A sentence which has a subject that does something plus a verb that shows action.
What is ACTIVE VOICE?
100
Facts that no one can seriously dispute.
What are ESTABLISHED TRUTHS?
100
Results when someone bases a conclusion on too little evidence.
What is a HASTY GENERALIZATION?
200
Using a moment from your own life to support an argumentative position.
What is PERSONAL EXPERIENCE?
200
A sentence which has the subject receive, rather than perform, the action.
What is PASSIVE VOICE?
200
Lapses in logic that reflect upon your ability think clearly, and therefore they weaken your argument.
What are LOGICAL FALLACIES?
200
The views of a recognized expert in some field.
What are AUTHORITATIVE OPINIONS?
200
Asserts that only two choices exist when, in fact, several options are possible.
What is the EITHER/OR FALLACY?
300
The image the writer projects; the writer’s tone.
What is ETHICAL APPEAL?
300
Writing flows smoothly and easily from one sentence and paragraph to another.
What is COHERENCE?
300
A paragraph with one key controlling idea.
What is UNITY?
300
Documents or other materials produced by individuals directly involved with the issue.
What is PRIMARY SOURCE INFORMATION?
300
Attacks an individual rather than that individual’s opinions or qualifications.
What is ARGUMENT AD HOMINEM?
400
Definitions that embrace too much territory.
What is AN OVERLY BROAD DEFINITION?
400
Can win the hearts and the help of people who would otherwise passively accept a logical argument but take no action.
What is EMOTIONAL APPEAL?
400
Definitions that are usually a paragraph to several pages in length; they are montages of other methods of development – narration description, process analysis, illustration, etc.
What is an EXTENDED DEFINITION?
400
Data showing how much, how many or how often.
What are STATISTICS/STATISTICAL FINDINGS?
400
Asserts that one step in the “wrong” direction will lead to a worst-case scenario.
What is the SLIPPERY SLOPE?
500
This type of argument attempts to reduce the antagonism that people with opposing views towards an emotionally charged issue might feel. To succeed, you must show that you understand and respect the opposing position as well as acknowledge its good points.
What is A ROGERIAN ARGUMENT?
500
Defining a term by repeating it or changing its form slightly.
What is CIRCULAR DEFINITION?
500
A general claim supported by specific evidence.
What is DEDUCTION?
500
A specific conclusion follows logically from a general idea.
What is INDUCTION?
500
A set of three statements that follow a fixed pattern to ensure sound reasoning.