Chapter 3 Argument Terms

open thesis

An open thesis is one that does not list all the points the writer intends to cover in an essay.

classical oration

five-part argument structure used by classical rhetoricians. The five parts are introduction, narration, confirmation, refutation, conclusion

rebuttal

gives voice to possible objections

quantitative evidence

includes things that can be measured, cited, counted, or otherwise represented in numbers

claim

states argument's main point or opinion

deduction

the process of moving from a general rule to a specific example

qualifier

words like usually, probably, maybe, in most cases, and most likely that are used to temper claims a bit, making them less absolute

syllogism

A form of deductive reasoning consisting of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion.

induction

A method of reasoning by which a rhetor collects a number of instances and forms a generalization that is meant to apply to all instances.

first hand evidence

Evidence based on something the writer knows, whether it's from personal experience, observations, or general knowledge of events

argument

a process of reasoned inquiry

closed thesis

a statement of the main idea of the argument that also previews the major points the writer intends to make

second hand evidence

accessed through research, reading, and investigation

claim of value

argues something good or bad, right or wrong

claim of fact

asserts something that is true or not true

Rogerian arguments

based on the assumption that fully understanding an opposing position is essential to responding to it persuasively and refuting it in a way that is accommodating rather than alienating

Toulmin model

because (evidence as support), therefore (claim), since (warrant), on account of (backing), unless (reservation)

warrant

expresses assumption shared by speaker and audience

claim of policy

proposes a change

reservation

terms and condition necessitated by the qualifier