MYP English Lang & Lit Argumentation and Persuasive Writing Key Definitions

The degree to which a source or text is believable and trustworthy, based on evidence, expertise, transparency, and fairness.

A persuasive appeal that builds credibility and trust, for example by showing expertise, authority, or shared values.

A mild or indirect word or phrase used in place of one that might seem harsh, unpleasant, or too direct.

A **fact** is a claim that can be verified with evidence. An **opinion** is a judgement or belief that may be supported but cannot be proven in the same way.

Words and phrases with strong positive or negative associations that influence how an audience feels about an idea.

A persuasive appeal that influences an audience through logic, such as reasons, evidence, comparisons, and cause-and-effect.

Being based on facts and not influenced by personal feelings or beliefs.

A persuasive appeal that influences an audience through emotion, such as fear, hope, guilt, pride, or desire.

The deliberate organization of a persuasive text so that a claim is introduced, supported with reasons and evidence, and guided toward a conclusion or call to action.

A source with a direct, first-hand connection to what is being studied, such as eyewitness accounts, interviews, surveys, photographs, audio/video recordings, and experimental data.

Methods a speaker or writer uses to persuade an audience, commonly grouped into ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic).

A source that describes, interprets, evaluates, or comments on primary sources (without being first-hand itself), such as reviews, criticism, and many explanatory articles.

Being influenced by personal feelings, beliefs, or opinions rather than only by facts.