Argument and Persuasion

Kairos

• is about the right time to deliver an argument and involves using the appropriate tone and structure.

• is a term used to describe the emotional appeal in an argument.

• refers to the logical structure of an argument.

• is a technique for analyzing the credibility of sources.

Background Information

• Information or context that you provide to help your reader understand a topic you are about to discuss.

• A summary of the main points of a discussion.

• A list of references used in a research paper.

• An opinion or personal belief about a topic.

Claim/Thesis Statement

• Claim: What side of the issue you are on (pro/con or for/against); it must be defended and proven.

• Thesis Statement: This includes your claim and expresses the focus of your essay.

• Claim: A statement that does not require evidence.

• Thesis Statement: A summary of the entire essay.

Rhetorical Questions

• Questions that require a detailed answer.

• Questions asked to make a point rather than to elicit an answer, often used in persuasive writing.

• Questions that are always answered immediately.

• Questions that are only used in formal debates.

Counterargument

• An argument made to support another argument.

• An argument made to oppose another argument, often used to strengthen the original argument by addressing potential objections.

• A statement that agrees with the original argument without any opposition.

• A rhetorical question posed to confuse the audience.

Counterclaim

• What the opposing side has to say.

• A statement supporting the main argument.

• A summary of the main points.

• A question posed to challenge the argument.

Direct Quote

• A statement that summarizes the main idea of a text.

• Something copied straight from the text to support your topic or claim/thesis.

• An interpretation of the author's intent.

• A personal opinion about the text.

Argumentative Essays

• Written works that present a claim and support it with evidence and reasoning.

• Essays that describe a personal experience or narrative.

• Papers that summarize existing research without presenting a viewpoint.

• Articles that focus solely on providing entertainment or humor.

Counterargument or Rebuttal

• A response that supports your argument.

• Your response to what the other side says about your topic.

• A statement that ignores opposing views.

• An introduction to your main argument.

Elaboration

• Explaining how evidence relates to or supports your main reason/topic sentence & thesis.

• A brief summary of the main points in an essay.

• The process of drafting an outline for a research paper.

• A technique for memorizing information through repetition.