8th - Writing Fundamentals and Persuasion

A complete set of 18 vocabulary flashcards covering the purposes of writing, essay structure, citation ethics, and rhetorical appeals based on the lecture notes.

Purpose

The reason for writing.

Narrative Writing

Writing that tells a story.

Informative Writing

Writing that explains a topic.

Argumentative Writing

Writing that defends a position.

Formal Style

Serious, academic language.

Audience

The intended readers or listeners.

Thesis Statement

The main argument of an essay.

Topic Sentence

A sentence that states the main idea of a paragraph, usually the first sentence in the body paragraphs. It tells the reader what the paragraph will be about and helps guide the supporting details that follow.

Introduction

The beginning of a piece of writing.

Conclusion

The ending that wraps up ideas.

Transition

A word or phrase connecting ideas.

Citation

Giving credit to sources.

Plagiarism

Using another person’s work without credit.

Credible Source

A trustworthy source of information.

Persuasion

The act of trying to convince someone to believe something, agree with an idea, or take action. In writing or speaking, persuasion uses reasons, evidence, and emotional appeal to influence the audience.

Ethos (Credibility/Trust)

Appeals to the speaker’s or writer’s trustworthiness. It convinces the audience that the speaker is knowledgeable and reliable.

Pathos (Emotion)

Appeals to the audience’s feelings or emotions, such as sympathy, fear, or excitement.

Logos (Logic/Reason)

Appeals to facts, evidence, statistics, and logical reasoning.