Process Arguments, Sentence Structure, and Literary Forms
Understanding Process Arguments
Developing a process argument involves three distinct steps:
- Forming an Opinion: Before reviewing a subject, it’s necessary to form your own informed opinion.
- Sustaining the Argument: To demonstrate validity, use arguments and provide reasons to defend your thesis.
- Considering Other Opinions: Address differing views through various attitudes:
- Rebuttal: Rejecting an opposing idea with reasons or counter-arguments (presenting arguments against and in favor of your position).
- Negotiation: Partially accepting aspects of opposing arguments while maintaining your core thesis.
Grammar Fundamentals
Grammatical Functions (Accessories)
The grammatical function often aligns with the word type:
- If the core element is a noun, its function is often nominal.
- If it’s an adjective, its function is adjectival.
- If it’s a verb, its function is verbal.
Prepositions
Prepositions are linking words that connect a core element (kernel) with another phrase, typically a nominal phrase, which functions as a complement.
Sentence Complements
Sentence complements refer to the sentence as a whole, not just a part of it. Example: “Give me the pen, please.”
Direct Object (DO)
The direct object is the complement that receives the direct action of the verb. It can take several forms:
- Noun Phrase: He won the race.
- Prepositional Noun Phrase (often with ‘a’ in Spanish for people): He threatened the referee.
- Unstressed Personal Pronoun: I welcome it. He acknowledged it.
Identification Tests:
- Substitute with an unstressed personal pronoun (e.g., lo, la, los, las in Spanish): “He made the rules.” -> “He made them.”
- Transform into a passive sentence where the DO becomes the subject: “The player threatened the referee.” -> “The referee was threatened by the player.”
Prepositional Complement (or Complemento de Régimen Verbal)
This complement is required by the verb and is introduced by a specific preposition dictated by that verb. It’s sometimes called a prepositional object.
Identification Tests:
- Substitute the complement with [preposition + pronoun]: “I rely on his judgment.” -> “I rely on it.”
- It generally cannot be replaced by a direct object pronoun or an adverb.
- Removing the required preposition often changes the verb’s meaning or makes the sentence incorrect: “Their arguments rely on false premises.” -> *”Their arguments rely…”* (Incomplete/incorrect).
Indirect Object (IO)
The indirect object indicates to whom or for whom the action of the verb (along with the direct object, if present) is performed.
Forms:
- Noun Phrase with Preposition (‘to’ or ‘for’ in English): I am going to give help to John. I bought a gift for Mary.
- Unstressed Personal Pronoun: He gave me a pen.
Identification Tests:
- Substitute the prepositional phrase with an unstressed personal pronoun: “I gave help to John.” -> “I gave him help.”
- When the sentence is transformed into the passive voice, the IO usually remains unchanged: “I will give help to John.” -> “Help will be given to John by me.”
Adverbial Complement (Circumstantial Complement – CC)
The adverbial complement expresses circumstances related to the verb’s action, such as place, time, manner, quantity, cause, etc.
Forms:
- Adverb: Lay down the copies here.
- Prepositional Phrase: Collect the copies at that class.
- Noun Phrase (sometimes without a preposition, especially for time): Collect the copies tonight.
Attribute and Predicate Complement
- Attribute (Subject Complement): In sentences with copular verbs (like ‘be’, ‘seem’, ‘become’), the attribute names a quality or condition of the subject. Example: “She is intelligent.”
- Predicate Complement (Object Complement): This complement modifies the direct object, naming a quality or condition resulting from the verb’s action. Example: “They elected him president.”
Distinguishing Prose and Verse
Prose and verse differ primarily in their structure and rhythmic qualities:
- Prose: Written in standard paragraph form without the line breaks characteristic of verse; read with natural speech rhythms.
- Verse: Typically written in lines, which may be cut based on meter or rhythm. It often incorporates elements like melody (rhythm and intonation) and rhyme.
Elements of Verse Forms
- Line Length (Meter): The number of syllables forming a line of verse.
- Accent Distribution (Rhythm): The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables. Accents often fall on syllables occupying consistent positions within lines.
- Rhyme: The repetition of similar sounds at the end of two or more lines. This can be:
- Consonance: Repetition of consonant sounds.
- Assonance: Repetition of vowel sounds.
- Full Rhyme (Consonant Rhyme): Repetition of both vowel and consonant sounds.