liberal arts and humanities. It provides a uniform framework for the manuscript and parenthetical citations, or in-text citations. It also provides the framework for the works cited area for listing references at the end of the essay.
MLA style	Modern Language Association style, or MLA, is often used in the liberal arts and humanities. It provides a uniform framework for the manuscript and parenthetical, or in-text, citations. It also provides the framework for the works cited area for listing references at the end of the essay.
MLA style	Modern Language Association style, or MLA, is often used in the liberal arts and humanities. It provides a uniform framework for the manuscript and parenthetical citations, or in-text citations. It also provides the framework for the works cited area for listing references at the end of the essay.
MLA style	Modern Language Association style, or MLA, is often used in the liberal arts and humanities. It provides a uniform framework for the manuscript and parenthetical, or in-text, citations. It also provides the framework for the works cited area for listing references at the end of the essay.
modal auxiliaries	A type of helping verb that is only used with a main verb to help express its mood.
modal auxiliaries	A type of helping verb that is only used with a main verb to help express its mood.
modifier	A word or phrase that qualifies the meaning of another element in a sentence.
modifier	A word or phrase that qualifies the meaning of another element in a sentence.
modifier	A word or phrase that qualifies the meaning of another element in a sentence.
modifier	A word or phrase that qualifies the meaning of another element in a sentence.
Modifiers	Describes a subject in a sentence, or indicates how or when the subject carried out the action.
Modifiers	Describes a subject in a sentence, or indicates how or when the subject carried out the action.
Netiquette	Etiquette, or protocols and norms for communication, on the Internet.
Netiquette	Etiquette, or protocols and norms for communication, on the Internet.
noncount nouns	A noun that cannot be counted in individual units.
noncount nouns	A noun that cannot be counted in individual units.
object of the preposition	A noun phrase or pronoun that follows a preposition and completes its meaning.
object of the preposition	A noun phrase or pronoun that follows a preposition and completes its meaning.
Object pronouns	Pronoun that functions as the object of a verb or a preposition.
Object pronouns	Pronoun that functions as the object of a verb or a preposition.
Object pronouns	Pronoun that functions as the object of a verb or a preposition; the “who” or “what” acted upon.
Object pronouns	Pronoun that functions as the object of a verb or a preposition; the “who” or “what” acted upon.
order of importance	A method of organization that arranges ideas according to their significance.
order of importance	A method of organization that arranges ideas according to their significance.
order of importance	A method of organization that arranges ideas according to their significance.
order of importance	A method of organization that arranges ideas according to their significance.
outline	A framework that organizes main ideas and subordinate ideas in a hierarchical series.
outline	A framework that organizes main ideas and subordinate ideas in a hierarchical series.
Parallel construction	The use of the same grammatical pattern; it can be applied to words, phrases, and sentences.
Parallel construction	The use of the same grammatical pattern; it can be applied to words, phrases, and sentences.
parallelism	Using the same grammatical structure to express equal ideas in a sentence. Parallelism may occur at the word, phrase, or clause level.
parallelism	Using the same grammatical structure to express equal ideas in a sentence. Parallelism may occur at the word, phrase, or clause level.
paraphrase	To restate ideas or information from sources using one’s own words and sentence structures.
paraphrase	To restate ideas or information from sources using one’s own words and sentence structures.
paraphrase	To rewrite information in your own words.
paraphrase	To rewrite information in your own words.
Parentheses ( )	Punctuation marks that are used in pairs to contain information that is secondary to the meaning of a sentence.
Parentheses ( )	Punctuation marks that are used in pairs to contain information that is secondary to the meaning of a sentence.
passive voice	Sentence structure in which the subject receives the action.
passive voice	Sentence structure in which the subject receives the action.
past participle	Often called the -ed form of the verb, it is formed by adding -d or -ed to the base form of regular verbs.
past participle	Often called the -ed form of the verb, it is formed by adding -d or -ed to the base form of regular verbs.
Patch writing	Verbatim cut-and-paste insertion of fragments of other publications into one’s own writing without crediting the sources.
