Argumentative Concepts and Fallacies

Flashcards covering key concepts, methods of development, and logical fallacies in argumentative writing.

What is a claim in argumentative writing?

Your main argument or position; the assertive statement you intend to prove. Must be arguable and specific, not just a topic or a statement of fact.

What is evidence in argumentative writing?

The specific facts, data, statistics, expert testimony, or historical events used to support a claim. Good evidence is credible, relevant, and sufficient.

What is a warrant in argumentative writing?

The logical connection or underlying assumption that links the evidence to the claim; the often-unstated belief or principle that your audience must accept for your evidence to make sense.

What is narration as a method of development?

Telling a story or recounting a specific, representative incident to illustrate a point.

What is Compare & Contrast as a method of development?

Examining similarities (compare) and/or differences (contrast) between two or more subjects. Highlights advantages or disadvantages of one subject over another and clarifies a complex issue by setting it against a known one.

What is Cause & Effect as a method of development?

Explaining the reasons for an event/situation (causes) or the consequences stemming from it (effects). Useful when you can make a logical, tight chain between events.

What is Definition / Description as a method of development?

Clarifying a key term's meaning (definition) or providing vivid sensory details about a subject (description). Useful when a key term is very important to your argument, letting you take control of perspective.

What is the Slippery Slope fallacy?

This fallacy argues that a relatively small first step will inevitably lead to a chain of related, negative events without sufficient proof.

What is the Appeal to False Authority fallacy?

Using someone famous or who sounds like an expert, but they don't actually know about this specific thing.

What is Circular Reasoning / Begging the Question?

Basically, saying something is true because… it's true. The argument just goes in a circle.

What is False Dichotomy (Either/Or)?

Pretends there are only two choices when there are actually more options.

What is False Causality (Post Hoc)?

Means 'after this, therefore because of this.' Just 'cause B happened after A doesn't mean A caused B.

What is Hasty / Over-generalization?

Jumping to a big conclusion based on just a little bit of evidence or only a few examples that might not even be typical.

In the context of argumentative writing, what is a supporting detail?

A statement that provides additional information or evidence to support a claim or thesis statement.

Define 'warrant' in the context of an argument.

An assumption or principle that connects the evidence to the claim.

In the context of building an argument, how do narratives function?

As supporting examples

What is the purpose of 'zooming in on specific details'?

To provide evidence.

Argument: 'If we don't stop children from playing video games, they will never leave their rooms'

Slippery Slope

Argument: 'I take vitamin C every day and I never get sick so vitamin C must be the cure for sickness'

False Causality

Argument: 'Either you’re with me or you’re against me'

False Dichotomy

Argument: 'The Bible is the word of God because the Bible says it is'

Circular reasoning