Key Terms in Writing and Analysis

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Debate

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A formal discussion where people present different sides of an issue.

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Bias

Back

A preference or prejudice that can make information one-sided.

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Rhetorical Appeal

Back

A strategy used to persuade (ethos = credibility, pathos = emotion, logos = logic).

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Author's Purpose

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The reason why an author writes (to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain).

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Perspective

Back

A person’s point of view or way of looking at something.

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Argument

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A statement supported by reasons and evidence to persuade others.

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Claim

Back

The main point or opinion an author is trying to prove.

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Thesis Statement

Back

The central idea of an essay, usually stated in one sentence.

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Evidence

Back

Facts, examples, statistics, or quotes that support a claim.

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Parallel Structure

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Using the same grammatical pattern for balance and clarity.