Claim and Argument Development Flashcards

What does it mean to 'warrant' evidence in a TDA essay?

Answer: To explain the logical reasoning that connects the evidence to the claim

A warrant explains why and how the evidence supports the claim—it is the reasoning link that makes the argument valid.

What is 'ethos' as a rhetorical strategy in an argumentative text?

Answer: An appeal to credibility or authority, establishing the author as trustworthy and knowledgeable

Ethos builds credibility by demonstrating the author's expertise, experience, or moral character to earn the audience's trust.

Why is it insufficient in a TDA response to simply list evidence without analysis?

Answer: A list of evidence shows the student can find information but does not demonstrate understanding or argumentation skills

Listing evidence without interpretation fails to demonstrate higher-order thinking—TDA scoring rewards analysis, not just retrieval.

What is the role of the concluding sentence in a TDA body paragraph?

Answer: To reinforce how the evidence and analysis connect back to the thesis or central argument

The concluding sentence ties the paragraph's evidence and analysis back to the main claim, creating coherence and forward momentum.

What strategy should be used when the textual evidence seems to contradict your claim?

Answer: Address the contradiction honestly, explain it as a nuance or limitation, and show how your claim still holds overall

Acknowledging and addressing contradictory evidence demonstrates sophisticated reasoning and actually strengthens rather than weakens a well-argued TDA response.

In a TDA response, what distinguishes a 'specific' claim from a 'vague' one?

Answer: A specific claim names the technique, the text's content, and the effect or meaning; a vague claim uses general language without detail

Specific claims name exactly what is being argued about the text, while vague claims lack the precision needed to guide a focused analysis.