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This glossary defines key terms and concepts.
Please note that words set in small capital letters are
themselves defined in the glossary.
E
editing The process of fine-tuning a text—examining
each word, phrase, sentence, and paragraph—
to be sure that the text is correct and precise and
says exactly what the writer intends. See also proofreading
and revising.
either-or argument A logical fallacy that oversimplifies
to suggest that only two possible positions
exist on a complex issue. This fallacy is also
known as a false dilemma.
evaluation A genre of writing that makes a judgment
about something—a source, poem, film, restaurant,
whatever—based on certain criteria. Key
Features: description of the subject • clearly defined
criteria • knowledgeable discussion of the subject •
balanced and fair assessment
evidence The data you present to support your
reasons. Such data may include statistics, calculations,
examples, anecdotes, quotations, case studies,
or anything else that will convince your reader
that your reasons are compelling. Evidence should
be sufficient (enough to show that the reasons have
merit) and relevant (appropriate to the argument
you're making).
explain a process A strategy for telling how
something is done or how to do something. Sometimes
an explanation of a process serves as the
organizing principle for a whole text.
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