Argument Terms Quiz

Identifying and exploring how an argument is made in an essay, a speech, or other text

• Rebuttal

• Fallacy

• Argument

• Tracing an argument

Facts, statistics, and examples that show why a claim should be believed.

• Evidence

• Position

• Claim

• Argument

An attack on a person rather than on his or her argument. This is a fallacy and weakens an argument.

• Counterclaim

• Emotional appeal

• Ad hominem attack

• Refute

A false or mistaken belief or claim, usually based on poor reasoning.

• Claim

• Fallacy

• Position

• Argument

A statement that supports a position.

• Claim

• Argument

• Counterclaim

• Refute

An argument against an opposing viewpoint or claim (the "comeback" to a counterclaim).

• Relevant

• Counterclaim

• Refute

• Rebuttal

When writers hope to make the reader so upset, excited, or scared that the reader will agree with them.

• Ad hominem attack

• Emotional appeal

• Tracing an argument

• Opposing viewpoint

A position or viewpoint along with the claims and evidence used to support that position.

• Claim

• Counterclaim

• Argument

• Position

An acknowledgment of a concern or disagreement from those with opposing viewpoints.

• Fallacy

• Claim

• Opposing viewpoint

• Counterclaim

To prove a statement, position, or claim is wrong or false.

• Relevant

• Rebuttal

• Refute

• Emotional appeal