Patch writing	Verbatim cut-and-paste insertion of fragments of other publications into one’s own writing without crediting the sources.
pathos	Passion and enthusiasm.
pathos	Passion and enthusiasm.
peer review	The process in which a writer allows a peer to read and evaluate a draft.
peer review	The process in which a writer allows a peer to read and evaluate a draft.
plagiarism	Representing another’s work as your own.
plagiarism	Representing another’s work as your own.
plagiarism	Representing another’s work as your own.
plagiarism	Representing another’s work as your own.
possessive pronoun	A pronoun that shows possession or ownership.
possessive pronoun	A pronoun that shows possession or ownership.
prefix	A word part added to the beginning of a word to create a new meaning.
prefix	A word part added to the beginning of a word to create a new meaning.
preposition	Type of word that connects a noun, pronoun, or verb to another word that describes or modifies it. Common prepositions include in, on, under, near, by, with, and about.
preposition	Type of word that connects a noun, pronoun, or verb to another word that describes or modifies it. Common prepositions include in, on, under, near, by, with, and about.
prepositional phrase	A group of words that begins with a preposition.
prepositional phrase	A group of words that begins with a preposition.
prepositional phrase	A group of words that begins with a preposition.
prepositional phrase	A group of words that begins with a preposition.
prepositional phrase	A phrase composed of a preposition and its object, which may be a noun, a pronoun, or a clause.
prepositional phrase	A phrase composed of a preposition and its object, which may be a noun, a pronoun, or a clause.
Primary support	The main points you use to support your thesis.
Primary support	The main points you use to support your thesis.
priming	An excited state of awareness.
priming	An excited state of awareness.
Production	Involves the act of creating your speech from the elements you have gathered; you may start to consider what comes first, what goes last, and how you will link your ideas and examples together.
Production	Involves the act of creating your speech from the elements you have gathered; you may start to consider what comes first, what goes last, and how you will link your ideas and examples together.
Progressive verb tenses	Verb tenses that describe a continuing or unfinished action.
Progressive verb tenses	Verb tenses that describe a continuing or unfinished action.
pronoun	A word that substitutes for a noun; for example, I, you, he, she, it, we, or they.
pronoun	A word that substitutes for a noun; for example, I, you, he, she, it, we, or they.
pronoun	A word that substitutes for a noun; for example, I, you, he, she, it, we, or they.
pronoun	A word that substitutes for a noun; for example, I, you, he, she, it, we, or they.
Pronoun agreement	When the pronoun and the antecedent match or agree with each other.
Pronoun agreement	When the pronoun and the antecedent match or agree with each other.
Punctuation marks	The traffic signals, signs, and indications that allow us to navigate the written word.
Punctuation marks	The traffic signals, signs, and indications that allow us to navigate the written word.
Quotation marks (“ ”)	Punctuation marks that are used in pairs to enclose direct quotations and titles of short works.
Quotation marks (“ ”)	Punctuation marks that are used in pairs to enclose direct quotations and titles of short works.
Readability	Readers’ ability to read and comprehend the document.
Readability	Readers’ ability to read and comprehend the document.
reflection	A mental review of the task and your performance.
reflection	A mental review of the task and your performance.
Regular verbs	Verbs that follow a predictable pattern when shifting tenses, such as from the present to the past tense.
Regular verbs	Verbs whose endings follow regular patterns when shifting from the present to past tense.
Regular verbs	Verbs that follow a predictable pattern when shifting tenses, such as from the present to the past tense.
Regular verbs	Verbs whose endings follow regular patterns when shifting from the present to past tense.
relative clause	A group of words that contains a subject and a verb and describes a noun. A relative clause functions as an adjective in a sentence.
relative clause	A group of words that contains a subject and a verb and describes a noun. A relative clause functions as an adjective in a sentence.
relative pronoun	A type of pronoun that helps combine two sentences.
relative pronoun	A type of pronoun that helps combine two sentences.
Reports	Document designed to record and convey information to the reader.
Reports	Document designed to record and convey information to the reader.
résumé	Document that summarizes your education, skills, talents, employment history, and experiences in a clear and concise format for potential employers.
résumé	Document that summarizes your education, skills, talents, employment history, and experiences in a clear and concise format for potential employers.
revise	To examine a piece of writing for clarity of ideas. Revising often includes adding, cutting, moving, or changing information in order to make the ideas clearer, more accurate, more interesting, or more convincing.
revise	To examine a piece of writing for clarity of ideas. Revising often includes adding, cutting, moving, or changing information in order to make the ideas clearer, more accurate, more interesting, or more convincing.
revise	Change one word for another, make subtle changes, and improve a document.
revise	Change one word for another, make subtle changes, and improve a document.
Revision	The process by which you look over your speech again in order to correct or improve it.
