Synthesizing Sources: Entering the Conversation

Induction

arranging an argument so that it leads from specific evidence to more generalized evidence. It uses specific cases to draw a conclusion.

ex:

kiwi's have more potassium than a banana
kiwi's have twice the vitamin c than an orange
kiwi's have two times the nutrients than of an apple

all fruits have less minerals and vitamins than kiwis

Deduction

arranging an argument so that it leads from generalized evidence being applied to specific details. Often structured as a syllogism.

Syllogism

a logical structure that uses the major and minor premise to reach a conclusion.

ex:
major: all men are not short
minor: Aleem is tall
conclusion: all men are tall

major premise

concluding something by starting with a general principle or generalized truth; the premise of a syllogism that contains the major term

minor premise

concluding something by starting with a specific case/truth; the premise of a syllogism that contains the minor term

Classical Oration

a five part structure for a speech or oratory. This technique is still used today by many people around the world.

Classical Oration introduction and purpose

introduces the reader to the topic or subject that is being talked about. also called the "exordium" which means "beginning a web" in Latin. This draws the readers into the text by stimulating their interest, challenging them and getting their attention in various ways. Most of the times, ethos is established in this step.

Classical Oration narration

more commonly known as exposition, provides factual evidence and material on the subject of the text. Establish why the subject is a problem that needs to be addressed. Often appeals to pathos and sometimes logos because the writer attempts to evoke an emotional response about the topic of discussion.

Classical Oration confirmation

major part of the text that includes the development or proof needed to make the speaker's case. this section always contains the most detail and has concrete evidence to make a strong appeal to logic and logos.

Classical Oration counterargument

used as arguments against the opposing claims. Speaker/writer makes possible objections to opposing viewpoints and can anticipate a possible objection to their own claims and addresses them in refutation stage.

Classical Oration refutation

this section addresses the counterargument which is a bridge between the speaker/writer's proof and conclusion. this is most commonly places at the end of the argument, but it is not required.

Classical Oration conclusion

brings the text to a close. Here the speaker/writer usually appeals to pathos and bring up the earlier points of ethos established in earlier steps. This step brings all the already mentioned ideas together and answers the final question, bringing an end to it all

closed thesis statement

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

ex: Out-of-state, expensive school dances are not worth it because it tends to have many risk factors like stress for parents, exclude a large student body, and create commercial competition.

open thesis statement

a statement that does not list all the points the writer intends to cover in an essay

ex: Out-of-state, expensive school dances are not worth the price because they are risky.

counterargument thesis statement

a statement in which the summary of a counterargument precedes the writer's opinion

ex: While some may argue that fancy school dances create memorable and unique memories, they are not worth it because they cause lots of stress and tension for parents, exclude a large portion of the student body, and creates lots of commercial competition.

qualified arguments

an argument that considers other perspectives and acknowledges the limitations of their claims and positions.

ex: social media creates a false reality because its sets unrealistic expectations and standards. Although one can argue that you can choose whether social media sets unrealistic expectations because you have control over it, its not always true because most social media platforms use various algorithms that intend to show you a false reality and make you feel degrated.

aspersions

noun
a disparaging remark; an abusive attack on a person's character or good name

"The politicians running for senate casted many aspersions on their opponents."

synonyms: slur, defamation, denigration

compunction

noun
a feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed)

"He feels no compunction about his crimes."

synonyms: remorse, self-reproach

derision

noun
the act of deriding or treating with contempt

"The speech was greeted with derision by opposing team."

synonyms: ridicule, mockery

disapprobation

noun
an expression of strong disapproval; pronouncing as wrong or morally culpable

"She feared her father's disapprobation."

synonyms: condemnation, disapproval, dislike

ostracize

verb
expel from a community or group; avoid speaking to or dealing with

"Ever since I spoke up, my colleagues ostracize me,"

synonyms: ban, banish, cast out

rebuke

noun
an act or expression of criticism and censure

"He had to take the rebuke with a smile on his face,"

synonyms: reprehension, reprima