GMAS Writing Key Terms

Forms of writing in which the writer makes a claim and supports that claim with reasons and evidence.

• Argumentative texts

• Narrative texts

• Informational texts

• Realistic Fiction texts

The main statement of an argumentative text, which usually appears in the introduction.

The main point on which the writer will develop their work in order to convince readers.

• Counterclaim

• Argument

• Reason

• Claim

A reasonable argument that opposes or disagrees with another claim.

It is supported by evidence and sound reasoning.

• Counterclaim

• Argument

• Reason

• Claim

The beginning of a piece of writing.

It lets readers know what they will be reading about, and it should set up the main idea, or thesis, of the writing.

• Body Paragraph

• Introduction

• Conclusion

• Counterclaim

In a text, this includes reasons given to support a writer’s claims.

In informational texts, it may include facts, opinions of experts, quotes, statistics, or definitions.

• Reasons

• Evidence

• Claim

• Topic

For a claim to be effective, it must be supported with credible evidence and reasoning. Credible evidence and reasoning are supported by facts and are effective in persuading the audience to agree with the writer’s claim.

• True

• False

Relationships are the ways in which ideas are ​​ (a)   .

• connected
• divided
• shared

The flow of sentences and paragraphs from one to another.

Old and new information is tied together using transitions.

• Formatting

• Cohesion

• Syntax

• Transitions

When writing in a formal style, the writer chooses language that matches the audience and purpose and avoids informal language.

Formal style is used in text messages.

• True

• False

A form of writing that informs the reader or explains something.

• Argumentative texts

• Narrative texts

• Informational texts

• Realistic Fiction texts