Revision	The process by which you look over your speech again in order to correct or improve it.
rhetoric	The art of presenting an argument.
rhetoric	The art of presenting an argument.
run-on sentences	A sentence made up of two or more independent clauses that have been incorrectly combined.
run-on sentences	A sentence made up of two or more independent clauses that have been incorrectly combined.
sales message	The central persuasive message that intrigues, informs, persuades, calls to action, and closes the sale.
sales message	The central persuasive message that intrigues, informs, persuades, calls to action, and closes the sale.
section headings	Headings used to organize information within an APA-style paper. APA style provides formatting guidelines for five levels of section and subsection headings; however, most college research papers require only one or two heading levels.
section headings	Headings used to organize information within an APA-style paper. APA style provides formatting guidelines for five levels of section and subsection headings; however, most college research papers require only one or two heading levels.
semicolon (;)	A punctuation mark that indicates a pause and joins two independent clauses or separates a list when the list already requires commas.
semicolon (;)	A punctuation mark that indicates a pause and joins two independent clauses or separates a list when the list already requires commas.
sentence variety	Use of an assortment of sentence patterns, rhythms, and lengths to reduce repetition and emphasize important points in a text.
sentence variety	Use of an assortment of sentence patterns, rhythms, and lengths to reduce repetition and emphasize important points in a text.
serif	A small cross line, often perpendicular to the stroke of the letter, that is decorative but also makes the letter easier to read.
serif	A small cross line, often perpendicular to the stroke of the letter, that is decorative but also makes the letter easier to read.
Simple future	Verb tense that is used when the action has not yet taken place.
Simple future	Verb tense that is used when the action has not yet taken place.
Simple past	Verb tense that is used when the action has already taken place and is now finished.
Simple past	Verb tense that is used when the action has already taken place and is now finished.
Simple present	Verb tense that describes things that are generally true, indicates that an action takes place in the present, or indicates that the action is something that happens regularly.
Simple present	Verb tense that describes things that are generally true, indicates that an action takes place in the present, or indicates that the action is something that happens regularly.
single quotation marks (‘ ’)	Punctuation marks that are always used in pairs to enclose a quotation within a quotation.
single quotation marks (‘ ’)	Punctuation marks that are always used in pairs to enclose a quotation within a quotation.
slang	Informal words that are considered nonstandard English.
slang	Informal words that are considered nonstandard English.
Slang	Informal words that are considered nonstandard English.
Slang	Informal words that are considered nonstandard English.
sociocentrism	Involves the use of society-centered standards.
sociocentrism	Involves the use of society-centered standards.
spatial order	A method of organization that arranges ideas according to physical characteristics or appearance.
spatial order	A method of organization that arranges ideas according to physical characteristics or appearance.
Subject pronouns	A pronoun that functions as the subject in a sentence; the “who” and the “what” the sentence is about.
Subject pronouns	A pronoun that functions as the subject in a sentence; the “who” and the “what” the sentence is about.
subordinating conjunction	A word that connects a subordinate (dependent) clause to an independent (main) clause.
subordinating conjunction	A word that connects a subordinate (dependent) clause to an independent (main) clause.
Subordination	It joins two related ideas of unequal importance.
Subordination	It joins two related ideas of unequal importance.
suffix	A word part added to the end of a word to create a new meaning.
suffix	A word part added to the end of a word to create a new meaning.
summarize	To reduce a concept, idea, or data set to its most basic point or element.
summarize	To reduce a concept, idea, or data set to its most basic point or element.
summary	A purpose for writing that condenses a long piece of writing into a smaller paragraph by extracting only the vital information. Writers use their own words to create summaries.
summary	A purpose for writing that condenses a long piece of writing into a smaller paragraph by extracting only the vital information. Writers use their own words to create summaries.
Superlative	Adjectives and adverbs used to compare more than two people or two things.
Superlative	Adjectives and adverbs used to compare more than two people or two things.
Supporting sentences	A sentence in the middle part of the paragraph that helps explain, enhance, or prove the topic sentence.
Supporting sentences	A sentence in the middle part of the paragraph that helps explain, enhance, or prove the topic sentence.
Synonyms	Words that have the same, or almost the same, meaning as another word.
Synonyms	Words that have the same, or almost the same, meaning as another word.
syntax	The grammatical arrangement of words in a sentence.
syntax	The grammatical arrangement of words in a sentence.
synthesis	A purpose for writing that considers the main points from one or more pieces of writing and links them together to create a new point.
synthesis	A purpose for writing that considers the main points from one or more pieces of writing and links them together to create a new point.
Targeted practice	Identifying one’s weak areas and specifically working to improve them.
Targeted practice	Identifying one’s weak areas and specifically working to improve them.
Templates	The normative expectations for a specific type of document.
Templates	The normative expectations for a specific type of document.
