Argumentation & Rhetoric Basics

Flashcards cover definitions of argumentation and rhetoric, their differences, types of claims, examples of each claim type, qualities of good claims, and the purpose of supporting evidence.

What is argumentation?

Supporting a claim with evidence and/or reasoning.

What is rhetoric?

The art of effective speaking or writing—how something is said (style).

How does argumentation differ from rhetoric?

Argumentation focuses on what is said (content and logic), while rhetoric focuses on how it is said (style and technique).

What is a rhetorical question?

A question posed that does not require an answer but strongly implies one, guiding the audience toward a conclusion.

What are the four common types of claims?

Fact, Value, Policy, and Definition.

Give an example of a claim of fact about capital punishment.

“Support for capital punishment is decreasing.”

Give an example of a claim of value about capital punishment.

“Capital punishment is unjust.”

Give an example of a claim of policy about capital punishment.

“Capital punishment should be abolished.”

Give an example of a claim of definition regarding capital punishment.

“Capital punishment is the legally sanctioned killing for a crime.”

List the qualities of a strong claim.

Significant, interesting, consequential, debatable, central to the text, non-obvious, and requires supporting evidence and/or reasoning.

Why must claims be supported by evidence or reasoning?

Because non-obvious, debatable assertions require proof to be persuasive and credible.