Lang flashcards

Argument

A process of reasoned inquiry. A persuasive discourse resulting in a coherent and considered movement from a claim to a conclusion. A claim or thesis that conveys a perspective developed through a line of reasoning and supported by evidence.

Bias

A personal opinion, belief, or value that may influence one's judgment, perspective, or claim

Claim

 A statement made about an issue that asserts a perspective. Also called an assertion or proposition, a claim states the argument’s main idea or position. A claim differs from a topic or subject in that a claim has to be arguable. 

Commentary

 Discussion and analysis of evidence in relation to the claim which may identify patterns, describe trends, and/or explain relationships.

Context

The circumstances, atmosphere, attitudes, and events surrounding a text. The intent, audience, purpose, bias, situatedness, and/or background of a source or reference.

Counterargument

An opposing argument to the one a writer is putting forward that is supported by evidence. Rather than ignoring a counterargument, a strong writer will usually address it through the process of concession and refutation.

Diction

A speaker’s choice of words. Analysis of dictions looks at these choices and what they add to the speaker’s message

Connotation

Meanings or associations that readers have with a word beyond its 

dictionary definition, or denotation. Connotations are usually positive or negative, and they can greatly affect the author’s tone. Consider the connotations of the words below, all of which mean “overweight.” That cat is plump. That cat is fat. That cat is obese.

Denotation

The literal or dictionary definition of a word.

Exigence

The issue, problem, or situation that causes or prompts someone to write or speak.

Juxtaposition

 Placement of two things closely together to emphasize similarities or differences.

My SPACE CAT

A mnemonic device that stands for Message, why?, Speaker, Purpose, Audience, Context, Exigence, Choices, Appeals, and Tone.  It is a handy way to remember the various elements that make up the rhetorical situation and the give and take between the elements of the Aristotelian Triangle.

Rhetoric

As Aristotle defined the term, “the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion.” In other words, it is the art of finding ways to persuade an audience.

Rhetorical Triangle

(Aristotelian Triangle): A diagram that illustrates the interrelationship among the speaker, audience, and subject in determining a text.

Rogerian Argument

 Developed by psychiatrist Carl Rogers, Rogerian arguments are based on the assumption that fully understanding an opposing position is essential to responding to it persuasively and refuting it in a way that is accommodating rather than alienating.

Syntax

The grammatical structure of sentences. It is how words are placed in a sentence, how sentences are placed in a paragraph, how paragraphs are arranged on a page, and how the passages are arranged in a longer text such as a novel.  Syntax directs readers through a piece, sets the pace of a piece, and gives emphasis to ideas. To learn everything you ever wanted to learn about syntax, click the link below. There are six terms highlighted in orange that are essential for this course.

Synthesize

To combine two or more ideas in order to create something more complex in support of a new idea

Text

While this term generally means the written word, in the humanities it has come to mean any cultural product that can be “read”--meaning not just consumed and comprehended, but investigated. This includes fiction, nonfiction, poetry, political cartoons, fine art, photography, performances, fashion, cultural trends, visuals, and much more.

Thesis Statement

The chief claim that a writer makes in any argumentative piece of writing, usually stated in one sentence.

Closed thesis

 A closed thesis is a statement of the main idea of the argument that also 

previews the major points the writer intends to make.

Open Thesis

An open thesis is one that does not list all of the points the writer intends 

to cover in an essay.

Counterargument Thesis

In this type of statement, a summary of a counterargument, 

usually qualified by “although” or “but,” precedes the writer’s opinion. It immediately 

addresses the main counterargument, making the author’s overall point seem stronger 

and more reasonable.

Qualified Argument Thesis

An argument that is not absolute. It acknowledges the 

merits of an opposing view, but develops a stronger case for its own position.

Allusion

Brief reference to a person, event, or place (real or fictitious) or to a work of art.

Analogy:

 A comparison between two seemingly dissimilar things. Often, an analogy uses something simple or familiar to explain something unfamiliar or complex. 

Example: 

As birds have flight, our special gift is reason.

Anaphora:

A device in which the writer repeats a word or phrase at the beginning of multiple clauses or sentences.