Argument Basics
This is the part of an argument that states what the author wants the reader to believe.
What is a claim?
This type of reasoning begins with a general rule and applies it to a specific case. (General -> Specific)
What is deductive reasoning?
This fallacy attacks a person’s character instead of their argument.
What is ad hominem?
The literal dictionary definition of a word.
What is denotation?
A short explanation under a photograph or illustration.
What is a caption?
Facts, statistics, and examples used to support a claim are called this.
What is evidence?
This reasoning starts with specific observations and forms a broad conclusion. (Specific -> General)
What is inductive reasoning?
This fallacy distracts from the real issue by bringing up something unrelated.
What is a red herring?
The emotional or cultural association attached to a word.
What is connotation?
A visual representation of data or information.
What is a chart or a graph?
This explains how the evidence supports the claim and why it makes sense.
What is reasoning?
This reasoning uses patterns or the most likely explanation based on available information.
What is abductive reasoning?
This fallacy compares two things that are not truly similar.
What is a false analogy?
Two words with the same meaning or nearly the same meaning.
What are synonyms?
A note printed at the bottom of a page that gives additional information or explanation.
What is a footnote?
A student argues that school lunches should improve and gives statistics about unhealthy foods but never explains how the statistics support the claim. What part of the argument is missing?
What is reasoning?
All mammals have lungs. A whale is a mammal. Therefore, a whale has lungs.
What type of reasoning is used?
What is deductive reasoning?
This fallacy makes a general conclusion based on too little evidence.
What is a hasty generalization?
Two words with the same pronunciation but different spellings and meanings.
What are homophones?
An alphabetical list of terms and definitions related to a specific subject in a text.
What is a glossary?
An author claims students should start school later. They provide survey data showing students feel more rested and explain how sleep improves concentration.
What two elements strengthen the argument?
What is evidence and reasoning?
Every time Maya studies with flashcards, she scores higher on tests. She concludes flashcards improve studying.
What type of reasoning is this?
What is inductive reasoning?
A student says, “You shouldn’t listen to his argument about homework because he never does his assignments.”
Which fallacy is being used?
What is ad hominem?
Which reference source would you use to find synonyms and antonyms?
What is a thesaurus?
A section at the end of a text that provides extra information, tables, or supporting material.
What is an appendix?