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Persuasion

Convincing and persuading through speech or writing to make the listener or reader believe what the author is saying.

Position

A way of thinking about a particular matter; opinion.

Assertion

A statement that you strongly believe is true.

Argument

The reasons for your opinion about the truth of something or an explanation of why you believe something should be done.

Position Paper

An academic text that presents an arguable opinion about an issue with the objective of convincing or persuading readers that the opinion is valid.

Editorial

A type of position paper published by editors of a newspaper or magazine, stating facts but giving opinions with evidence concisely.

Argumentative Essay

A type of position paper that may or may not be published, states facts but gives opinions with evidence, and aims to influence and persuade others to take the same side.

Fact

A general truth that no one can disagree with.

Opinion

Also called an assertion, a statement that people may or may not agree with.

Fallacy

An error in reasoning that renders an argument invalid.

Sweeping Generalization

Drawing a conclusion based on a limited number of examples.

Post HOC, Ergo propter HOC

Assuming that two things that happened one after another are necessarily related.

Ad Hominem

Attacking the person stating an argument instead of addressing the argument itself.

Appeal to Authority

Assuming an argument is correct because a popular or highly esteemed person is saying it.

Ad Populum

Assuming the majority opinion is always correct.

False Analogy

Comparing two unlike concepts or things as if they were similar.

False Dichotomy

Presenting only two choices as if they were the only options available.

Concept Paper

Defines an idea or concept and explains its essence to clarify its meaning.

Definitions

Provide the meaning of a particular word or term.

Formal Definition

Includes the term, class, and distinguishing features.

Informal Definition

Does not include distinguishing features.

Extended Definitions

Essay-length texts that use different rhetorical patterns to show the meaning of a particular term or concept.

Critique Paper

A written document where the writer passes judgment on a certain item or topic to help readers make more informed decisions.

Credible Review

A review that is objective, based on accurate observations, and not arbitrary.

Hook Line

Grabs the attention of readers and attracts them to read the entire text.