[2025-26] Argument Vocabulary

Open Ended

Write an argument statement answering the question:

What is the greatest television show of all time?

Open Ended

Write an argument statement answering the question:

Do ghosts exist?

Open Ended

Write an argument statement answering the question:

Should the private lives of famous people be off-limits?

(Meaning, do we have the right to know when celebrities get married, divorce, are pregnant, have surgery, etc.)

Open Ended

Write an argument statement answering the question:

Who is at fault if/when the child is failing at school?

Multiple Choice

Which is NOT a claim to the argument:

The child is at fault when he or she is failing at school.

• The child doesn't want to do the work.

• The child thinks grades don't matter.

• Parents are to blame when their child is failing at school.

• The child does not care if they fail.

Multiple Choice

Which is NOT a valid (trustworthy) type of evidence?

• Statistics

• Facts

• Quotes from an expert

• Personal stories

Open Ended

What would be a counterargument to the argument statement:

The private lives of celebrities should not be off-limits.

(Meaning we have the right as members of the public to know what they do in private.)

Multiple Choice

What is the role of the rebuttal in an argument?

• The rebuttal serves to summarize the main points of the argument.
• The rebuttal is used to introduce new evidence supporting the opposing view.
• The rebuttal's purpose is to distract from the main argument's weaknesses.
• The role of the rebuttal is to counter opposing viewpoints and strengthen the original argument.

Multiple Choice

Which is the best concluding statement to the argument:

TOPIC: The best television show of all time

ARGUMENT: The 1950s show, “I Love Lucy” is the greatest television show of all time. 

COUNTERARGUMENT: Although some believe “I Love Lucy” is the greatest show of all time, many believe that “The Simpsons” is the best show.

REBUTTAL: Even if some believe “The Simpsons” is the best show, where the jokes of “The Simpsons” can get old fast, the humor of “I Love Lucy” has been proven over the years, making it the best show of all time.

• Therefore, 'I Love Lucy' remains the best television show of all time due to its timeless humor and lasting influence.
• Therefore, my argument is correct and all other arguments are wrong.

• Some claim that 'Game of Thrones' redefined television excellence.
• Many argue that 'Friends' is the best television show ever made.

Review

Multiple Choice

“Your response to prove the counterargument wrong”

• Claim

• Rebuttal

• Evidence/Data

• Counterargument

Multiple Choice

“The main point you want to prove”

• Claim

• Rebuttal

• Evidence/Data

• Counterargument

Multiple Choice

"Facts that support your point”

• Claim

• Rebuttal

• Evidence/Data

• Counterargument

Multiple Choice

“Another opinion that might disagree with your idea”

• Claim

• Rebuttal

• Evidence/Data

• Counterargument

Multiple Choice

(A) Cats make the best class pets. (B) They’re quiet, easy to take care of, and don’t smell bad. (C) Some students say fish are better because they’re less work. (D) But fish can’t interact with students, so they’re less engaging. (E) That’s why cats are the best choice.

In the paragraph, what part of an argument is sentence B?

• Argument

• Counterargument

• Evidence/Data

• Claim

Multiple Choice

(A) Cats make the best class pets. (B) They’re quiet, easy to take care of, and don’t smell bad. (C) Some students say fish are better because they’re less work. (D) But fish can’t interact with students, so they’re less engaging. (E) That’s why cats are the best choice.

In the paragraph, what part of an argument is sentence C?

• Argument

• Counterargument

• Evidence/Data

• Claim

Multiple Choice

(A) Cats make the best class pets. (B) They’re quiet, easy to take care of, and don’t smell bad. (C) Some students say fish are better because they’re less work. (D) But fish can’t interact with students, so they’re less engaging. (E) That’s why cats are the best choice.

What part of an argument is missing from the paragraph?

• Argument

• Counterargument

• Evidence/Data

• Claim

Multiple Choice

(A) Cats make the best class pets. (B) They’re quiet, easy to take care of, and don’t smell bad. (C) Some students say fish are better because they’re less work. (D) But fish can’t interact with students, so they’re less engaging. (E) That’s why cats are the best choice.

In the paragraph, which sentence is the rebuttal?

• Sentence A

• Sentence C

• Sentence D

• Sentence E

Should classrooms have music during independent work?
Should PE classes be optional?
Should school be optional?
Should parents pay fines when their child is failing?
Should school be year round?

Topics

1. Choose ONE of the topics stated to the right.

2. Complete each part of the argument on your handout for your chosen topics.

Micro-Argument

Handout Practice:

Open Ended

Type your completed Micro-Argument from your handout into the space provided. Be sure to include your argument, claim(s), counterargument, rebuttal, and conclusion statements as one paragraph.

Done!
Submit your handout to the bin for credit.