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Flashcards · AP® English Language and Composition · Unit 5

Unit 5: Coherence, Transitions and Word Choice flashcards

24 cards on topics 5.1 to 5.6. Pick a topic or study the whole unit.

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5.1 Body paragraphs and the line of reasoning

What is the job of a body paragraph?
To develop one step in the line of reasoning: a claim, supporting evidence and commentary that explain how the evidence supports the claim and links to the thesis.
How do you keep a body paragraph focused?
Start with a topic sentence that states a claim, include only evidence that supports it, and end by linking back to the thesis. If a sentence does not help the claim, cut or move it.
What does it mean to explain reasoning in a paragraph?
To state how the evidence leads to the claim, including the assumption linking them. Phrases such as "this suggests", "because" and "which means" show the link.
Why is the order of paragraphs not the same as the line of reasoning?
Order lists where things appear. The line of reasoning is why each step must come where it does. Each paragraph should prepare for the next, not just follow it.

5.2 Unity and coherence

What is unity in a paragraph?
Every sentence relates to the paragraph's central claim. A sentence that does not support the claim breaks unity and should be removed or moved.
What is coherence?
The smooth, logical flow from sentence to sentence, achieved through transitions, repeated key terms, pronouns with clear references and a sensible order of ideas.
What are devices that create coherence?
Transitions, repeated or related words, pronoun reference, parallel structure and a clear order such as time, importance or cause and effect.
How do you check for unity and coherence when revising?
Underline the claim and test each sentence against it, then read aloud to listen for gaps. Add a transition or restate a key term where the logical link is missing.

5.3 Repetition, synonyms, pronouns and parallel structure

What is repetition as a rhetorical device?
Deliberate reuse of words or phrases for emphasis and rhythm. It can build momentum, make a point memorable or show how an idea matters. Accidental repetition is just padding.
What is parallelism?
Using the same grammatical structure for related ideas, as in "of the people, by the people, for the people". It gives rhythm and shows that the ideas are equal in importance.
What is anaphora?
Repeating a word or phrase at the start of successive clauses or sentences. It builds emphasis and accumulates force, as in a series of sentences that each begin "He has...".
How do you analyse repetition in an essay?
Name what is repeated, say what the repetition emphasises and explain the effect on this audience, such as urgency, solidarity or inevitability.

5.4 Transitional elements

What does a transition do?
It shows the relationship between ideas, such as addition, contrast, cause, example or time. It helps readers follow the line of reasoning from one point to the next.
Which transitions signal contrast?
However, but, yet, nevertheless, on the other hand and in contrast. Use them only when the second idea really opposes the first, or readers will be misled.
How can transitions work between paragraphs?
By referring back to the previous idea and forward to the next one, in the first sentence of the new paragraph or the last of the old. This links the two steps in the argument.
Why choose a transition for its logic, not its sound?
A formal-sounding word with the wrong relation, such as "furthermore" before a contrast, confuses the reader. Decide the relationship first, then pick the word.

5.5 Connotation and denotation

What is the difference between connotation and denotation?
Denotation is a word's literal dictionary meaning. Connotation is the feeling or association it carries. "Thin" and "skinny" share a denotation but differ in connotation.
How do connotations shape an audience's response?
Positive or negative associations colour how readers judge the subject. Writers choose words whose connotations fit their purpose, and analysts explain the effect.
How do you analyse connotation in a sentence?
Pick the word, state its denotation, name its connotation and explain what that adds to the writer's claim or tone for this audience.
What happens when a writer attaches negative words to positive ideas?
The clash can turn a celebration into an accusation. Pairing "liberty" with a word like "boasted" signals that the writer thinks the claim is empty.

5.6 Descriptive words and precise word choice

What is precise word choice?
Choosing the word that exactly matches the intended meaning, tone and effect. A specific verb or noun usually does more work than a general one with extra modifiers.
How can modifiers be used effectively?
Adjectives and adverbs should add information the noun or verb lacks. Often a stronger verb removes the need for an adverb. Check that each modifier is needed.
What is the risk of vague words such as "thing" and "good"?
They fail to say what the writer means and give the reader nothing specific to picture or judge. Replace them with exact words.
How can a noun used as a modifier add precision?
It packs information into a short phrase, such as "summer soldier", and often adds a judgement. Notice the effect in analysis.

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