Persuasive Writing

Question 1

ARGUMENT

Answer 1

A series of statements designed to persuade the reader to accept the author’s claim or opinion.

Question 2

ARISTOTLE

Answer 2

A Greek philosopher who studied the art of persuasion and rhetoric.

Question 3

AUDIENCE

Answer 3

The person or people whom the writer hopes to persuade.

Question 4

AUTHORITY

Answer 4

A widely accepted and credible source of information or evidence.

Question 5

BIAS

Answer 5

A preference for or against something that is formed without considering all the facts or information.

Question 6

CALL TO ACTION

Answer 6

A compelling statement that asks the reader/audience to take specific action about an issue or situation.

Question 7

CLAIM

Answer 7

The writer’s main opinion on a topic or issue.

Question 8

CLAIM

Answer 8

A writer’s position on a problem or issue.

Question 9

COUNTERARGUMENT

Answer 9

The audience’s objections or opposing opinions.

Question 10

CREDIBILITY

Answer 10

The believability of an argument or statement.

Question 11

DEDUCTIVE REASONING

Answer 11

A type of reasoning based on presenting a thesis and following with multiple reasons to support it.

Question 12

EMPHASIZE

Answer 12

To stress or highlight.

Question 13

ETHOS

Answer 13

The underlying sentiment that informs the shared beliefs, customs, or practices of a group or society. An Ethos argument relies on appealing to the common values of a group to persuade OR using the reputation of the speaker as a selling point.

Question 14

EVIDENCE

Answer 14

Support for an idea. Includes facts, statistics, examples, anecdotes, and quotations.

Question 15

FACT

Answer 15

A piece of information that can be verified or checked by testing, observing, or consulting a credible source.

Question 16

HOOK

Answer 16

(n) An attention-getting opening in writing or speaking.

Question 17

IMPLORE

Answer 17

To beg urgently

Question 18

LOADED WORDS

Answer 18

Words with strong positive or negative connotations used to appeal to an audience’s emotions.

Question 19

LOGICAL REASONING

Answer 19

A type of reasoning based on facts supported by evidence.

Question 20

LOGOS

Answer 20

The art of logical reasoning. A Logos argument relies on evidence–facts, statistics, data–to prove or persuade. Logos arguments make a speaker appear prepared and informed about their subject, which in turn enhances their Ethos.

Question 21

OPPOSE

Answer 21

To act against.

Question 22

PATHOS

Answer 22

The quality or power of life experiences, literature, music, or other artistic forms of expression to arouse pity or compassion in an audience. A Pathos argument relies on appealing to one’s emotions or needs.

Question 23

PERSUASION

Answer 23

The art of making others believe or act as you want them to through appeals to reason (logos), emotion (pathos), or authority (ethos).

Question 24

PROJECT

Answer 24

(v) the act of speaking clearly and loudly across a distance. Pronounced PRO+JECT (with a long O sound).

Question 25

PROPAGANDA

Answer 25

False or misleading information that is spread to promote an opinion or idea.

Question 26

PURPOSE

Answer 26

The author’s reason for writing. The most common purposes are to Persuade, to Inform, or to Entertain.

Question 27

REASON

Answer 27

A statement that explains or justifies a thesis.

Question 28

REBUTTAL

Answer 28

An attempt to disprove or contradict an argument by offering a counterargument or providing opposing evidence.

Question 29

RHETORIC

Answer 29

The study of the effective use of language, especially language intended to persuade or convince others.

Question 30

RHETORICAL QUESTION

Answer 30

A question with an obvious answer. Writers use rhetorical questions to suggest that anyone with common sense should agree.

Question 31

SENSORY DETAIL

Answer 31

(n) A detail that uses one or more of your five senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, smell) to create an image in your reader’s head.

Question 32

SUPPORT

Answer 32

The reasons and evidence that help prove an argument or claim.

Question 33

TESTIMONIAL

Answer 33

A statement attesting to the worth, value, or benefit of something.

Question 34

THESIS

Answer 34

A statement near the beginning of an essay that summarizes the author’s main point for writing. Synonyms include: Argument, Controlling Perspective, Claim, Main idea, Theme, Author’s Opinion, Position, Premise,