English Composition Vocabulary List

Linda R. (United States of America)
This is a list of terminology from the Refining Composition Skills textbook and other words discussed in the writing class.
85 words 366 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. analysis
    literary criticism considering the structure of a text
  2. analogy
    drawing a comparison in order to show a similarity
  3. appendix
    supplementary material collected at the back of a book
  4. bibliography
    a list of writings with time and place of publication
  5. registration
    the act of registering for something
  6. phenomenon
    any state or process known through the senses
  7. concurrent
    occurring or operating at the same time
  8. resolution
    finding an answer to a problem
  9. intervene
    get involved, so as to alter or hinder an action
  10. stimulate
    act to arouse action
  11. dramatic
    sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect
  12. imposing
    impressive in appearance
  13. logical
    capable of thinking in a clear and consistent manner
  14. coherent
    marked by an orderly and consistent relation of parts
  15. recovery
    return to an original state
  16. scheme
    an elaborate and systematic plan of action
  17. strategic
    relating to an elaborate and systematic plan of action
  18. bias
    cause to be prejudiced
  19. prejudice
    influence someone's opinion in advance
  20. guideline
    a detailed plan for determining a course of action
  21. infinite
    too numerous to be counted
  22. summarize
    briefly present the main points of something
  23. conclusion
    a position or opinion reached after consideration
  24. implication
    a meaning that is not expressly stated but can be inferred
  25. diagnostic
    concerned with identifying the nature or cause of something
    A diagnostic exam in college is designed to identify a student's strengths and weaknesses, such as in reading, writing, vocabulary or other areas of academic writing.
    A diagnostic exam in college is used to find the student's weaknesses and strengths.
  26. journal
    a daily written record of experiences and observations
  27. scenario
    a setting for a work of art or literature
  28. brainstorming
    a group problem-solving technique in which members spontaneously share ideas and solutions
    In the writing process, brainstorming is sudden insight or list of ideas for a particular topic.
  29. clustering
    a grouping of a number of similar things
  30. draft
    any of the various versions in the development of a work
    Drafting is the preliminary writing of your essay.
  31. proofread
    read for errors
  32. editing
    putting something into acceptable form
    Editing is the final stage of the writing process.
  33. convey
    serve as a means for expressing something
  34. topic sentence
    a statement that provides the main idea of a paragraph
  35. evidence
    knowledge on which to base belief
  36. restraint
    the act of controlling by holding someone or something back
  37. hazardous
    involving risk or danger
  38. focus
    maximum clarity or distinctness of an idea
  39. transition
    a passage or word that connects a topic to one that follows
  40. clause
    an expression including a subject and predicate
  41. fragment
    an incomplete piece
    A fragment is an incomplete sentence.
  42. essay
    an analytic or interpretive literary composition
  43. interpretive
    providing explanation
  44. introductory
    serving as the first section of a communication
  45. echo
    a reply that repeats what has just been said
    The developmental paragraphs should echo the ideas, opinions or attitudes of the thesis statement.
  46. environment
    the totality of surrounding conditions
  47. similar
    having the same or nearly the same characteristics
  48. contrast
    the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared
  49. compare
    examine and note the similarities or differences of
  50. circumscribe
    restrict or confine
  51. restrict
    place limits on
  52. abruptly
    quickly and without warning
  53. startle
    move or jump suddenly, as if in surprise or alarm
  54. chaos
    a state of extreme confusion and disorder
  55. en masse
    all together
  56. contrary
    exact opposition
  57. egalitarianism
    the doctrine of the equality of mankind
  58. violate
    act in disregard of laws, rules, contracts, or promises
  59. tirade
    a speech of violent denunciation
    angry speech, an outburst
  60. cringe
    show submission or fear
  61. disdain
    lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
  62. chauvinist
    a person with a prejudiced belief in his own superiority
    A person who believes his or her race, sex, or nationality is superior
  63. ambiguity
    an expression whose meaning cannot be determined
  64. stoically
    without emotion; in a stoic manner
  65. tolerance
    willingness to respect the beliefs or practices of others
  66. refute
    prove to be false or incorrect
  67. distort
    twist and press out of shape
  68. sullen
    showing a brooding ill humor
  69. brooding
    deeply or seriously thoughtful
  70. exemplification
    showing by example
  71. generalization
    an idea or conclusion having broad application
    An example of generalization is this sentence: All blondes are dumb.
  72. camouflage
    the act of concealing the identity of something
  73. euphemism
    an inoffensive expression substituted for an offensive one
    Examples of euphemisms are on page 139 of Refining Composition Skills textbook.
  74. trifle
    a detail that is considered insignificant
  75. belated
    after the expected or usual time
  76. delinquent
    a young offender
    Delinquent also means past due.
  77. liability
    something that holds you back
    Disadvantage.
  78. subsidy
    a grant of financial assistance, especially by a government
  79. aggregate
    a sum total of many heterogeneous things taken together
  80. intrinsic
    belonging to a thing by its very nature
  81. context
    the set of facts or circumstances that surround a situation
  82. stench
    a distinctive odor that is offensively unpleasant
  83. commence
    set in motion, cause to start
  84. coordinate
    bring order and organization to
  85. culture
    the attitudes characteristic of a particular social group
Created on Wed Oct 09 00:39:07 EDT 2013 (updated Sun Nov 17 16:26:50 EST 2013)

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