Parts of an argument
a statement, essentially arguable, but used as a primary point to support an argument
What is a claim?
Asking a question that implies its own answer or that the audience is forced to answer themselves.
What is a rhetorical question?
“Approximately 1 in 4 students admit they’ve cheated during an assessment.”
What are facts and statistics?
“One happy customer reported she lost 10kg after switching to our company’s healthy shakes range.”
What are endorcements or testimonials?
You're too young to understand the issues!
I'm 30 years old, and you didn't even address my argument
What is Ad Hominem?
What is a Call To Action?
The repetition of words, phrases, or clauses in groups of three within a sentence or series of sentences.
What is tricolon?
“According to Professor Howard Ong, urgent action is needed to address climate change.”
What is expert opinion?
“I've worked with hundreds of teenagers in my role as a clinical psychologist for the last 30 years.”
What is listing credentials?
We can't spend all of our money on marketing!
Not all of our money! I just said I want a small increase in the marketing budget.
What is a Straw Man?
In an argument for school uniforms, saying "Some say uniforms are bad because they limit self-expression."
What is a Counterclaim?
Use of the second person pronoun 'you', 'your' or 'yourself' to speak directly to the audience.
What is direct address?
“The defendant pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated assault.”
What is jargon?
“As the flames of injustice rage on, we must stand together as a beacon of hope, lighting the path to a better future."
What is emotive language?
If I don't study for my test, I'll fail chemistry, get a low GPA, and I'll never get into college!
What is Slippery Slope?
"School violence has gone down 90% in California schools with uniforms" (source A).
What is Evidence/Data?
Informal, everyday language that is characteristic of ordinary conversation rather than formal writing or speech.
What is colloquial language?
“It is imperative that we carefully consider the long-term implications of this decision.”
What is formal language?
“In my local community, I started a recycling awareness program.”
What is personal anecdote?
I know you want the company to raise wages because of our increased profits.
We currently offer employees great benefits!
What is Red Herring?
"Schools should require uniforms because it keeps students safe."
What is a Reason?
The use of exaggerated or extravagant language to emphasise a point or create a dramatic effect
What is hyperbole?
“As stewards of the Earth, we must take action to preserve our natural resources for future generations.”
"Just $1 a day can save a starving puppy from Angola. Surely you can spare just $1."
What is an Appeal to Pathos?
All these people agree with me. I'm definitely right!
What is Ad Populum?