Academic Writing Flashcards
Use this deck to study for semester exam
Academic Argument Essay
A formal essay presenting a debatable position.
Claim
A statement that can be disputed or supported.
Third-person point of view
Narrative perspective avoiding first-person pronouns.
Evidence
Facts and data supporting an argument’s validity.
Ad hominem
Attacking the person instead of the argument.
Strawman
Misrepresenting an opponent’s argument to refute it.
Appeal to ignorance
Claiming something is true because it hasn’t been proven false.
Deductive reasoning
Logical process from general principles to specific conclusions.
Counterclaim
An opposing argument to the main claim presented.
Call to action
A statement urging the audience to take specific steps.
Persuasive tone
A style aimed at convincing the audience effectively.
Visual aids
Charts, tables, and graphs enhancing argument clarity.
Ongoing debates
Issues still under discussion without easy solutions.
1 pronged thesis
A thesis statement presenting a single main argument.
Facts
Objective information used to substantiate claims.
Statistics
Numerical data supporting an argument’s effectiveness.
Expert opinion
Insights from authorities in a relevant field.
Research
The process of gathering information for reports.
Neutral Writing
Writing without bias, focusing on factual reporting.
Audience
The group of readers for whom the report is intended.
Local Angle
A perspective that relates to the community. Reports are generally geared toward something local when possible.
On Point
Staying focused on the main topic without digression.
Personal Opinion
Subjective views that should be excluded from reports.
Terms and Definitions
Sections in reports explaining key concepts and terminology.
Synthesizing Information
Combining various sources to present cohesive insights.
Scholarly Sources
Reliable sources ending in .edu, .gov, or .org.
Visuals
Images or graphs included with titles and captions.
Expert Role
Position of authority when sharing information in reports.
Non-Argumentative
Reports that do not present a persuasive argument.
Narrowing Process
Refining a broad thesis to a specific focus.
Anecdote
A short, engaging story to introduce a topic.
Descriptive Writing
Detailing the topic and key terms in reports.
Comparative Analysis
Examining similarities and differences in report content.
Clever Title
An engaging title that provokes thought about the subject.
