Glossary
Absolute Claim
A statement considered unquestionably true or factual, often based on widely accepted evidence or principles, leaving no room for doubt.
Example:
The assertion that 'the Earth revolves around the Sun' is an absolute claim based on scientific consensus.
Argumentation
The process of developing and presenting claims supported by evidence and reasoning, where modifiers and qualifiers are crucial for crafting nuanced, defensible, and persuasive arguments.
Example:
Effective argumentation involves not just stating a claim but also acknowledging its limitations through careful qualification, strengthening its persuasiveness.
Avoiding Overstatement
The practice of refraining from making overly broad, absolute, or exaggerated claims that can be easily refuted, often achieved by using qualifiers to temper assertions.
Example:
Instead of claiming 'everyone loves pizza,' stating that 'most people tend to enjoy pizza' is an example of avoiding overstatement.
Credibility
The quality of being believable or trustworthy, which writers build by demonstrating critical thinking and acknowledging the limitations of their claims through the strategic use of qualifiers.
Example:
By admitting that 'some' studies conflict, the researcher enhanced their credibility rather than appearing biased or overly confident.
Modifiers
Words or phrases, often adjectives and adverbs, that describe or limit the meaning of another word, adding detail and specificity to a statement.
Example:
The ancient oak tree stood majestically in the field, its gnarled branches reaching towards the sky.
Nuance
A subtle difference in meaning, expression, or sound, which writers convey through modifiers and qualifiers to add depth and sophistication to their arguments.
Example:
Acknowledging the slight variations in public opinion adds nuance to a political analysis, showing a deeper understanding.
Over-Qualifying
The excessive or unnecessary use of qualifiers, which can make writing sound weak, hesitant, or undermine the writer's confidence in their argument.
Example:
Saying 'It might possibly appear that the data could suggest a trend' is an example of over-qualifying, making the argument sound unsure.
Precision
The quality of being exact and accurate in expressing ideas, which is enhanced by the careful selection of specific language, including modifiers and qualifiers.
Example:
Using the term 'approximately 1.5 million' instead of 'a lot' demonstrates greater precision in reporting data.
Qualified Claim
A statement that includes words or phrases (qualifiers) to limit its scope, certainty, or applicability, acknowledging exceptions or conditions.
Example:
Most students find the AP Lang exam challenging, but some excel with ease, making it a qualified claim.
Qualifiers
Words or phrases that limit the scope or certainty of a statement, indicating that a claim is not absolute and acknowledging its potential limitations or conditions.
Example:
The study suggests a correlation, but it does not conclusively prove causation.
Rhetorical Situation
The context surrounding a communicative act, including the speaker/writer, audience, purpose, and exigence, which significantly influences rhetorical choices like the strategic use of modifiers and qualifiers.
Example:
A speaker addressing a skeptical audience might use more qualifiers to build trust within the specific rhetorical situation.
Synthesis
The process of combining information from multiple sources to create a new, coherent understanding or argument, often requiring qualifiers to navigate conflicting viewpoints or present a balanced perspective.
Example:
In a research paper, synthesis involves weaving together different scholarly opinions, using qualifiers to show where sources agree or diverge on a topic.
Universal Claim
A statement that asserts something applies to *all* cases or members of a particular group without exception, often difficult to prove in complex arguments.
Example:
The statement 'All humans require oxygen to survive' is a universal claim.