Argumentative Essay Terms Review

Front

What is a claim?

Back

A speaker's opinion or position on a problem or an issue. It's the first sentence or two in a body paragraph.

Front

What is a rebuttal?

Back

When you respond directly to your opponent's argument and show why they are wrong.

Front

What are transition words?

Back

Words used to move your essay from point to point.

Front

What is an argument?

Back

A claim supported by reasons and evidence.

Front

What is evidence in an argumentative essay?

Back

The specific pieces of information that support a claim; can be facts, quotations, examples, statistics, personal experiences, etc.

Front

What is a counterclaim?

Back

An argument made to oppose another claim.

Front

What is the purpose of an argumentative essay?

Back

To persuade the reader to accept a particular point of view.

Front

What is a thesis statement?

Back

A sentence that summarizes the main point or claim of an essay.

Front

What are supporting details?

Back

Facts, examples, and reasons that support the main idea or claim.

Front

What is a conclusion in an argumentative essay?

Back

The final paragraph that summarizes the argument and reinforces the thesis.