Unit 5: Structuring and Refining the Line of Reasoning

Line of Reasoning

A structured progression of ideas in an argument.

Methods of Development

Rhetorical modes that help structure an argument and present evidence.

Rhetorical Situation

Includes Speaker, Audience, and Subject in an argument context.

Narration

The act of storytelling to illustrate a point or connect emotionally with an audience.

Pathos

An appeal to emotion used to connect with the audience.

Cohesion

The glue that holds sentences together, enhancing flow at the micro-level.

Transitional Devices

Words or phrases used to link ideas and ensure smooth transitions between sentences.

Coherence

The overall clarity and logical flow of an argument at the macro-level.

Counterarguments

Acknowledgment of opposing views to strengthen credibility in an argument.

Concession

Acknowledging that an opposing point is valid.

Refutation

Countering an acknowledged point to show your argument is stronger.

Absolute Language

Words suggesting certitude, like 'always' or 'never', which are discouraged in nuanced arguments.

Qualification

Placing limits on a claim, making an argument more defensible and realistic.

Cause-Effect Analysis

Explaining the relationship between an event (cause) and its consequences (effect).

Comparison and Contrast

Highlighting similarities and differences between two or more subjects.

Description

Using sensory details to create a mental image for the reader.

Vivid Adjectives

Descriptive words that evoke strong images or sentiments.

Juxtaposition

Placing two subjects side-by-side for comparison or contrast.

Syntactic Parallelism

Repetition of sentence structures to show ideas are of equal importance.

Key Component

A crucial element or aspect necessary for a method of development.

Example of Cohesion

Demonstrating how sentences within paragraphs connect logically to each other.

Common Qualifiers

Words like 'typically', 'often', and 'may' that limit the scope of a claim.

Absolute vs Qualified

The distinction between making sweeping claims and nuanced statements.

Mistake of 'Laundry List' Approach

Writing paragraphs that appear as random lists of examples instead of cohesive arguments.

Confusing Narrative for Argument

Incorporating excessive storytelling in an essay at the expense of analysis.

Pronoun Confusion

Using pronouns without clear antecedents, leading to ambiguity.

Method of Development

Strategies such as narration, description, cause-effect analysis, and comparison used in structuring arguments.