What is ad hominem

Arguing against the man instead of against the issue. Example: We can’t elect him mayor. He cheats on his wife! Or: He doesn’t really believe in the First Amendment. He just wants to defend his right to hold racist views.

What is appeal to emotion

A proposal that relies heavily on strong emotional reactions.

What is a euphemism?

Substitution of an agreeable or at least non-offensive expression for one whose plainer meaning might be harsh or unpleasant.

What is a periodic sentence

arranged in order of climax; withholds important or critical information to make the end information a surprise.

What is a claim?

Also called a proposition – answers the question “What are you trying to prove?

What is non sequitur

The conclusion does not follow logically from the premise. Example: My teacher is pretty; I’ll learn a lot from her. Or: John McCain was a war hero; he’ll be willing to stand tough for America.

What is appeal to authority

an argument that focuses heavily on expert opinions, statistics, and factual evidence.

What is a paradox?

An assertion seemingly opposed to common sense, but that may yet have some truth in it.

What is compound-complex sentence?

contains 2 independent clauses and a dependent clause

What is circumlocution?

An indirect way of expressing; to talk around a topic, essentially avoiding it

What is hasty generalization

A generalization based on too little evidence, or on evidence that is biased. Example: All men are testosterone-driven idiots. Or: After being in New York for a week, I can tell you: all New Yorkers are rude.

What is appeal to values

arguments that promise to protect our values (success, freedom, equality, courage, etc.)

What is a double entendre?

The deliberate use of ambiguity in a phrase or image--especially involving sexual or humorous meanings.

What is narrative pace?

A passage can read slow or fast depending on things like Length of words Omission of words Length of sentence Number of dependent clauses etc.

What is parallel structure?

Having identical or very similar sentence structure. Example: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

What is circular reasoning

Asserting a point that has just been made. Sometimes called “begging the question.” Example: She is ignorant because she was never educated. Or: We sin because we’re sinners.

What is claim of policy

asserts that specific courses of action should be instituted as solutions to problems

What is a rhetorical question?

A question not answered by the writer because its answer is obvious or obviously desired, and usually just a yes or no. It is used for effect, emphasis, or provocation, or for drawing a conclusionary statement from the facts at hand.

What is cadence?

The rhythm of a sentence that comes through parallel elements and repetition of sounds.

What is an analogy?

Compares two things, which are alike in several respects, for the purpose of explaining or clarifying some unfamiliar or difficult idea or object by showing how the idea or object is similar to some familiar one.

What is post hoc, ergo propter hoc

The mistake of assuming that, because event a is followed by event b, event a caused event b. Example: It rained today because I washed my car. Or: The stock market fell because the Japanese are considering implementing an import tax.

What is claim of fact

asserts that a condition has existed, exists, or will exist and is based on facts or data that the audience will accept as being objectively verifiable

What is an exemplum?

Citing an example; using an illustrative story, either true or fictitious

What is asyndeton?

Consists of omitting conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses. Ex: “But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground.” President Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address

What is pleonasm?

Using more words than required to express an idea; being redundant.