Persuasive Text
Claim
A writer's position on an issue or problem.
Logical Fallacy
An error in reasoning.
Counterarguments
Arguments made to disprove an opposing viewpoint.
Caricature
Cartoon-like portrayals of opposing arguments.
Factual Claims
Claim or argument based on facts.
Support
Evidence that backs up the claim.
Incorrect Premise
General principle or claim that is wrong.
Appeal to Fear
Makes people feel as if their safety, security, or health is in danger.
False Assumption
Mistaken beliefs
Leading Questions
Questions that contain their answers.
Rhetorical Fallacy
Speech or writing that is false or misleading.
Appeal to Pity
Taps into people's compassion for others.
Bandwagon Appeal
Taps into people's desire to belong.
Ethical Appeal
Tries to gain moral support for a claim by linking the claim to a widely accepted value.
Loaded Terms
Uses words with strongly positive or negative connotations to stir people's emotions.
Assertion
a confident and forceful statement of fact or belief.
Opinion
a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.
Commonplace Assertion
an assertion that is held to be true by most people but not backed up with facts.
Ad Hominem
appealing to one's prejudices, emotions, or special interests rather than to one's intellect or reason. OR attacking an opponent's character rather than answering his argument.
