Understanding Key Concepts

Definitions and Pointers

Over the next few months, I'll be creating links for all of the reading terms listed below. As the terms currently defined should indicate, I'm hoping to do two things:
1. Provide clear and detailed definitions for each term on the list
2. Offer tips or pointers for making use of these terms while reading.

While all of the definitions and many of the pointers can be found in my textbooks, I think it useful to gather together the definitions and pointers in one place so that student readers have everything they need to know on one single page.

Please note: Not all of the terms are accompanied by practice exercises.

Context
Generalizations
Specific Details
Topics 		Main Ideas
Topic Sentences
Paraphrase
Introductory Sentences 		Concluding Sentences
Drawing inferences
Drawing conclusions
Transitions
Paragraph Patterns
 Mood
Tone
Purpose
Argument

Power Points

Power point files are now available for terms shown on the right.

Users of my texts can receive the power points by contacting me personally or by getting in touch with their Houghton representatives.

Context clues
General and specific terms
Topic and main idea
Topic sentence
Paraphrase
Supporting details

Patterns of organization
Inferences
Transitions
Purpose
Tone

Last change made to this page: August 18, 2008

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