Advanced Argument Analysis
A writer states, “School uniforms improve focus.” This statement functions as this part of an argument.
What is a claim?
A commercial shows a crying child to convince viewers to donate money. This primarily appeals to what?
What is pathos?
The sentence “Freedom. Justice. Equality.” uses short, repeated structure to create emphasis. This is an example of what technique related to sentence structure?
What is syntax (used for emphasis)?
“You can’t trust his opinion on school safety because he failed math.”
What is ad hominem?
“I failed one quiz, so I’m terrible at this subject.”
What is hasty generalization?
A student argues for longer recess but includes statistics about improved concentration. This type of support strengthens the argument through this appeal.
What is logos?
A scientist explains climate change using research studies and data. This establishes which appeal?
What is ethos?
An author uses the words “slender” instead of “skinny” to create a positive tone. This reflects deliberate control of what?
What is diction?
“If we start school 10 minutes later, eventually students won’t come to school at all.”
What is slippery slope?
“Students are like machines; they should work nonstop without breaks.”
What is false analogy?
A writer includes a paragraph explaining why some people oppose school uniforms before responding to it. This shows acknowledgment of this element.
What is a counterclaim?
An advertisement claims, “9 out of 10 doctors recommend this toothpaste.” This combines logos with which additional appeal?
What is ethos?
“Are we going to sit back and do nothing?” is asked during a speech to inspire action, not to receive an answer. This is what device?
What is a rhetorical question?
“She wants healthier lunches, so she must want students to starve.”
What is straw man?
“Reading is important because it matters.”
What is circular reasoning?
If a claim lacks specific examples, data, or explanation, it is missing this key argumentative element.
What is elaboration (or supporting evidence)?
A speaker shares a personal story about struggling in school to build trust before presenting statistics. This strategic combination strengthens which two appeals?
What are ethos and pathos?
Comparing a determined athlete to “David facing Goliath” is an example of this literary reference.
What is an allusion?
“Everyone agrees this movie is the best, so it must be true.”
What is ad populum (bandwagon)?
“I like video games, so I deserve extra credit.”
What is non sequitur?
An argument includes a clear claim, supporting evidence, acknowledgment of opposing views, and logical conclusions. This describes an argument with strong what?
What is reasoning (or logical structure)?
A speech relies heavily on emotional stories but includes no data or expert support. This argument is weakest in which appeal?
What is logos?
An author rearranges normal word order to say, “Powerful you have become.” This unusual arrangement is an intentional manipulation of what?
What is syntax?
“We shouldn’t discuss homework policies because the cafeteria food is terrible.”
What is red herring?
An argument claims, “School uniforms are good because they are beneficial for students.” This argument fails because the reasoning simply restates the claim. This logical flaw is called what?
What is circular reasoning?