Choosing Language

What type of language should be used in a critical analysis essay?

Whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

In this excerpt, certain words are capitalized to

Tortillas and poetry. They go hand in hand. Books nourish the spirit, bread nourishes our bodies. Our distinct cultures nourish each one of us, and as we know more and more about the art and literature of the different cultures, we become freer and freer.

. . .

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like to sample different ethnic foods, the breads of many many groups; just as many of us enjoy sampling books from different areas of the world. I travel to foreign countries, and I know more about myself as I learn more about my fellow human beings.

Censorship imposes itself in my path of knowledge, and that activity can be justified by no one.

Which of these changes would make this excerpt more argumentative?

Tortillas and poetry. They go hand in hand. Books nourish the spirit, bread nourishes our bodies. Our distinct cultures nourish each one of us, and as we know more and more about the art and literature of the different cultures, we become freer and freer. . . .

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like to sample different ethnic foods, the breads of many many groups; just as many of us enjoy sampling books from different areas of the world. I travel to foreign countries, and I know more about myself as I learn more about my fellow human beings. Censorship imposes itself in my path of knowledge, and that activity can be justified by no one.

Which choice best describes the purpose of this text?

In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson talks about independence through his use of big words and fancy argument skills.

Which is the best revision to the sentence?

Go where you may, search where you will, roam through all the monarchies and despotisms of the Old World, travel through South America, search out every abuse, and when you have found the last, lay your facts by the side of the everyday practices of this nation, and you will say with me, that, for revolting barbarity and shameless hypocrisy, America reigns without a rival.

What is one way that Douglass achieves his purpose of persuading the reader to see his point of view?

Which choice best defines a word’s connotative meaning?

Thomas Paine was an English American __________ who wrote pamphlets that influenced many people and were instrumental in starting the American Revolution. He skillfully communicated the ideas of the Revolution to everyone, from farmers to intellectuals.

If the purpose of this paragraph is to inform, which word best fits in the blank?

Tortillas and poetry. They go hand in hand. Books nourish the spirit, bread nourishes our bodies. Our distinct cultures nourish each one of us, and as we know more and more about the art and literature of the different cultures, we become freer and freer. . . .

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like to sample different ethnic foods, the breads of many many groups; just as many of us enjoy sampling books from different areas of the world. I travel to foreign countries, and I know more about myself as I learn more about my fellow human beings. Censorship imposes itself in my path of knowledge, and that activity can be justified by no one.

Which phrase from the excerpt uses formal English?

Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but “to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER,” and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. . . .

. . . Neither have I so much of the infidel in me, as to suppose that He has relinquished the government of the world, and given us up to the care of devils; and as I do not, I cannot see on what grounds the king of Britain can look up to heaven for help against us: a common murderer, a highwayman, or a house-breaker, has as good a pretence as he.

What is the denotation of the word “bound” in this excerpt?

Which phrase best defines the denotative meaning of a word?

Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but “to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER,” and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. . . .

. . . Neither have I so much of the infidel in me, as to suppose that He has relinquished the government of the world, and given us up to the care of devils; and as I do not, I cannot see on what grounds the king of Britain can look up to heaven for help against us: a common murderer, a highwayman, or a house-breaker, has as good a pretence as he.

The words “slavery,” “devils,” and “murderer” evoke a sense of

I know this for a fact, because when I was growing up, my mother’s “limited” English limited my perception of her. I was ashamed of her English. I believed that her English reflected the quality of what she had to say. That is, because she expressed them imperfectly her thoughts were imperfect.

Which phrase from this excerpt best helps the reader identify the author’s purpose?

The largest of the linen tents, erected at the campsite to protect the team of conservationists from the relentless African sun, housed the leader of the expedition, Dr. Aidan Hamilton. His round spectacles framed his slender face and complimented his gray hair as he sat outside his tent, mapping the day’s journey.

Julissa is most likely writing with the purpose of

Monica relocated into a new apartment last weekend. She had countless boxes to pack and could not possibly attempt to transport the furniture herself. She is hiring movers to help her with the heaviest items. Monica’s furniture was loaded into a truck and moved to her new apartment. She was there to instruct the movers where to put everything. Luckily, all the furniture made it to the location in one piece!

Which best explains the inconsistency in writing used in this paragraph?

Texting is an increasingly popular means of communication with students at Mystic Falls High School. Students text their friends to make plans, ask questions, and share information. However, texting can also be distracting. It takes students’ attention away from the primary purpose of school: learning.

What is the tone of the article?

From Polaris a line of small stars curves toward the handle of the Dipper, meeting the upper one of a pair of the third magnitude. This pair, with another farther on and parallel to it, form the ‘Little Dipper,’ Polaris being the end of its handle. The group is Ursa Minor. Opposite the handle of the great Dipper, and at about the same distance from Polaris, are five rather bright stars forming a flattened letter W. They are the principal stars of Cassiopeia.

What strategy does the author use in his choice of language to convey his message?

The pines are widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere, and include about 80 distinct species with over 600 varieties. The species enumerated here are especially common in the eastern part of the United States, growing either native in the forest or under cultivation in the parks. The pines form a very important class of timber trees, and produce beautiful effects when planted in groups in the parks.

Which strategy does the author use in his choice of language to convey his message?

As the trumpet blared a jarring noise, everyone quickly covered their ears!

Using the context clues, what is the meaning of the underlined word?

