Astro Kitty
The acronym SPACE CAT includes this term, which identifies the reason the author is writing.
What is purpose?
This type of claim asserts whether something is true or not, often using data, evidence, or statistics to support it.
What is a claim of fact?
This type of evidence is based on personal experience or direct observation, often used to build credibility through lived experience.
What is first-hand evidence?
This fallacy presents only two choices or outcomes when, in fact, more options exist.
What is a false dilemma (either/or) fallacy?
This type of reasoning starts with specific observations or examples and moves toward a generalized conclusion. (inductive or deductive)
What is inductive reasoning?
In SPACE CAT, this part refers to the diction and syntax an author uses to strengthen their argument or appeal to the audience.
What are choices?
This type of claim makes a judgment about whether something is good or bad, right or wrong, often based on ethical or moral standards.
What is a claim of value?
This type of evidence is derived from research, reading, or expertise from another source, like an academic study or a historical record.
What is second-hand evidence?
This fallacy assumes that just because one event follows another, the first event must have caused the second.
What is a post hoc ergo propter hoc fallacy?
This reasoning method begins with a general statement or premise and applies it to specific cases to reach a conclusion. (inductive or deductive)
What is deductive reasoning?
This part of SPACE CAT focuses on the individual or group to whom the author is directing the message.
What is audience?
A claim that argues about what should or should not be done, typically calling for a change or action.
What is a claim of policy?
For evidence to be trustworthy, it must correctly represent the facts or data and avoid errors.
What is accurate evidence?
"If we allow students to redo their assignments, soon they’ll expect to redo all their tests, and then no one will ever take school seriously!"
What is a slippery slope fallacy?
After observing that every swan seen so far is white, a person concludes that all swans are white. This is an example of which type of reasoning? (inductive or deductive)
What is inductive reasoning?
In SPACE CAT, this term is crucial for understanding how the interaction between the speaker, audience, and purpose shapes the structure and style of the text.
What is rhetorical situation?
In this type of thesis, the writer acknowledges a counterargument while maintaining their own stance, allowing for a more nuanced argument.
What is a counterargument thesis?
When evidence is logically connected to the argument and directly supports the claim being made, it is considered this.
What is relevant evidence?
"We should trust Sally’s argument on climate change because she plays a meteorologist on that famous TV show."
What is appeal to false authority?
"All humans are mortal. Socrates is a human. Therefore, Socrates is mortal." This is an example of which type of reasoning (valid or not valid)?
What is valid?
This part of SPACE CAT emphasizes the importance of understanding the immediate and larger implications that motivated the creation of the text.
What is exigence?
This type of thesis takes a clear stance and expresses the main argument and all pieces of evidence the writer will support in an argumentative essay.
What is a closed thesis statement?
This criterion ensures that there is enough evidence to fully support a claim, rather than relying on one or two weak examples.
What is sufficient evidence?
"The senator must be corrupt because he’s been in office for over 20 years, and no politician is honest for that long."
What is a hasty generalization fallacy?
Everything that is yellow is also red. Bananas are red. Therefore, bananas are yellow is an example of what type of reasoning (valid or invalid)?
Valid