Glossary
Analogical
A type of reasoning that draws conclusions by comparing similar situations or scenarios.
Example:
Arguing that regulating social media is like regulating public airwaves uses Analogical reasoning, comparing two seemingly different but functionally similar concepts.
Analyze Contributions
A technique in rhetorical synthesis that involves assessing how each individual text adds to the overall understanding of a topic.
Example:
In a research project, you would Analyze Contributions from each scientific paper to see how they collectively advance knowledge in a specific field.
Author's Purpose
The main reason an author writes a text, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain.
Example:
Understanding the Author's Purpose helps you determine if a text is trying to convince you of something or simply provide facts.
Cause-and-Effect
A type of reasoning that explains how one event or action directly leads to another outcome.
Example:
The argument that increased carbon emissions (Cause) lead to global warming (Effect) uses Cause-and-Effect reasoning.
Claims
The main points or assertions an author makes within an argument, serving as the core statements to be supported.
Example:
In an essay arguing for later school start times, the central Claims might be that it improves student health and academic performance.
Compare & Contrast
A technique used in rhetorical synthesis to identify how authors' arguments align or clash across different texts.
Example:
To understand the full scope of a historical event, you might Compare & Contrast two historians' accounts, noting where their interpretations differ.
Counterarguments
Opposing viewpoints or objections that an author might address and refute to strengthen their own argument.
Example:
In an essay advocating for vegetarianism, an author might address Counterarguments about the nutritional completeness of a plant-based diet.
Credibility
A criterion for evaluating argument strength, referring to the reliability and trustworthiness of the sources from which evidence is drawn.
Example:
A scientific study published in a peer-reviewed journal generally has higher Credibility than an anonymous blog post.
Deductive
A type of reasoning that moves from general principles or truths to specific conclusions.
Example:
If all mammals have fur (general principle) and a cat is a mammal, then a cat has fur (specific conclusion) is an example of Deductive reasoning.
Ethos
A persuasive technique that establishes the author's credibility and trustworthiness to gain the audience's confidence.
Example:
A doctor recommending a health plan is using Ethos because their professional background lends authority to their advice.
Evaluate Strengths & Weaknesses
A technique in rhetorical synthesis that involves assessing the pros and cons of each text's approach or argument.
Example:
Before making a decision, you should Evaluate Strengths & Weaknesses of different proposals to determine the most effective solution.
Evidence
The facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions used to support and validate an author's claims.
Example:
The Evidence for later school start times could include data from sleep studies, testimonials from students, or statistics on improved attendance.
Examine Strategies
A technique in rhetorical synthesis where you look at how different authors use various methods or approaches to convey similar messages.
Example:
When studying political speeches, you might Examine Strategies like emotional appeals or logical arguments used by different candidates to persuade voters.
Figurative Language
Language that uses figures of speech, such as metaphors, similes, and personification, to enhance understanding, create vivid imagery, and engage the reader.
Example:
Saying 'the wind whispered secrets through the trees' is an example of Figurative Language, specifically personification.
Identify Themes
A technique in rhetorical synthesis focused on recognizing common ideas or recurring subjects that appear across multiple sources.
Example:
When studying classic literature, you might Identify Themes like 'the hero's journey' or 'the struggle against fate' that appear in several novels.
Inductive
A type of reasoning that uses specific examples or observations to form general conclusions or theories.
Example:
Observing that every swan you've seen is white (specific examples) and concluding that all swans are white (general conclusion) is an example of Inductive reasoning.
Kairos
A persuasive technique that considers the timeliness and context of an argument, making it relevant and impactful for the current moment.
Example:
A politician delivering a speech about disaster preparedness immediately after a major natural disaster is effectively using Kairos.
Logos
A persuasive technique that appeals to the audience's logic and reason, typically through the use of statistical data, facts, or scientific studies.
Example:
Presenting a graph showing a clear correlation between vaccination rates and disease reduction is an appeal to Logos.
Pathos
A persuasive technique that appeals to the audience's emotions, often through personal anecdotes or vivid imagery, to create a connection.
Example:
An advertisement showing a sad, neglected animal to encourage donations is primarily using Pathos to evoke sympathy.
Reasoning
The logical connections and explanations that link an author's claims to the evidence provided, explaining 'why' the evidence supports the claim.
Example:
An author's Reasoning might explain that since studies show increased sleep improves concentration, later school starts will lead to better grades.
Relevance
A criterion for evaluating argument strength, assessing whether the evidence provided is directly related and pertinent to the claims being made.
Example:
When discussing the benefits of exercise, citing statistics on economic growth would lack Relevance to the argument about physical health.
Rhetorical Devices
Techniques used by authors to persuade or influence an audience, such as repetition, rhetorical questions, or alliteration, to strengthen persuasive power.
Example:
Martin Luther King Jr.'s repeated use of 'I have a dream' is a powerful Rhetorical Device that emphasizes his vision.
Rhetorical Synthesis
The process of analyzing multiple texts to understand how they collectively build meaning or arguments, rather than just reading each piece in isolation.
Example:
When preparing for a debate, you might engage in Rhetorical Synthesis by reading articles from different news outlets to understand various perspectives on a current event.
Sentence Structure
The way sentences are built, including their length and complexity, which affects pacing, emphasis, and overall readability.
Example:
An author might use short, declarative sentences to create a sense of urgency, while complex sentences can convey intricate ideas, demonstrating varied Sentence Structure.
Soundness
A criterion for evaluating argument strength, assessing whether the reasoning used is logical and valid, leading to a conclusion that necessarily follows from the premises.
Example:
An argument that contains a logical fallacy, even with true premises, would lack Soundness in its reasoning.
Structure
The organization of an argument, including the arrangement of the main claim, supporting claims, and any counterarguments.
Example:
A well-organized argumentative essay will have a clear Structure, typically starting with a thesis, followed by body paragraphs with supporting points, and concluding with a summary.
Sufficiency
A criterion for evaluating argument strength, determining if there is enough evidence to adequately support the argument's claims.
Example:
One anecdote about a successful student might not provide Sufficiency to claim that a new teaching method is universally effective.
Target Audience
The specific group of people an author intends to reach with their writing, which influences their choices in language, tone, and content.
Example:
A children's book has a different Target Audience than a scientific journal, leading to vastly different vocabulary and complexity.
Word Choice
The specific vocabulary an author uses to convey meaning, evoke emotions, and establish a particular tone.
Example:
An author's Word Choice of 'serene' instead of 'calm' can create a more peaceful and reflective tone in a descriptive passage.