Build the Argument
This is something the writer wants the audience to believe.
What is a claim?
This audience already agrees with part or all of your argument.
Sympathetic audience
“Learning to write is like learning to play basketball; both improve through consistent practice.”
Analogy
A writer makes the opposition's position weaker or more extreme than it really is so that it becomes easier to attack.
Straw Man
A reader has never heard of your controversy and needs background information before understanding your argument. What audience are you addressing?
Uninformed
These are invented by the speaker and explain why the audience should accept or care about a claim.
What are reasons?
This audience knows about your subject but simply does not care.
Uninterested audience
“Unlike high school, college requires students to manage more of their own deadlines.”
Difference
He is a good communicator because he speaks effectively.”
Circular Argument
A student says, “Five students I know studied with flashcards and all five passed. Therefore, flashcards help students pass tests.” What inference is being used?
Induction
This comes from outside the speaker and is found through research.
What is evidence?
This audience knows little or nothing about your subject.
Uninformed audience
A writer explains that academic integrity means completing work honestly and properly crediting sources.
Definition
A writer reduces a complicated issue to only two possible choices.
False Binary
Your claim is: “Schools should provide free breakfast.” You write: “because hungry students have difficulty concentrating.” Is that statement functioning as a claim, reason, or evidence?
Reason
Name the three parts students should be able to identify in a complete argument.
Claim + Reason + Evidence
This audience already disagrees with your argument and may continue reading mainly to object.
Hostile audience
Several students improve after receiving different forms of academic support. The writer concludes that additional academic support can improve student performance.
Induction
“If we allow students to turn in one late assignment, soon everyone will turn everything in late, deadlines will become meaningless, and no one will complete work on time.”
Slippery Slope
A writer says, “My opponent wants to limit sugary drinks in schools, so clearly she wants students to never enjoy anything they eat.” Identify the flaw.
Straw Man
This is the unspoken part of an argument that connects the reasoning to the conclusion.
What is an assumption?
This audience may believe they understand the controversy but actually fails to grasp an important concept, point, or piece of information.
Confused audience
Students who repeatedly miss class may fall behind because they miss instruction, practice, and feedback.
Causation
Explain WHY this is flawed:
“You can either go to law school or work a dead-end job for the rest of your life.”
False Binary — it presents only two possibilities when many other career paths exist.
Explain the difference between Induction and Causation without simply defining each word.
Induction moves from specific examples/evidence toward a broader conclusion. Causation argues that one factor actually causes or contributes to an outcome.