Argumentative Terms

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What is an argumentative text?

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An argumentative text presents multiple sides of an issue but clearly states the author's position.

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What are reasons in an argumentative essay?

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Reasons support your claim and set up the big idea for each body paragraph.

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Where should your claim be stated in an argumentative essay?

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Your claim should be in the thesis.

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What is a claim?

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A claim is your basic belief about a particular topic, issue, event, or idea.

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Who is the audience in an argumentative essay?

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The audience is the reader that the writer is trying to convince of his or her position or idea.

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What is a thesis statement?

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A thesis statement is a sentence that summarizes the main point or claim of an essay.

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What is a counterclaim?

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A counterclaim is an argument that opposes the main claim.

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What is evidence in an argumentative essay?

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Evidence consists of facts, statistics, or examples that support your claim.

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What is a rebuttal?

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A rebuttal is a response to a counterclaim, arguing against it.

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What is the purpose of an argumentative essay?

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The purpose is to persuade the reader to accept a particular viewpoint.