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AP Language & Composition | The Language of Composition | Chapter Three - "Analyzing Argument" Flashcards

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3869910942Ad Hominem ("To the man")A fallacy referring to the specific diversionary tactic of switching the argument from the issue at hand, to the character of opposition0
3869910943Ad Populum (Bandwagon Appeal)A fallacy that occurs when evidence boils down to "everybody's doing it, so it must be a good thing to do" (conformity)1
3869910944Appeal to False AuthorityA fallacy that occurs when the opinion of someone who has no expertise to speak on an issue is cited as evidence2
3869910945ArgumentA process of reasoned inquiry; a persuasive discourse resulting in a coherent and considered movement from a claim to a conclusion3
3869910946Backing [Toulmin Model]Consists of further assurances or data without which the assumption lacks authority4
3869910947Begging the QuestionA fallacy in which a claim is based on evidence or support that is in doubt5
3869910948Circular ReasoningA fallacy in which a writer repeats his or her claim as a way to provide evidence6
3869910949ClaimStating of the argument's main idea or position; also referred to as an assertion or proposition7
3869910950Claim of FactThe assertion that something is true or not true8
3869910951Claim of PolicyThe proposition of a change9
3869910952Claim of ValueThe argument that something is good or bad/right or wrong10
3869910953The Classical OrationThe five part argument structure used by classical rhetoricians (introduction, narration, confirmation, refutation, and conclusion)11
3869910954Introduction (Exordium)Introduces the reader to the subject under discussion12
3869910955Narration (Narratio)Provides factual information and background material on the subject at hand, or establishes why the subject is a problem that needs addressing13
3869910956Confirmation (Confirmatio)(usually) The major part of the text, includes the proof needed to make the writer's case14
3869910957Refutation (Refutatio)Addressing of the counterargument; a bridge between proof and conclusion15
3869910958Conclusion (Peroratio)The act of bringing the essay "to a satisfying close"16
3869910959Closed ThesisA statement of the main idea of the argument, of which also previews the major points a writer intends to make17
3869910960DeductionA logical process whereby one reaches a conclusion by starting with a general principle or universal truth (major premise), and applying it to a specific case (minor premise); usually demonstrated in the form of a syllogism18
3869910961Either/Or (False Dilemma)A fallacy in which the speaker presents two extreme options as the only possible choices19
3869910962Faulty AnalogyA fallacy that occurs when comparing two things that are not adequately comparable20
3869910963First-Hand EvidenceBased on something that the writer knows, whether it be from personal experience, observations, or general knowledge of events21
3869910964Hasty GeneralizationA fallacy in which a faulty conclusion is reached because of inadequate evidence22
3869910965InductionA logical process by which a writer reasons from particulars to universals, using specific cases in order to draw a conclusion, also referred to as a generalization23
3869910966Logical FallacyPotential vulnerabilities or weaknesses in an argument, often arising from a failure to create a logical connection between the claim and the evidence used to support it24
3869910967Open ThesisWhere all points the writer intends to cover in an essay are not listed25
3869910968Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc ("After which, therefore because of which")A fallacy, meaning that it is incorrect to always claim that something is a cause just because it happened at an earlier time26
3869910969Qualifier [Toulmin Model]Utilizes words such as "usually," "probably," "maybe," "in most cases," and "most likely," to temper the claim, making it less absolute27
3869910970Quantitative EvidenceIncludes things that are measurable, citable, countable, or otherwise representative in numbers—includes surveys, polls, census information, etc.28
3869910971Rebuttal [Toulmin Model]The giving of voice to possible objections of a claim or argument29
3869910972Reservation [Toulmin Model]The explanation of the terms and conditions necessitated by the qualifier30
3869910973Rogerian Argumentsargument based upon the assumption that having a full understanding of an opposing position is essential to responding to it persuasively, and refuting it in a way that is accommodating rather than alienating - seeks common ground and leaves room for negotiation31
3869910974Second-Hand EvidenceAccessed via research, reading, and investigation; includes factual and historical information, expert opinion, and quantitative data32
3869910975Straw ManA fallacy that occurs when a speaker chooses a deliberately poor, or oversimplified, example in order to ridicule and refute a particular idea33
3869910976SyllogismA logical structure that utilizes the major premise and minor premise to reach a necessary conclusion34
3869910977Toulmin ModelAn approach to analyzing and constructing arguments, following a format of the following: Because {evidence as support}, therefore {claim}, since {warrant or assumption}, on account of {backing}, unless {reservation}.35

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