Crucible Characters
Had an affair with Abby
John Proctor
Betty Parris does this at the start of the play, making the town think she is cursed.
This part of an argumentative essay briefly acknowledges the opposing viewpoint.
This type of bias is when an important story is buried deep inside a newspaper or website, making it less noticeable.
Bias through placement
This involves hinting at something negative without directly stating it.
Innuendo
She gave Elizabeth Proctor a gift that ended up sending her to jail.
Mary Warren
Abigail claims this happened to her in the woods in order to divert blame from herself.
Tituba made her drink blood
This is the writer’s response that explains why the opposing viewpoint is weaker or flawed.
Rebuttal
This happens when a news outlet leaves out certain facts or stories to influence the reader’s perception.
Bias through selection and omission
A persuasive fallacy that argues something is true or good simply because “everyone else” believes it or does it. It relies on popularity instead of real evidence.
Ad Populum
This elderly man is pressed to death with stones for refusing to answer the charges against him.
The girls pretend to see this in the rafters during Mary Warren’s testimony, turning the court against her.
A yellow bird / her spirit
This move strengthens the writer’s credibility by showing they understand both sides of the argument.
Concession
Using a headline like “Study Shows Teens Are All Failing School” when only a small group was studied is an example of this bias.
Bias through Statistics
This uses biting or ironic language to mock or criticize someone indirectly.
sarcasm
This wealthy landowner uses the trials to gain more land and settle grudges.
Thomas Putnam
This is the reason Elizabeth lies in court even though she usually never lies.
To protect John's reputation
A persuasive statement that tells the audience exactly what you want them to do next.
Call to Action
This bias can influence readers before they even read the article, because it frames the story with specific words in the title.
Bias by headline
Saying “This is the best product in the universe!” is an example of this exaggeration technique.
hyperbole
This official of the court refuses to postpone the hangings, arguing that doing so would show weakness.
Deputy Governor Danforth
This unexpected revelation causes the court to postpone Elizabeth Proctor’s execution.
She is pregnant
This part of the argumentative essay directly refutes the counterargument and brings the focus back to the writer’s claim.
Rebuttal
If a newspaper places stories about crime or disasters on the front page but ignores positive community news, this type of bias is at work.
Bias through placement
Using words like “merely,” “just,” or “only” to make an argument sound less significant is an example of this fallacy.
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