Elements of Argumentative Text

In writing, the word argument means:

• To fight with someone.

• To try to persuade someone to think a certain way.

• To insult someone.

• To try to convince someone they're wrong.

The ________ is the statement that the author is trying to prove is true.

• argument

• reason

• claim

• rebuttal

What should an author use to support their claim?

• opinions

• evidence

• experiences

• another claim

Match the following types of evidence to their definitions.

• Fact or Example Evidence

• Using quotes and ideas from people who have more knowledge than you.

• Statistical Evidence

• Using numbers and data to support your claim.

• Expert Evidence

• Using supporting details and real-world scenarios to support your claim.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

When the author asks the reader to act or do something in support of their claim, that is called a-

• call to action

• rebuttal

• claim

• evidence

Place each statement in the correct category.

Groups:

(a) Fact

,

(b) Opinion

• Dogs are better than cats because they are bigger and more fun to play with.

• Math is more fun than reading because it's easier.

• School should start later each day.

• The school day begins at 8am

• Most dog breeds are larger than cats.

• A recent study shows that 62% of students prefer math to reading.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

A statement or viewpoint that opposes the author's claim is called...

• rebuttal

• reason

• argument

• counterclaim

When the author responds to a counterclaim and explains why it is wrong, that is called...

• argument

• reason

• rebuttal

• evidence

Match the following vocabulary words to the examples.

• Counterclaim

• Take time to contact your local board of education to demand that schools have a later start time.

• Statistical Evidence

• School is supposed to prepare students for a job, which most likely will have an early start time.

• Claim

• Schools should have a later start time.

• Call to Action

• Dr. Smith, a pediatrician, says that the normal sleep cycle for teenagers is to stay up late and to sleep late.

• Expert Evidence

• 75% of all teenagers do not get enough sleep.