Argumentative Writing Vocabulary

Argumentative Essay

• Is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.

• The group of people you want to convince. Consider their knowledge level and concerns.

• A statement that supports your claim.

• A source that is trustworthy.

Audience

• Is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.

• The group of people you want to convince.

• Uses reasons and evidence.

• Shares the point of view of people who do not agree with your claim.

Purpose (argumentative essay)

• The group of people you want to convince. Consider their knowledge level and concerns.

• A source that is trustworthy.

• To sway the audience; should be clear, whether it is to persuade your audience to agree with your claim or to motivate your audience to take some action

• Relatively unbiased

Precise Claim

• A statement that supports your claim (you should have more than one reason); supply evidence for each reason you state

• Shares the point of view of people who do not agree with your claim; must be presented fairly with evidence

• When you supply enough evidence to convince others

• Confidently states your viewpoint; use reasons and evidence; distinguish your claim from opposing claims

Reason

• A statement that supports your claim (you should have more than one reason); supply evidence for each reason you state

• The group of people you want to convince. Consider their knowledge level and concerns.

• Shares the point of view of people who do not agree with your claim; must be presented fairly with evidence

• Evidence that directly and factually supports your position.

Counterclaim

• Language that uses slang, contractions, and/or cliches.

• Shares the point of view of people who do not agree with your claim; must be presented fairly with evidence

• Highly opinionated language

• A source that is trustworthy.

Relevant Evidence

• When you supply enough evidence to convince others.

• Is disproportionate weight in favor of or against an idea or thing

• Evidence that factually supports your position.

• Has an objective and unbiased tone

Sufficient Evidence

• Evidence that directly and factually supports your position

• When you supply enough evidence to convince others

• The group of people you want to convince; consider their knowledge level and concerns.

• Shares the point of view of people who do not agree with your claim

Bias

• Evidence that directly and factually supports your position

• Confidently states your viewpoint

• Disproportionate weight in favor of or against an idea or thing, usually in a way that is closed-minded, prejudicial, or unfair.

• A statement that supports your claim

Credible Source

• A source that is trustworthy

• A source that has an objective, unbiased tone

• Evidence that supports your position

• Disproportionate weight in favor of or against an idea or thing, usually in a way that is closed-minded, prejudicial, or unfair.