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.