Unit 3 · Claims and Evidence – Reading

Commentary ● (core concept) — The writer's explanation of how evidence supports the claim: it establishes the logical relationship between the two and explains the evidence's significance and relevance.

Integrating source material ● (core concept) — Introducing source material with commentary so it fits smoothly into the line of reasoning, rather than dropping in quotes unexplained.

Synthesis ● (core concept) — Considering, explaining, and integrating others' arguments into your own argument.

Attribution ● (core concept) — Acknowledging the words, ideas, images, or texts of others through citation or reference.

Line of reasoning ● (core concept) — The logical path a writer leads readers along, from evidence toward the thesis — revealed by the sequence of paragraphs. A writer may build the line of reasoning first and arrive at the thesis at the end.

Specious reasoning ● (core concept) — A line of reasoning with hidden flaws that makes an argument seem logical when it isn't.

Inductive reasoning ○ — Reasoning from specific observations to a general conclusion. (Example: noticing several late buses and concluding the route is unreliable.)

Deductive reasoning ○ — Reasoning from a general principle to a specific conclusion. (Example: all mammals breathe air; whales are mammals; so whales breathe air.)

Straw man ○ — Misrepresenting an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack. (A common flaw in reasoning.)

Ad hominem ○ — Attacking the person making an argument instead of the argument itself. (A common flaw in reasoning.)

Methods of development ● (core concept) — Common approaches writers use to develop and organize their reasoning; they give readers a way to trace the argument.

Narration (method of development) ● (core concept) — Developing ideas through real-life experiences, with reflection on their significance.

Cause and effect (method of development) ● (core concept) — Presenting a cause and asserting its effects or consequences, or tracing a series of causes to their effects.