key term - Emphasis

Definition

Emphasis refers to the importance or prominence given to certain elements in a sentence, helping to highlight particular ideas or details. This can be achieved through various grammatical structures and strategies, which help convey the intended meaning more effectively and guide the reader's focus. Understanding how to use emphasis allows for clearer communication, making it easier to distinguish between what is known information and what is new or important.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Emphasis can be achieved through the use of coordinating conjunctions to join clauses, allowing one idea to stand out in relation to another.
2. In compound sentences, the placement of phrases can shift emphasis, making certain information more prominent for the reader.
3. Using contrast effectively within a sentence can enhance emphasis by drawing attention to differences that highlight key points.
4. Given information typically refers to what the reader already knows, while new information is what the writer wants to emphasize and introduce.
5. The structure of a sentence can determine where the emphasis lies; rearranging elements can change which part is highlighted.

Review Questions

• How does the use of coordinating conjunctions affect emphasis in a sentence?
  • Coordinating conjunctions connect clauses or ideas, allowing writers to control how emphasis is distributed across those ideas. By strategically placing important information before or after a conjunction, a writer can signal which parts of the sentence hold greater significance. For example, starting with an impactful idea followed by supporting details can lead the reader's focus toward that key point.
• Discuss how understanding given and new information helps in establishing emphasis within sentences.
  • Understanding the distinction between given and new information is crucial for establishing emphasis because it shapes how ideas are presented. Given information provides context and background that readers are already familiar with, while new information introduces fresh concepts or important points that need highlighting. By placing new information at the end of a sentence or clause, writers can create a natural emphasis that encourages readers to focus on this critical content.
• Evaluate how varying sentence structure can influence the effectiveness of emphasis in writing.
  • Varying sentence structure significantly influences how effectively emphasis is conveyed in writing. By employing different constructions—such as simple, compound, or complex sentences—writers can manipulate where and how emphasis is placed. For instance, using shorter sentences for impactful statements can create a stronger punch, while longer sentences may allow for more nuance. Ultimately, mastering these variations enables writers to guide readers' attention precisely where it is most needed.

Related terms

Clarity:

The quality of being easily understood, free from ambiguity, ensuring that the intended message is communicated effectively.

Contrast: The act of highlighting differences between two or more elements, often used to create emphasis and draw attention to specific points.

Cohesion:

The way in which different parts of a text are connected and work together, contributing to overall clarity and emphasis within the writing.