Key Terms in Writing and Research

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Anecdote

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A short narrative that relates an interesting or amusing incident, usually in order to make or support a larger point.

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Argument

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A position on a topic or issue developed through logic, evidence, and appeals.

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Argumentative text

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A text in which the writer develops and defends a position or debates a topic using logic and persuasion.

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Audience

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The intended target group for a message, regardless of the medium.

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Claim

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An assertion or position on a topic or issue.

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Evidence

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Specific details or facts that support an inference or idea.

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Opinion essay

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An essay that describes a position on a particular topic or issue and develops the argument with supporting evidence.

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Primary source

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A researched source from the time in which an event being studied occurred (e.g., letters, speeches, diaries, surveys, fieldwork, personal interviews, etc.).

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Secondary source

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A researched source that is a step removed from the original accounts of an event or experience (e.g., scholarly articles, journalism, reference books such as encyclopedias, history books, textbooks, reviews, criticisms, etc.).