Starts with a general premise and moves to a specific conclusion. If the premises are true, the conclusion must be true.

Starts with specific observations and moves to a general conclusion. The conclusion is likely, but not guaranteed, to be true.

Includes claim, data, warrant, backing, qualifier, and rebuttal. It acknowledges the complexities of arguments.

Focuses on finding common ground and building consensus. Aims to persuade by understanding the opposing viewpoint.

Citing an expert or authority figure to support a claim. Effective if the authority is credible and relevant.

Using emotional language or anecdotes to persuade the audience. Can be powerful but also manipulative.

Using facts, statistics, and logical reasoning to support a claim. Considered the most reliable form of persuasion.

The assumption that connects the data to the claim. It explains why the data supports the claim.

Additional support for the warrant. It provides further evidence to justify the warrant's validity.

A statement that limits the scope of the claim. It acknowledges that the claim may not be true in all cases.

A sentence in which the main clause is withheld until the end.

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.

The omission or absence of a conjunction between parts of a sentence.

The use of several conjunctions in close succession.

A rhetorical or literary device in which words, grammatical constructions, or concepts are repeated in reverse order.

A figure of speech in which a word applies to two others in different senses.

A sentence that begins with the main clause and is followed by phrases and clauses that modify the main clause.

A sentence containing an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.

A sentence containing two or more independent clauses.

A sentence containing one independent clause.

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

Misrepresenting an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack.

Presenting only two options when more exist.

Arguing that something is true because it is popular.

Drawing a conclusion based on insufficient evidence.

Assuming that because one event followed another, the first event caused the second.

Arguing that something is true because it has not been proven false, or vice versa.

Arguing that one event will inevitably lead to a series of negative consequences.

Introducing an irrelevant topic to distract from the main argument.

Assuming the conclusion in the premise.