Counterargument & Writing Conventions (College Board AP® English Language & Composition): Flashcards
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Define counterargument.
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Cards in this collection (30)
Define counterargument.
A counterargument is a position, reason or interpretation that challenges some part of a writer's argument.
Besides challenging the writer's claim, what can a competing position do?
A competing position may agree with the goal but question the method, identify an exception or limitation, challenge the evidence or introduce an overlooked consequence.
What does acknowledging opposition show about a writer's understanding of an issue?
Acknowledging opposition shows that the writer understands the issue beyond the evidence that favors one side.
Define qualified claim.
A qualified claim is a claim that has been limited or specified so that it accurately reflects what the writer can defend.
Define qualification.
A qualification is a condition, limitation or exception that makes a claim more precise.
Define absolute claim.
An absolute claim is a claim stated without conditions or exceptions, often signaled by words such as "always", "never", "all" or "completely".
Define qualifier.
A qualifier is a word or phrase such as "often", "generally", "may" or "under certain conditions" that limits the strength of a claim.
True or False?
When responding to opposition, a writer should engage an obviously weak objection because it is easiest to answer.
False.
A writer should engage meaningful opposition, such as the strongest challenge to the position, rather than an obviously weak objection.
Define ongoing conversation.
An ongoing conversation is the existing body of claims, concerns and evidence that an argument enters and responds to.
Define concession.
A concession is an acknowledgment that all or part of a competing position is valid.
Define rebuttal.
A rebuttal is a response that offers a contrasting perspective, interpretation or evidence to challenge a competing position.
Define refutation.
A refutation is a response that uses evidence to demonstrate that all or part of a competing position is invalid.
Transitions such as "although", "while" and "even though" signal that a writer recognizes two ____.
Transitions such as "although", "while" and "even though" signal that a writer recognizes two truths.
True or False?
A refutation is strongest when the writer simply disagrees with a competing claim.
False.
A refutation is strongest when evidence can show that a competing claim is factually inaccurate, unsupported or based on a false assumption.
True or False?
In FRQ 1 and FRQ 3, a counterargument is required and earns a separate point.
False.
In FRQ 1 and FRQ 3, counterarguments are not required and do not receive a separate point, although addressing them effectively can strengthen an essay's reasoning.
Define grammar.
Grammar refers to the rules and structures that govern how words, phrases and clauses combine to form meaningful sentences.
Define mechanics.
Mechanics refers to the surface conventions of written language, such as punctuation, capitalization and spelling.
True or False?
The AP Lang scoring guidelines award a separate point for grammar.
False.
There is no separate grammar point. Persistent problems matter when they interfere with the reader's ability to understand the thesis, evidence, commentary or line of reasoning.
Define rhetorical grammar.
Rhetorical grammar is the strategic use of syntax and punctuation to communicate ideas and produce an effect on a reader.
Define proximity.
Proximity is the principle that a modifier should appear close to the word, phrase or clause it modifies.
What does punctuation signal to readers?
Punctuation signals how ideas relate, such as whether they connect, contrast, qualify, explain or supplement one another.
Define comma.
A comma is a mark that shows coordination, qualification or supplemental information within a sentence.
Define semicolon.
A semicolon is a mark that connects closely related complete ideas.
Define colon.
A colon is a mark that introduces an explanation, example or specification.
Define dash.
A dash is a mark that creates emphasis, clarification or interruption.
Hyphens usually work at __ level, joining words that function together.
Hyphens usually work at word level, joining words that function together.
Define parenthetical element.
A parenthetical element is additional information inserted into a sentence that is not essential to its grammatical core.
Define italics.
Italics are a design feature that slants type to emphasize a word, mark a contrast or distinguish a term.
True or False?
Using a semicolon, colon or dash automatically makes writing more sophisticated.
False.
Punctuation is not decoration. The mark should clarify a genuine relationship between ideas.
Define comma splice.
A comma splice is the error of joining two independent clauses with only a comma.
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