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Nonfiction Terms Pre-AP Flashcards

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7139312248Author's PurposeHis/Her reason for writing. Authors tend to write with one or more of these in mind: to entertain, to persuade, or to enlighten.0
7139312249FactA statement that can be proven true or false1
7139312250OpinionA statement that expresses a person's belief or attitude.2
7139312251EssayA short nonfiction work that addresses a specific subject.3
7139312252Descriptive EssaySeeks to convey an impression about a person, place, or object.4
7139312253Narrative EssayTells a true story5
7139312254Expository EssayGives information, discusses ideas, or explains a process.6
7139312255Persuasive EssayTries to convince readers to do something or accept the writer's point of view7
7139316751Synthesis EssayUses sources of information to support the writer's point of view8
7139312256BiographyThe story of a life from another person's perspective9
7139312257AutobiographyTHe writer's own story, describing notable events of his or her life.10
7139312258AllusionA reference to another literary, artistic, historical, or musical work.11
7139312260SummarizingBriefly stating the main points and key details of a work in your own words.12
7139312261Assertion/ViewpointCan be an author's opinion, claim, hypothesis, or conclusion. It makes a statement followed by supporting evidence.13
7139312262JargonThe specialized or technical vocabulary of a particular group.14
7139312263DialectThe form a spoken language used in a certain region.15
7139312266SatireA literary device used to ridicule or make fun of human weaknesses.16
7139312267AnecdoteA brief story told to make a point or to entertain.17
7139312269GeneralizationA broad conclusion emphasizing common rather than specific details.18
7139312270Main IdeaThe central idea in the piece of writing19
7139312271Supporting DetailsUsed to furnish evidence, describe a process, or create an impression; they back up a writer's opinions or describe a process.20
7139312272LeadThe opening paragraphs of a news story and contains essential information. It usually tells who, what, where, when, why, and how.21
7139312273Rhetorical QuestionA question asked for effect and to make a statement or point.22
7139312274BiasA mental leaning, inclination, prejudice, or bent.23
7139312275Deductive ReasoningA pattern of thought that proceeds from the know to the unknown general to the specific, or from a premise to a logical conclusion.24
7139312276Inductive ReasoningA way of thinking that begins with specific details and goes to a general or logical conclusion.25
7139312277CredibilityThe quality or being believable or trustworthy.26
7139312278RhetoricThe study and art of using language effectively. It also has a negative connotation of empty or pretentious language meant to waffle, stall, or even deceive.27
7139312279ToneThe way a writer expresses his or her regard for a subject, audience, or self through word choice, sentence structures, and what is actually said, the writer conveys an attitude and sets a prevailing spirit. It can be serious, distant, angry, sincere, and sympathetic.28

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