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Analyzing and Interpreting Literature / Unit 12   AIL 1139 short lesson, about 20 seconds

Referent Tracking in Argument

Captions available

The idea

Argumentative prose runs long sentences with many pronouns, so a question may ask what a given this or it refers back to. Work backwards to the nearest noun that fits grammatically and makes sense, and prefer the grammatical fit when the two compete.

In practice

Nearest noun that fits both ways.

Where people slip

Grammar wins when they compete.

Your place on the trail

Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.

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