Unit 6 · Reasoning and Organization – Writing

Synthesizing sources ● (core concept) — Drawing on arguments from multiple sources, strategically selecting the most relevant material, and combining it as part of your own argument.

Source reliability ● (core concept) — Some sources are more reliable and credible than others — evaluating that difference is part of building an argument.

Position vs. perspective ● (core concept) — A position is a stance on a subject; a perspective is the background, interests, and expertise behind it. Two sources can share a position from different perspectives.

Acknowledging bias and limitations ● (core concept) — The strongest arguments recognize the biases and limitations of their evidence and sources, and account for them in their reasoning.

Source bias ● (core concept) — The degree to which a source does or does not consider other positions reflects the degree to which that source is biased.

Revising with new evidence ● (core concept) — Considering new evidence may require revising the thesis statement and/or changing the line of reasoning.

Tone ● (core concept) — The writer's attitude or feeling about the subject, conveyed through word choice and writing style. (Example: reverent, sarcastic, urgent.)

Inferring tone ● (core concept) — Readers figure out tone from the writer's word choice — especially whether the connotations are positive, negative, or otherwise charged.

Tone shift ● (core concept) — A change in tone from one part of a text to another, which may signal the writer is qualifying, refining, or reconsidering a perspective.