Argumentation and Rhetoric Review

Flashcards to review key concepts in argumentation, rhetoric, and style to prepare for the exam.

What are the four main rhetorical appeals?

Ethos, Pathos, Logos, and Kairos

Define Ethos

An appeal to credibility or ethics, often citing experts.

Define Pathos

An appeal to emotion, using storytelling or emotional language.

Define Logos

An appeal to logic or reason, often using statistics or evidence.

Define Kairos

An appeal to timeliness or urgency.

What is deductive reasoning?

Reasoning from general principles to specific instances.

What is inductive reasoning?

Reasoning from specific observations to general principles, based on probability or trends.

What is the Ad Hominem fallacy?

Attacking the person making the argument, rather than the argument itself.

What is the Straw Man fallacy?

Misrepresenting an argument to make it easier to attack.

What is the No True Scotsman fallacy?

Rejecting counterexamples by changing the criteria.

What is the Black and White fallacy?

Presenting only two choices when more exist.

What is a Red Herring fallacy?

Distracting with irrelevant information.

What is the Appeal to Authority fallacy?

Using a non-expert or biased source as proof.

Define Parallelism

Balanced, repeated structure in writing.

Define Anaphora

Repetition at the beginning of sentences.

Define Asyndeton

Omission of conjunctions.

Define Polysyndeton

Overuse of conjunctions.

What is a cumulative sentence?

A main clause followed by details.

What is a periodic sentence?

A sentence where details come before the main clause.

Define Juxtaposition

Side-by-side contrast to emphasize differences.

Define Hyperbole

Extreme exaggeration for effect.

Define Understatement

Downplaying something for ironic effect.

What is satire?

Humorous criticism using irony and exaggeration.

Define Sardonic

Bitterly mocking or cynical.

Define Dogmatic

Arrogantly opinionated or assertive.

What does a semi-colon do?

Connects two related independent clauses.

What does a dash do?

Adds emphasis, interruption, or detail.

What does a colon do?

Introduces a list, explanation, or quote.

Define Claim

The writer’s main argument or position.

Define Evidence

Facts, examples, and quotes that support the claim.

Define Reasoning

Explains why the evidence supports the claim.

Define Bias

Favoring one side, which may distort the truth.

What is confirmation bias?

Seeking only information that supports pre-existing views.

What is a reliable source?

A source that is unbiased and evidence-based.

What is a primary source?

Original, firsthand information, like interviews.

What is an Analogy?

Comparison to explain or persuade.

What is Rogerian argument?

Cooperative argument that respects the other side, aiming for common ground and compromise.