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