Argumentation and Debate Terms

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Claim

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A statement or assertion that is debatable and requires support.

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Counterclaim

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A statement that opposes or challenges the original claim.

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Evidence

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Facts, statistics, examples, or expert testimony used to support a claim.

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Reasoning

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The explanation or logic behind why the evidence supports the claim.

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Argument

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A set of statements that includes a claim, evidence, and reasoning designed to convince an audience.

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Counterargument

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An opposing argument that addresses and refutes the counterclaim.

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Rebuttal

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A response to the counterargument, used to strengthen the original claim.

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Bias

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A particular preference or viewpoint that is usually considered to be unfair.

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Logical Fallacies

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Errors in reasoning that undermine the argument (e.g., ad hominem, false dilemma, slippery slope).

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Ethos

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Appeal to ethics, or the credibility and trustworthiness of the speaker or writer.