Argumentative Essay

Narration

A narrative technique used in writing that tells a story or recounts events, helping to engage the reader and provide context for the argument.

Cause and Effect

A relationship wherein one event or action directly results in another, often used to structure arguments and analyze the consequences of specific actions in an essay.

Comparison and contrast

A method of organizing an essay that examines the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. This technique helps clarify arguments by highlighting how different elements relate to each other.

Definition

A rhetorical technique that highlights the similarities and differences between two or more subjects, often used to strengthen an argument by illustrating how they relate to one another.

Description

Ad hominem

A fallacy that attacks the character or motive of a person instead of addressing the argument itself, undermining rational debate.

Red herring

A fallacy that introduces irrelevant information or topics into an argument to divert attention from the main issue, disrupting logical reasoning.

Strawman

A form of argument that misrepresents an opponent's position to refute it more easily, rather than engaging with the actual argument.

Equivocation

A fallacy that uses ambiguous language to conceal the truth or to mislead, allowing for multiple interpretations of a term within an argument.

Slippery slope

A logical fallacy suggesting that a small first step will lead to a chain of related events culminating in significant negative consequences. It is often used to argue against a position by invoking fear of extreme outcomes.

Hasty generalization

A fallacy in which a conclusion is drawn from an insufficiently large or unrepresentative sample of data, leading to inaccurate or unfounded claims.

Appeal to authority

A logical fallacy where a claim is considered true based on the authority of the person making it, rather than on evidence. This can lead to flawed arguments if the authority is not a credible source on the topic.

False dilemma

A logical fallacy that presents only two options or sides when, in fact, multiple alternatives exist. It is often used to simplify complex issues and force a choice, ignoring other viable perspectives.

Bandwagon fallacy

A logical fallacy that asserts a claim is true simply because it is popular or widely accepted. This fallacy emphasizes the idea that if many people believe something, it must be correct, disregarding the actual evidence.

Appeal to ignorance

A logical fallacy that argues a proposition is true simply because it has not been proven false, or vice versa. This fallacy shifts the burden of proof and can mislead by relying on a lack of evidence.

Circular argument

A logical fallacy in which the conclusion is included in the premise, essentially restating the argument rather than providing support. This type of reasoning fails to offer substantive evidence or a valid rationale.

Sunk cost fallacy

A logical fallacy where people continue an endeavor once an investment in money, effort, or time has been made, regardless of the potential negative outcomes. This fallacy can lead to irrational decision-making as individuals refuse to cut their losses.

Appeal to pity

A logical fallacy that manipulates an emotional response by appealing to the audience's sympathy, rather than presenting valid arguments or evidence. This fallacy aims to gain support by evoking feelings of compassion rather than rational analysis.

Casual Fallacy

A logical fallacy that occurs when a cause is incorrectly identified, suggesting a relationship between events without sufficient evidence. This fallacy often leads to faulty conclusions regarding causation.

Appeal to hypocrisy

A logical fallacy that occurs when someone discredits an argument by pointing out a contradiction in the person making it, rather than addressing the argument itself. This tactic distracts from the original issue and shifts focus to the opponent's character.

Claims of policy

Statements proposing a course of action or recommending specific solutions to problems. These claims often suggest changes to existing policies or introduce new regulations.