Terminology of Argumentative Texts

Terminology of Argumentative Texts

by Irma Gomez

​Audience

​The audience for your argument is a group of people that you want to convince. As you develop your argument, consider your audience's knowledge level on concerns.

Open Ended

How can you determine who your audience is?

​Purpose

​The purpose for writing an argument is to sway the audience. Your purpose should be clear, whether it is to persuade your audience to agree with your claim or to motivate your audience to take some action.

Open Ended

Why is it important to have a purpose when writing an argumentative essay?

​Precise Claim

​A precise claim confidently states your viewpoint. Remember that you must be able to find reasons and evidence to support your claim, and that you must distinguish your claim from opposing claims.

Open Ended

Write a precise claim that you have made to your mother or father.

(Example: Mom, I need a new phone.)

​Reason

​A reason is a statement that supports your claim. (You should have more than one reason.) Note that you will need to supply evidence for each reason you state.

Open Ended

Why is it important to have reasons to support your claim?

​Opposing Claim

​An opposing claim or counterclaim, shares the point of view of people who do not agree with your claim. Opposing claims must be fairly presented with evidence.

Open Ended

Why does mentioning the opposing claim make your argument more powerful?