Argument And Persuation Vocabulary Flashcards
argument
expresses a point of view or position on an issue and supports the position with reasons and evidence.
claim
the writer’s or speaker’s position on an issue
Why is the speech being given
Ex.) Motorcycle helmets help save lives and reduce critical head injuries, and laws requiring helmet use have a dramatic lifesaving effect
support
valid reasons and relevant and sufficient evidence
Ex.) Where helmet [laws] have been enacted, then repealed, death rates for motorcyclists rise in the absence of a helmet law.
Counterargument / counterclaim
An argument made to answer an opposing argument
Bias
An inclination toward a particular judgment on a topic or issue
Anecdote
a short story about an interesting or funny event or occurrence
A narrative that supports the claim
rhetorical devices
Techniques writers use to enhance their arguments and communicate more effectively
Repetition
a technique in which sound, word, phrase, or line is repeated for emphasis or unity
Ex.) Let there be justice for all. Let there be peace for all. Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all.
—from “Glory and Hope” by Nelson Mandela
Parallelism
The use of similar grammatical constructions to express ideas that are related or equal in importance
Ex.) We cannot, we must not, refuse to protect the right of every American to vote in every election. . . . And we ought not, and we cannot, and we must not wait another eight months before we get a bill.
—from “We Shall Overcome” by Lyndon Baines Johnson
Analogy
Point by point comparison between two things that are alike in some respect.
Ex.) Have you heard the canned, frozen and processed product being dished up to the world as American popular music today?
—from a commencement address by Billy Joel
Rhetorical question
Questions that do not require a reply
Ex.) And Ain’t I a woman?
- Sojourner Truth
