Persuasive Writing Techniques Flashcards

Grade 9 · English · Flashcards

Key terms and strategies for writing and analyzing persuasive texts.

Flashcards

Claim: The central position a persuasive writer defends — the 'what I believe' of the essay
Evidence: Facts, statistics, expert opinions, and examples that support the claim
Counterargument: An acknowledgment of the strongest opposing view, included to show fairness
Refutation: The writer's explanation of why the counterargument is less convincing
Call to Action: A direct closing request — tells the reader exactly what to do
Loaded Language: Words chosen for emotional connotation to influence how readers feel
Ethos: An appeal to the writer's credibility, expertise, or character
Pathos: An appeal to the reader's emotions — sympathy, fear, pride, hope
Logos: An appeal to logic — facts, statistics, and reasoned arguments
Anecdote: A brief real story used as evidence to humanize and illustrate an argument
Concession: Acknowledging a valid point from the opposing side before refuting it
Warrant: The logical connection explaining why evidence actually supports the claim