Claims & Evidence
The main idea or position the author wants the reader to accept.
What is a claim?
Using structured, rational thinking to reach a conclusion.
What is logical reasoning?
A flaw or error in reasoning that weakens an argument.
What is a logical fallacy?
To judge how strong, logical, and convincing it is.
What does it mean to evaluate an argument?
The art of using language to persuade or influence others.
What is rhetoric?
Facts, examples, or data used to support a claim.
What is evidence in an argument?
Starting with a general truth and applying it to a specific case.
What is deductive reasoning?
Attacking the person making the argument instead of the argument itself.
What is an ad hominem fallacy?
It is logical, clearly explained, and connects evidence directly to the claim.
What is effective reasoning?
An appeal to emotion.
What is pathos?
To explain how or why the evidence supports the claim.
What is the purpose of reasoning?
Drawing a general conclusion from specific examples or evidence.
What is inductive reasoning?
Bringing up unrelated information to distract from the main issue.
What is a red herring fallacy?
It relies on emotional language, irrelevant evidence, or flawed logic.
What is a weak argument?
An appeal to logic or reason.
An appeal to logic or reason.
Strong arguments rely on accurate, trustworthy, and connected information.
What is relevant and credible evidence?
Making the most likely conclusion from limited or incomplete evidence.
What is abductive reasoning?
Comparing two things that aren’t truly alike in a way that supports the claim.
What is a false/weak analogy?
Use data, examples, and expert sources.
What is making an argument more convincing?
An appeal to credibility, trust, or ethics.
What is ethos?
Each claim should be directly supported by clear and logical evidence.
What is building a strong argument?
Its ideas follow a clear, reasonable order.
What is a logical argument?
Making a conclusion based on too little or biased evidence.
What is a hasty generalization?
Flawed logic, irrelevant evidence, or lack of reasoning.
What is a weak argument?
Any question asked for effect, not to get an answer.
What is a rhetorical question?