Key Terms in Main Idea Questions, Questions on Technique or Style, and Questions on Specific Details

Question 1

Abstract

Answer 1

theoretical; not concrete

Question 2

Analogy

Answer 2

similarity of functions or properties; likeness

Question 3

Antithesis

Answer 3

direct opposite

Question 4

Argumentative

Answer 4

presenting a logical argument

Question 5

Assertion

Answer 5

positive statement; declaration

Question 6

Cite

Answer 6

to refer to; to quote as an authority

Question 7

Concrete

Answer 7

real; actual; not abstract

Question 8

Evidence

Answer 8

data presented as proof

Question 9

Explanatory

Answer 9

serving to explain

Question 10

Expository

Answer 10

concerned with explaining ideas, facts, etc.

Question 11

Generalization

Answer 11

simplification; general idea or principle

Question 12

Narrative

Answer 12

relating to telling a story

Question 13

persuasive

Answer 13

intended to convince

Question 14

Rhetorical

Answer 14

relating to the effective use of language

Question 15

Thesis

Answer 15

the central idea in a piece of writing;; a point to be defended

Question 16

Bolster

Answer 16

to support an idea or position

Question 17

Delineate

Answer 17

to outline or describe with care

Question 18

Depict

Answer 18

to represent or portray vividly

Question 19

Discredit

Answer 19

to disbelieve; to cause a loss of confidence in

Question 20

Document

Answer 20

to support by documentary evidence

Question 21

Elaborate

Answer 21

to add details to; to work out in minute detail

Question 22

Endorse

Answer 22

to support or approve

Question 23

Exemplify

Answer 23

to serve as an example of

Question 24

Illustrate

Answer 24

to clarify by the use of examples

Question 25

Refute

Answer 25

to prove to be false or incorrect

Question 26

Speculate

Answer 26

to reason, possibly on insufficient evidence

Question 27

Aesthetic

Answer 27

artistic; dealing with or capable of appreciating the beautiful

Question 28

Allusion

Answer 28

an indirect reference; a casual mention

Question 29

Assumption

Answer 29

something accepted as true without proof

Question 30

Attribute

Answer 30

essential quality; characteristic

Question 31

Divergent

Answer 31

differing from another; tending to move apart

Question 32

Fluctuate

Answer 32

to shift continually; to vary irregularly

Question 33

Hypothetical

Answer 33

based on assumptions or hypotheses; supposed

Question 34

Incompatible

Answer 34

not able to exist in harmony; discordant

Question 35

Indicative

Answer 35

suggestive; pointing out (something)

Question 36

Inherent

Answer 36

firmly established by nature or habit; built-in; inborn

Question 37

Innate

Answer 37

inborn; existing from birth

Question 38

Innovative

Answer 38

novel; introducing a change; ahead of the times

Question 39

Misconception

Answer 39

mistaken idea; wrong impression

Question 40

Phenomenon

Answer 40

observable fact or occurrence; subject of scientific investigation

Question 41

Preclude

Answer 41

to make impossible; to keep from happening