Argumentative Writing Terms

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argumentative text

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writing that presents a claim on a debatable issue or problem and attempts to persuade others to agree with this claim

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claim

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a statement that you have a right to something; a statement that something belongs to you

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counter argument

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the part of an argument in which the writer considers and attempts to disprove an opposing opinion

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ethos

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a persuasive technique that aims to establish a writer’s or speaker’s credibility and shared values with the audience

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evidence

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facts, statistics, numerical data, quotations, specific examples, and expert opinions that support a claim

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logos

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a persuasive technique that appeals to logic and reasoning

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pathos

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a persuasive technique that attempts to stir up emotions

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reason

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an explanation that states why others should accept a claim

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rhetorical appeal

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a device that writers use to make their arguments appeal to readers

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text structure

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the order or pattern a writer uses to organize information.