Testimony	Quotations from people involved in a matter. It lends authenticity and credibility to an argument.
Testimony	Quotations from people involved in a matter. It lends authenticity and credibility to an argument.
texting	Written communication in the form of brief messages using a digital device.
texting	Written communication in the form of brief messages using a digital device.
thesis statement	A sentence that presents the controlling idea of an essay. A thesis statement is often one sentence long and states the writer’s point of view.
thesis statement	A sentence that presents the controlling idea of an essay. A thesis statement is often one sentence long and states the writer’s point of view.
thesis statement	A sentence that presents the controlling idea of an essay. A thesis statement is often one sentence long and states the writer’s point of view.
thesis statement	A sentence that presents the controlling idea of an essay. A thesis statement is often one sentence long and states the writer’s point of view.
topic sentence	The sentence in a paragraph that controls the point of the paragraph. A topic sentence is most often located at the beginning of a paragraph, and it makes the structure of a text and the writer’s basic arguments easy to locate and comprehend.
topic sentence	The sentence in a paragraph that controls the point of the paragraph. A topic sentence is most often located at the beginning of a paragraph, and it makes the structure of a text and the writer’s basic arguments easy to locate and comprehend.
topic sentence	The sentence in a paragraph that controls the point of the paragraph. It is most often located at the beginning of a paragraph and makes the structure of a text and the writer’s basic argument easy to locate and comprehend.
topic sentence	The sentence in a paragraph that controls the point of the paragraph. It is most often located at the beginning of a paragraph and makes the structure of a text and the writer’s basic argument easy to locate and comprehend.
topic sentence	Sentence that states the main thesis, purpose, or subject of the paragraph.
topic sentence	Sentence that states the main thesis, purpose, or subject of the paragraph.
transition	Words and phrases that show how the ideas in sentences and paragraphs are related.
transition	Words and phrases that show how the ideas in sentences and paragraphs are related.
transitions	Words and phrases that show how the ideas in sentences and paragraphs are related.
transitions	Words and phrases that show how the ideas in sentences and paragraphs are related.
Transitions	Bridges between ideas, thoughts or concepts; words, phrases, or visual devices that help the audience follow the speaker’s ideas, connect the main points to each other, and see the relationships in a speech.
Transitions	Bridges between ideas, thoughts or concepts; words, phrases, or visual devices that help the audience follow the speaker’s ideas, connect the main points to each other, and see the relationships in a speech.
Typeface	The visual design of symbols, including letters and numbers.
Typeface	The visual design of symbols, including letters and numbers.
URL	A uniform resource locator, or web address. Writers may provide URLs to help readers locate information that was accessed online. Guidelines for whether to provide a deep link within a site or a general link to the homepage or index vary depending on the type of online source.
URL	A uniform resource locator, or web address. Writers may provide URLs to help readers locate information that was accessed online. Guidelines for whether to provide a deep link within a site or a general link to the homepage or index vary depending on the type of online source.
verb	A word that tells what the subject is doing or links the subject to a describing word.
verb	A word that tells what the subject is doing or links the subject to a describing word.
verb	A word that tells what the subject is doing or links the subject to a describing word.
verb	A word that tells what the subject is doing or links the subject to a describing word.
verb	A word that tells what the subject is doing or links the subject to a describing word.
verb	A word that tells what the subject is doing or links the subject to a describing word.
Verb tense	A verb form that identifies the time of action described in a sentence.
Verb tense	A verb form that identifies the time of action described in a sentence.
Verb tense	Refers to the point in time where action occurs.
Verb tense	Refers to the point in time where action occurs.
Verb tenses	A verb form that identifies the time of action described in a sentence.
Verb tenses	A verb form that identifies the time of action described in a sentence.
verbatim	Word for word.
verbatim	Word for word.
vocabulary	A collection of spoken and written words used by individuals or groups.
vocabulary	A collection of spoken and written words used by individuals or groups.
white space	The space on the page free of text.
white space	The space on the page free of text.
working thesis statement	The first thesis statement writers use while outlining an assignment. A working thesis statement may change during the writing process.
working thesis statement	The first thesis statement writers use while outlining an assignment. A working thesis statement may change during the writing process.
working thesis statement	An indefinite statement that you make about your topic early in the writing process for the purpose of planning and guiding your writing.
working thesis statement	An indefinite statement that you make about your topic early in the writing process for the purpose of planning and guiding your writing.
Writing style	Also known as voice or tone; the manner in which a writer addresses the reader.
Writing style	Also known as voice or tone; the manner in which a writer addresses the reader.