SOCIAL STUDIES WRITING VOCABULARY
Type I
Type II
MLA format in-text citations
Type III
Best effort
FCA
Thesis
Sub thesis
Topic sentence
Prior knowledge
data
refute
evidence
support
Specific vs. general
transition
Persuasive essay
Minimum of 3 lines of writing that has no wrong answer.
Ex: Describe 3 new things you learned from today’s lesson.
Short piece of writing that correctly answers a question. Ex:
What is opportunity cost?
Referring to the works of others in your text. Immediately
following a quotation from a source or a paraphrase of a
source's ideas, you place the author's name followed by a
space and the relevant page number(s). Such as (Shelton
145).
See http://library.duke.edu/research/citing/within/mla.html
for more examples.
Longer piece of writing, usually an essay. Typically has 3
FCAs.
This short phrase means student should write in complete
sentences, using content vocabulary, and explaining
themselves with detail when appropriate.
Focus Correction Area – The 3-5 criteria in which the
student will be graded.
This statement communicates an opinion or a big idea
succinctly. It is found in the introduction or near the
beginning of an essay.
This is part of the thesis that succinctly lists the reasons
(usually 3) the writer will use to support their thesis.
The first sentence of a body paragraph that explains what the
paragraph will discuss. It reflects one portion of the sub
thesis. It is a general statement that is then followed up with
specific details and support.
Supporting details that a student has learned in class or a
prior class.
Supporting details that a student has referenced from a chart,
graph, article, etc.
Suggesting a counter (opposing) argument and effectively
explaining the flaws in the counter argument.
Because a writer’s opinion is not enough, they must provide
support from other sources, which may include personal
experience when it is appropriate.
Another word for evidence. This is the specific detailed
writing that follows a general statement, like a topic
sentence.
“1200 people were detained without just cause” VERSUS
“Many people were treated unfairly.” Both statements are
useful and needed in an essay. General statements usually
come first and are support with specific statements.
A word that indicates organization and continuity in writing
(i.e. First, Next, Then, On the other hand, Finally)
The intention is to convince the reader of a certain position
or point of view. More emotional than expository writing but
still relies on facts. Prompts may begin with “should” or ask
a student’s opinion.
Expository essay
flow
coherent
Counterargument (and
recognizing its complexity
Logical sequencing of ideas
Sentence variety
Precise word choice
proofreading
Notice
Name
Nudge
Watermelon
Seed
detail
focus
Parenthetical textual citation
Works cited page
The intention is to share information. Students often do this
when asked to take an essay test. Prompts usually ask
student to explain, discuss, show cause and effect.
Refers to the reader’s ability to understand what has been
written. Writers must organize, support, and maintain focus
to make an essay flow.
Having clarity, order and logic. Understandable and
consistent. A desirable quality of writing.
Identify an argument that goes against your thesis and
describe why it is not effective (its flaws).
Avoid writing as thoughts come to mind. Work from a prewritten graphic organizer or outline to demonstrate, where
the writer considers how their ideas will make the most sense
or be the most convincing to the reader.
Use long and short sentences. General and specific. Change
verbs and adjectives. Variety is desirable in sentence
structure.
Use social studies content vocabulary. Be thoughtful with
your words.
Your brain works faster than you can write. Read over your
work to find where you need to fill in any gaps for better
coherence and understanding.
What do we see in the work?
What is this writer working on or on the verge of
understanding?
What are the implications for teaching and learning?
This metaphor refers to an entire story, including irrelevant
details. Students should AVOID writing about the
watermelon (i.e. Describe the Civil War).
This metaphor refers to a portion of a story that best
exemplifies the writer’s point. It is carefully selected and
has relevant details for support (i.e. What was the main cause
of the Revolutionary War?)
Specific fact that a student carefully references in an essay to
show support. It can be prior knowledge, course content,
data, a CDV, or a personal experience when appropriate.
Maintaining the same position throughout an essay. Students
should not change positions, especially when identifying a
counter argument.
In MLA style, referring to the works of others in your text is
done by using what's known as parenthetical citation.
Immediately following a quotation from a source or a
paraphrase of a source's ideas, you place the author's name
followed by a space and the relevant page number(s).
Formerly know as a bibliography. It lists the sources used to
give detailed support.