Synthesis & Argument Terms

Rogerian argument

A non-confrontation writing style that seeks to find common ground and similarities as well as understanding between opposing arguments.

Rebuttal

A contradiction.

Qualified claim

A claim that includes limitations or explanations.

Inductive reasoning

The process of drawing broad conclusions from specific evidence.

Deductive reasoning

The process of taking general ideas and drawing specific conclusions.

Claim of fact

A statement that asserts something as true and can be supported by evidence; must be arguable.

Claim of value

A statement that asserts the worth or value of something; must have some sort of criteria.

Claim of policy

A statement that argues a course of action should be taken to change the status quo, must state the problem, why it’s a problem, and solution.

Argument

An exchange of or statement of one’s own views or opposing views.

Logical fallacy

An error in the logical structure of an argument that may be used to deceive people.

Counterargument

An argument or set of reasons put forward to oppose an idea or theory.

Concession

Something granted typically in response to demands, or to admit somebody was right or that somebody’s argument had some validity.

Refutation

Proving a statement or theory wrong in an argument.

Second hand evidence

Evidence not based on personal knowledge but rather what somebody else has written or said.

Quantitative evidence

Number-based evidence used to support a claim.

Classical oration

A structured form of public speech which follows a specific pattern of introduction, narration, confirmation, refutation, and conclusion.

Synthesis

A type of essay which requires one to combine multiple sources for an argument.