Critical Reading and Arguments

These flashcards cover key concepts related to critical reading, types of claims in writing, textual connectivity, patterns of development in writing, and logical fallacies.

Critical Reading

Gleaning meaning beyond the surface text.

Analysis

Searching for details to derive meaning.

Inference

Drawing logical conclusions by weighing objective data.

Explicit Claims

Claims that are directly and obviously stated in the text.

Implicit Claims

Claims that are suggested or indirectly stated; requires the reader to read between the lines.

Claim of Fact

Asserts a quantifiable, verifiable, but debatable stand.

Claim of Value

An appraisal or evaluation based on philosophical, aesthetic, or moral standpoints.

Claim of Policy

Asserts the implementation of a specific action or solution.

Intertextuality

The concept that no text is an 'island'; every text is a 'mosaic of citations', coined by Julia Kristeva.

Hypertext

Non-linear text on electronic devices, coined by Theodor 'Ted' Nelson.

Narration

Tells a story/sequence that can be objective (facts) or subjective (feelings).

Description

Sensory details that can be objective (scientific) or subjective (emotive).

Exemplification

Uses specific particulars to support a general statement.

Definition

Explains term boundaries, typically using a formal formula.

Classification

Sorting items into categories based on shared traits.

Comparison and Contrast

Examines similarities vs. differences.

Cause and Effect

Links events to results.

Problem-Solution

Identifies a problem and proposes actionable solutions.

Persuasion

Convinces readers to accept a position, using components like topic and evidence.

Hasty Generalization

Conclusion based on too small a sample.

False Analogy

Comparing two incomparable things.

Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc

Assumes that if event A happened before B, then A caused B.

Non Sequitur

Conclusion does not logically follow from the premise.

False Dichotomy

Presenting only two extreme options.

Slippery Slope

Argues that one small step will lead to a chain of negative events.

Ad Hominem

Attacking the person's character instead of the argument.

Ad Misericordiam

Appeal to pity or sympathy.

Ad Populum

Believing something because it is popular, also known as bandwagon.