Argumentative Writing Vocabulary

Front

Main or Central Idea

Back

The most important or main idea of a paragraph or larger section of text, which tells the reader what the text is about.

Front

Issue

Back

A subject, situation, or idea that people disagree about.

Front

Evidence

Back

Specific information that supports a claim: fact, quotation, example, statistic, expert opinion, etc.

Front

Logical Appeal

Back

Appeals to your mind and relies on logic and facts.

Front

Reasons

Back

Support that explains why a writer takes a certain point of view.

Front

Claim Statement

Back

A statement that asserts something to be true, which can be supported by evidence.

Front

Counterargument

Back

An argument that opposes the main argument or claim.

Front

Author's Purpose

Back

The reason an author writes a text, such as to inform, persuade, or entertain.

Front

Fact

Back

A statement that can be proven true or false.

Front

Statistic

Back

A numerical fact or piece of data that can be used to support a claim.