acquire | to learn or develop new knowledge or skills |
affix | a word element, such as a prefix (e.g., pre, un) or suffix (e.g., ed, ing), added to a root word |
analysis (analyze) | a method of idea development in which the reader, speaker, or writer breaks apart a topic to examine its parts and the relationship of the parts to reach new conclusions about the whole |
assess | to examine in order to evaluate |
audience | the specific readers for whom a piece of writing is intended; the people who listen to or read text |
causally | description of a topic and the possible reason(s) that it occurred |
central idea | the most important point the text says about the topic |
chapter | a previously divided section of a text |
cite (citation) | to identify the source of information |
claim | to state, without proof or evidence, that something is true (e.g., Most high school students don't go to college.) |
clarify | to make clear in order to be understood |
coherent | logical, well organized and easy to understand |
coherent writing | writing that is logical, well organized and easy to understand |
collaborative conversations | discussions that occur among people in which they create a mutually agreed upon outcome |
collegial discussions | conversations that occur among colleagues with a common purpose and proposed guidelines (e.g., defined purpose, roles) |
command of the conventions | demonstrates through speaking/writing the commonly accepted rules for writing and speaking English |
comparatively | how a text presents information by examining similarities and/or differences |
compare | to examine similarities (and/or differences) |
concluding statement or section | final sentence(s) in a piece of text that restate(s) the main idea in a new way |
concrete details | precise descriptions using specific information that relates to what can be seen, heard, felt, smelled, tasted (e.g., The apple red paint shone in the bright sunlight.) |
conduct | control the course of an activity |
connotative meaning | associated meaning of a word or expression (e.g., Home is a place of warmth and comfort.) |
context | the circumstances in which an event occurs; setting |
contrast | to examine differences |
credible sources | information gathered from reliable authors and publishers (e.g., Encyclopedia Britannica, Time magazine) |
delineate | to describe or explain something in detail |
demonstrate | to show clearly |
describe | to use words, figures or pictures to develop mental pictures |
descriptive details | words used that provide specific information about the event (e.g., tall blonde girl) |
details | specific information in a text that support the main idea |
determine | to come to a decision by reasoning or investigation |
dialogue | conversation between two or more persons; used to show what a character is thinking/ feeling |
digital text | words available in an electronic form |
discipline-specific | pertaining to a certain subject such as science, social studies, etc. |
distinguish | to recognize differences |
diverse media | various kinds of information sources such as video, audio, animation, etc. |
diverse partners | varying views and perspectives |
domain | a certain area of study within a subject |
domain-specific | pertaining to a certain area of study within a subject |
drama | a serious narrative work |
draw | to take or pull out information |
draw(ing) | to take or pull out information |
elaborated | expressed in greater length or detail (e.g., Another example would be…) |
elaboration | expressed in greater length or detail; developed thoroughly |
evaluate | to examine something in order to determine its importance |
events | something important that happens in the text |
explain | make clear by giving details about something (e.g., One way the character solved the problem was…) |
explicitly | stated or described clearly and in detail |
fantasy stories | literary text that contains make-believe elements such as talking animals, magical powers, etc. |
figurative language/meaning | an expression or description that does not mean exactly what it says; can include metaphors, similes, personification, hyperbole |
formal English | standard English using vocabulary and grammar free of idiomatic, slang, or specialized use |
formal style | a type of writing used in the business or academic settings and follows protocol (e.g., generally written in third person, longer more complex sentences, avoids contractions, etc.) |
gather | compile information from various sources |
genre | the type of text or particular kind of writing (e.g., realistic fiction, biography, informational) |
grammar | the rules and guidelines of a language used to be correct in writing and speaking |
historical account | a chronological record of events |
historical novel | literary text that recreates a period or event in history |
identify | to find important details |
inference | a conclusion based on author's information in the text and prior or background knowledge |
inquiry | seeking information by asking questions |
integrate | to make into a whole by bringing all parts together |
interpret | to explain the meaning of something (e.g., An example of this is…) |
loaded language | wording that attempts to influence the listener by appealing to emotion (e.g., the use of "investment in public service" rather than "public spending") |
logical(ly) | use of valid reasoning and connection between ideas |
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