English Grammar & Writing Genres & Modes of Writing Syllabus

Describe the two main organizational patterns for a compare-and-contrast essay.

Block (subject-by-subject): discuss all points about subject A, then all points about subject B. Point-by-point (alternating): discuss each point of comparison for both subjects before moving to the next point.

Give three transition words that signal contrast and three that signal comparison.

Contrast: however, whereas, on the other hand, unlike, conversely, in contrast. Comparison: similarly, likewise, both, in the same way, just as.

What does a cause-and-effect text explain?

The relationship between events — why something happens (the cause) and the results or consequences that follow (the effect).

Name three signal words that indicate a cause-and-effect relationship.

Because, since, therefore, consequently, as a result, thus, due to, so, leads to.

What is the difference between a definition and a classification (division) mode of writing?

Definition explains the meaning of a term or concept (what something is). Classification sorts items into categories based on shared characteristics; division breaks a single subject into its component parts.

What are the three parts of a formal (extended) definition?

The term being defined, the class/category it belongs to, and the distinguishing characteristics that separate it from other members of that class (e.g., 'A sonnet [term] is a poem [class] of fourteen lines in a fixed rhyme scheme [distinguishing feature].').

In argumentative writing, what is a 'claim'?

A debatable, arguable statement that asserts a position on an issue and that the writer must support with evidence and reasoning.

What is a thesis statement, and what two things should it contain?

A single sentence, usually near the end of the introduction, that states the essay's central argument. It should contain the topic and the writer's specific claim or position about that topic.

Name three common types of claims in argumentation.

Claims of fact (something is true/false), claims of value (something is good/bad, right/wrong), and claims of policy (something should or should not be done).

In argumentation, what is the difference between 'evidence' and 'reasoning'?

Evidence is the factual support — data, statistics, examples, expert testimony, quotations — that backs a claim. Reasoning (the warrant) is the logic that explains how the evidence actually supports the claim.

Name four common types of evidence used to support an argument.

Statistics/data, expert testimony, anecdotes/examples, direct quotations, factual details, and results of studies or research.

What is a 'counterargument' in persuasive writing?

An opposing viewpoint or objection to the writer's claim, acknowledged so the writer can address it and strengthen their own argument.

What is a 'rebuttal,' and how does it differ from a counterargument?

A counterargument is the opposing view; the rebuttal is the writer's response that refutes or weakens that opposing view by exposing its flaws or showing why the writer's position is stronger. Acknowledging then answering an objection is called concession and refutation.

What are the three classical rhetorical appeals identified by Aristotle?

Ethos (appeal to credibility/character), Pathos (appeal to emotion), and Logos (appeal to logic and reason).

Define 'ethos' as a rhetorical appeal and give one way a writer establishes it.

Ethos is the appeal to the speaker's credibility, authority, and trustworthiness. A writer establishes it by citing expertise, using reliable sources, showing fairness, or demonstrating good character.

Define 'pathos' and 'logos' as rhetorical appeals.

Pathos appeals to the audience's emotions using vivid language, anecdotes, and imagery. Logos appeals to reason using facts, statistics, evidence, and logical structure.

What is 'kairos' in rhetoric?

The appeal to timeliness — presenting an argument at the opportune or fitting moment and adapting it to the specific context and audience for maximum persuasive effect.

What is 'sensory language'?

Language that appeals to the five senses — sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch — to help readers experience what is being described.

Name the five senses that sensory language can appeal to and give the adjective category for each.

Sight (visual), sound (auditory), smell (olfactory), taste (gustatory), and touch (tactile).

What is 'imagery' in writing?

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses to create mental pictures and evoke sensory experiences; it often works through figurative devices such as simile, metaphor, and personification.

Distinguish a simile from a metaphor.

A simile compares two unlike things using 'like' or 'as' (e.g., 'brave as a lion'). A metaphor states that one thing IS another, without 'like' or 'as' (e.g., 'he was a lion in battle').

What is spatial organization in descriptive writing?

Arranging details according to physical location or position — for example, top to bottom, left to right, near to far, or inside to outside — so the reader can visualize a scene in an orderly way.

Name three transition words that support spatial organization.

Above, below, beside, beyond, nearby, in front of, behind, to the left, in the distance, adjacent to.

What is the difference between a formal letter and an informal letter?

A formal letter uses professional language, a set structure (sender/recipient addresses, date, formal salutation and closing), and is sent for official/business purposes. An informal letter uses casual, personal language, a relaxed structure, and is written to friends or family.

What is the correct salutation and closing for a formal letter when you do NOT know the recipient's name?

Open with 'Dear Sir or Madam,' and close with 'Yours faithfully,'. (When the name is known, use 'Dear Mr./Ms. [Name],' and close with 'Yours sincerely,'.)

List the standard structural parts of a formal business letter.

Sender's address, date, recipient's address, salutation, subject line (optional), body paragraphs, complimentary close, signature, and typed name/title.

What are the key header fields of an email, and how does an email's tone typically differ from a memo's?

Email headers: To, Cc/Bcc, Subject, and the message body with a greeting and sign-off. Emails range from formal to informal depending on audience, while memos are typically for internal communication and are concise and businesslike.

What does the standard memo heading include?

Four lines: TO:, FROM:, DATE:, and SUBJECT: (RE:), followed by the body. Memos are internal documents, omit salutations and signatures, and get straight to the point.

What is the purpose of a resume, and what are its typical sections?

A resume is a concise document that summarizes a job applicant's qualifications. Typical sections: contact information, objective/summary, education, work experience, skills, and (optionally) achievements, certifications, or references.

What is a cover letter, and what does each of its three main paragraphs typically do?

A cover letter is a one-page letter accompanying a resume that introduces the applicant and expresses interest in a specific job. Paragraph 1 states the position applied for and how you learned of it; paragraph 2 highlights relevant qualifications and achievements; paragraph 3 requests an interview and thanks the reader.