part 1
part 2
part 3
part 4
part 5
100

figurative language that makes comparisons in unexpected ways. The purpose is to show similarities in process or in structure.

Analogy

100

a short narrative that relates an interesting or amusing incident, usually to make a larger point


Anecdote

100

is a viewpoint that opposes

   an author’s thesis or claim. 

   For an argument to be 

   persuasive, the author must 

   address counter argument.

Counterargument

100

a term or phrase that has strong emotional overtones and that is meant to evoke strong reactions (positive or negative) beyond the specific meaning to sway opinions

Loaded Language

100

a technique that an author or speaker uses to influence or persuade an audience

Rhetorical Device

200

a position on a topic or issue developed through logic, evidence and appeals

Argument

200

a text in which the writer develops and defends a position or debates a topic using logic and persuasion

Argumentative Text

200

the quality of having reliable

  and trustworthy characteristics

  which may be influenced by an 

  author having expertise on a 

  topic, using unbiased and 

  accurate reasoning, evidence, 

  and sources to support ideas, 

  and providing current and 

  up-to-date information

Credibility

200

an incorrect or

  problematic argument

  that is not based on 

  sound reasoning

Logical Fallacy

200

the author’s particular                                        

  attitude, either stated 

  or implied in writing

Tone

300

the reason an author writes about a particular topic (e.g., to persuade, to entertain, to inform, to explain, to analyze, to describe); the reason an author includes particular details, features, or devices in a work  

Author's Purpose

300

a persuasive technique 

  used in media messages 

  that appeals to the 

  “everyone is doing it” 

    mentality

Bandwagon Appeals

300

specific details or                                                     

   facts that support 

   an inference or idea

Evidence

300

the pattern an author constructs as he or she organizes his or her ideas and provides supporting details. 

Ex: cause & effect, problem & solution, description, and order of importance, etc.

Organization Patterns

300

is a viewpoint that opposes

   an author’s thesis or claim. 

   For an argument to be 

   persuasive, the author must 

   address counter argument.

Counterargument

400

a particular inclination, feeling, or opinion about a subject that is often preconceived or unreasoned

Bias

400

a logical fallacy in which

  an assumption is made in 

  a definition or argument 

  that includes the very point 

  that one is trying to prove 

  (e.g., I love Mr. Johnson’s 

  class because I’m always 

  happy in there).

Circular logic/reasoning

400

a logically incorrect argument, or fallacy, that contains a conclusion that is not supported by data, has limited information, and/or includes personal opinion or bias

Faulty Reasoning

400

to attempt to disprove, contradict, or argue against an opposing viewpoint

Rebuttal

400

a particular inclination, feeling, or opinion about a subject that is often preconceived or unreasoned

Bias

500

an assertion, position,                                                                                                 

  or arguable thesis 

  about a topic or issue

Claim

500

a technique used in argumentation wherein a writer/speaker acknowledges a point made by the opposition in order to establish understanding of the issue from various angles and enhance credibility

Concession

500

two or more words, phrases, or ideas placed    

  close together in order to compare or contrast 

  them for effect

Juxtaposition

500

a credible or believable source. Some questions to evaluate credibility might be: Is the author a respected authority on the subject? Does the author support opinions with strong argumentation and reasoning? How current is the information?

Reliable source

500

a text in which the writer develops and defends a position or debates a topic using logic and persuasion

Argumentative Text