The mission of the Blanche Anti-Bullying Organization is to promote integrity, self-esteem, and respect for all people; therefore, as we pursue our mission, we the founders do respectfully promise to uphold these values for ourselves and all of our participating members.

What is the tone of the passage?

Since the budget for the groundbreaking elephant-behavior-studies program has been cut—just as it was beginning to make progress—wildlife conservationists and their supporters are asking that people from all over the world promote the program by encouraging local agencies and community members to donate time and funds to secure the future of the amazingly gentle and intelligent African elephant species.

Darryl is most likely writing with the purpose of

Maria excels in gymnastics and tumbling. She has the commitment and dedication it takes to be successful in a demanding sport. The balance beam is my favorite event to watch because it requires a great deal of focus. Maria will continue training in the hopes of landing a spot on the competitive team.

Which best explains the inconsistency in writing used in this paragraph?

The investors could not handle the ups and downs so they removed their funds from the fluctuating market.

Using the context clues, what is the meaning of the underlined word?

Read the excerpt from Rudolfo Anaya’s essay “Take the Tortillas Out of Your Poetry.”

Tortillas and poetry. They go hand in hand. Books nourish the spirit, bread nourishes our bodies. Our distinct cultures nourish each one of us, and as we know more and more about the art and literature of the different cultures, we become freer and freer. . . .

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like to sample different ethnic foods, the breads of many many groups; just as many of us enjoy sampling books from different areas of the world. I travel to foreign countries, and I know more about myself as I learn more about my fellow human beings. Censorship imposes itself in my path of knowledge, and that activity can be justified by no one.

Which choice best describes the purpose of this text?

Read the paragraph from a student’s critical analysis essay.

In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson talks about independence through his use of big words and fancy argument skills. First, Jefferson states his thesis, which makes it seem important that the colonists get independence. Next, Jefferson gives evidence against the king of England and how he mistreats the American colonies. Finally, Jefferson suggests that colonists should stop paying taxes and fight, which is the obvious answer to the colonists’ problems.

What is the best way for the student to revise the essay?

Read the excerpt from Amy Tan’s essay “Mother Tongue.”

I know this for a fact, because when I was growing up, my mother’s “limited” English limited my perception of her. I was ashamed of her English. I believed that her English reflected the quality of what she had to say. That is, because she expressed them imperfectly her thoughts were imperfect.

Which phrase from this excerpt best helps the reader identify the author’s purpose?

Read the excerpt from Rudolfo Anaya’s essay “Take the Tortillas Out of Your Poetry.”

Tortillas and poetry. They go hand in hand. Books nourish the spirit, bread nourishes our bodies. Our distinct cultures nourish each one of us, and as we know more and more about the art and literature of the different cultures, we become freer and freer. . . .

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like to sample different ethnic foods, the breads of many many groups; just as many of us enjoy sampling books from different areas of the world. I travel to foreign countries, and I know more about myself as I learn more about my fellow human beings. Censorship imposes itself in my path of knowledge, and that activity can be justified by no one.

Which phrase from the excerpt uses formal English?

Read the excerpt from Frederick Douglass’s speech “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”

Go where you may, search where you will, roam through all the monarchies and despotisms of the Old World, travel through South America, search out every abuse, and when you have found the last, lay your facts by the side of the everyday practices of this nation, and you will say with me, that, for revolting barbarity and shameless hypocrisy, America reigns without a rival.

Which of the following best describes Douglass’s word choice in this excerpt?

Read the excerpt from Amy Tan’s essay “Mother Tongue.”

I know this for a fact, because when I was growing up, my mother’s “limited” English limited my perception of her. I was ashamed of her English. I believed that her English reflected the quality of what she had to say. That is, because she expressed them imperfectly her thoughts were imperfect.

Which phrase from the excerpt uses informal English?

Read the excerpt from Rudolfo Anaya’s essay “Take the Tortillas Out of Your Poetry.”

Tortillas and poetry. They go hand in hand. Books nourish the spirit, bread nourishes our bodies. Our distinct cultures nourish each one of us, and as we know more and more about the art and literature of the different cultures, we become freer and freer. . . .

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like to sample different ethnic foods, the breads of many many groups; just as many of us enjoy sampling books from different areas of the world. I travel to foreign countries, and I know more about myself as I learn more about my fellow human beings. Censorship imposes itself in my path of knowledge, and that activity can be justified by no one.

Which phrase from the excerpt best uses persuasion?

Read the excerpt from Amy Tan’s essay “Mother Tongue.”

I know this for a fact, because when I was growing up, my mother’s “limited” English limited my perception of her. I was ashamed of her English. I believed that her English reflected the quality of what she had to say. That is, because she expressed them imperfectly her thoughts were imperfect.

What is the purpose of this text?

What type of language should be used in a critical analysis essay?

Read the excerpt from Frederick Douglass’s speech “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”

Go where you may, search where you will, roam through all the monarchies and despotisms of the Old World, travel through South America, search out every abuse, and when you have found the last, lay your facts by the side of the everyday practices of this nation, and you will say with me, that, for revolting barbarity and shameless hypocrisy, America reigns without a rival.

To support his purpose, Douglass includes words such as

I know this for a fact, because when I was growing up, my mother’s “limited” English limited my perception of her. I was ashamed of her English. I believed that her English reflected the quality of what she had to say. That is, because she expressed them imperfectly her thoughts were imperfect.

Which word best describes Tan’s language in this excerpt?