Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) Reading (English Language Arts - Reading) Flashcards

24 sample cards from the Reading (English Language Arts - Reading) deck

Sampled from the end of the deck, so these are different cards from the ones shown on the syllabus page.

1. What is the difference between a word's denotation and its connotation?

   Denotation is the literal dictionary definition of a word; connotation is the emotional association or implied feeling the word carries (positive, negative, or neutral).

2. How can word choice (diction) reveal an author's tone?

   Words with strong positive or negative connotations signal the author's attitude; e.g., calling a person 'thrifty' (positive) versus 'cheap' (negative) shows differing tone toward the same trait.

3. What are context clues?

   Hints within the surrounding words, sentences, or paragraph that help a reader figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word.

4. Name four common types of context clues.

   Definition/restatement, synonym, antonym/contrast, and example or inference (general context).

5. What is morphology, and what are the three main word parts it studies?

   The study of how words are formed from meaningful units; the three main word parts are the root (or base), the prefix, and the suffix.

6. What does the prefix 'un-' mean, and what does the suffix '-less' indicate?

   The prefix 'un-' means 'not' or 'the opposite of' (e.g., unhappy); the suffix '-less' means 'without' (e.g., fearless).

7. What is the meaning of the common roots 'bio,' 'graph,' and 'port'?

   'Bio' means life, 'graph' means write or draw, and 'port' means carry.

8. What is a multiple-meaning (homograph) word, and how do readers determine the intended meaning?

   A word with more than one distinct meaning (e.g., 'bank' = riverbank or financial institution); readers use context, part of speech, and surrounding details to select the correct meaning.

9. What is nuance in word meaning?

   A subtle difference in shade of meaning, feeling, or connotation between words that are similar, such as 'slim,' 'slender,' 'skinny,' and 'scrawny.'

10. What is the difference between figurative and literal meaning?

    Literal meaning is the exact, factual dictionary sense of words; figurative meaning conveys an idea through imaginative comparison or exaggeration not meant to be taken word-for-word.

11. How can a reader tell that a statement is meant figuratively rather than literally?

    When taking the words at face value would be impossible, illogical, or absurd in context (e.g., 'It's raining cats and dogs'), the statement is figurative.

12. What is a claim in an argument?

    The author's main position, assertion, or thesis—the debatable point the writer is trying to prove and persuade the reader to accept.

13. What is reasoning in an argument?

    The logical explanation that connects the evidence to the claim, showing why the evidence supports the conclusion.

14. What does it mean for evidence to be relevant?

    Relevant evidence directly relates to and supports the specific claim being made, rather than addressing a side issue or unrelated point.

15. What does it mean for evidence to be sufficient?

    Sufficient evidence provides enough quantity and quality of support to adequately prove the claim, leaving no major gaps in the reasoning.

16. How do you evaluate the credibility of evidence in an argument?

    Check that it comes from a reliable, qualified, and unbiased source, is current and accurate, and is verifiable rather than based on opinion or hearsay.

17. What is a logical fallacy?

    An error in reasoning that weakens or invalidates an argument, even if it may sound persuasive on the surface.

18. Define the ad hominem fallacy.

    Attacking the character or traits of the person making an argument instead of addressing the substance of the argument itself.

19. Define the hasty generalization fallacy.

    Drawing a broad conclusion from insufficient or unrepresentative evidence, such as a single example or too small a sample.

20. Define the slippery slope fallacy.

    Claiming that one small first step will inevitably lead to a chain of negative consequences without evidence that such a chain will actually occur.

21. What is bias in a text?

    A one-sided or prejudiced perspective in which an author favors a particular viewpoint, often by selectively presenting evidence, using loaded language, or omitting opposing information.

22. What is the difference between a fact and an opinion?

    A fact is a statement that can be objectively proven true or false through evidence; an opinion expresses a personal belief, judgment, or feeling that cannot be definitively proven.

23. What signal words often indicate that a statement is an opinion?

    Words such as 'believe,' 'think,' 'feel,' 'best,' 'worst,' 'should,' 'always,' 'never,' and other value judgments or qualifiers.

24. Why is distinguishing fact from opinion important when evaluating an argument?

    It helps a reader judge the strength of support, recognize bias, and decide how much to trust the author's claims rather than accepting opinions as if they were proven facts.

What this deck covers

Reading (English Language Arts - Reading) flashcards FAQ