Claims, Reasoning, and Evidence

Historical records specific to a particular event or time period

Anecdotal evidence reflecting everyday life scenarios

Detailed charts showing complex statistical trends

Expert testimony that may not relate generally

It requires that evidence be limited to personal anecdotes and excluded from scholarly sources.

It determines whether the evidence is emotional, logical, or ethical to support their claim.

It dictates the length of each paragraph regardless of how the evidence relates to the claim.

It ensures that all evidence presented opposes the author’s main argument for balance.

Popular quotes about nature from famous poets

S FBI files documenting unrelated cases

Statements from environmental science experts

Statistics from unrelated economic reports

Including personal anecdotes and testimonials

Structuring the argument in a way that is easy to follow and makes logical sense

Introducing new information in the conclusion paragraph

Using informal and colloquial language

Using complex vocabulary to make the claim seem more convincing without evidence.

Stating personal opinions without backing them up with any kind of external reference.

By including relevant evidence like facts, statistics, or examples from credible sources.

Repeating the claim several times throughout the paragraph for emphasis.

Start with a concluding sentence to create suspense.

Use random order for sentences to maintain reader interest.

Present the strongest evidence first, regardless of relation to topic sentence.

Begin with a topic sentence that relates to the thesis.

Vivid descriptions that paint a mental picture

Emotional personal stories that stir feelings

Ethical arguments addressing right or wrong

Statistical data related to the topic

They introduce tangential ideas, diverting focus onto related but separate issues.

They replace explanation, allowing facts alone to argue persuasively without commentary.

They provide authoritative support from experts which strengthens credibility.

They fill space with pre-existing content, reducing effort needed for original writing.

Tunnel vision

Post hoc ergo propter hoc (post hoc)

Appeal to authority

Begging the question

Dismissing all opposition to gun control as unreasonable without further discussion.

Acknowledging hunters' rights before pivoting to the necessity of regulation for public safety.

Deriding alternative viewpoints on gun control using emotional language and mockery.

Citing numerous statistics about gun violence without addressing any counterarguments.