Argumentative Writing Terms

What is a claim in argumentative writing?

• The side of the argument you pick

• Supporting evidence

• Conclusion of the essay

• Counterargument

What is a counterclaim and how does it differ from a claim?

• A counterclaim is the claim you picked.

• A counterclaim is the side you did not pick. You address it so you can tell why your claim is better.

• A counterclaim is a claim made by the judge in response to the claim made by the jury.

• A counterclaim is a claim made by the lawyer in response to the claim made by the witness.

Why is evidence important in argumentative writing?

• Evidence is important in argumentative writing because it confuses the audience and weakens the argument.

• Evidence is important in argumentative writing because it provides support for the claims and helps to persuade the audience. It adds credibility and reliability to the argument.

• Evidence is important in argumentative writing because it limits the writer's creativity and originality.

• Evidence is important in argumentative writing because it makes the writing longer and more tedious.

Provide an example of a transition word or phrase used in argument writing.

• therefore

• meanwhile

• For example, 'however,' 'on the other hand,' 'in contrast,' 'furthermore,' 'moreover,' 'in addition,' etc.

• I think that...

What is a rebuttal and how does it strengthen an argument?

• A rebuttal weakens an argument by ignoring opposing viewpoints and providing no evidence or reasoning to refute them.

• A rebuttal has no impact on an argument and is not necessary in argument writing.

• A rebuttal strengthens an argument by agreeing with opposing viewpoints.

• A rebuttal strengthens an argument by addressing opposing viewpoints and providing evidence or reasoning to prove that your claim is the best one.

Explain the purpose of a thesis statement in an argumentative essay.

• To provide a list of sources used in the essay

• To summarize the entire essay in one sentence

• To offer a personal anecdote unrelated to the main argument

• To clearly present the claim and give two strong reasons to back it up.

Why is a strong conclusion important in argumentative writing?

• A strong conclusion is not important in argumentative writing because it is better to leave the reader hanging

• A strong conclusion is important in argumentative writing because it reinforces the main points and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

• A strong conclusion is not important in argumentative writing because it is unnecessary to summarize the main points

• A strong conclusion is not important in argumentative writing because it confuses the reader

How does a counterclaim strengthen an argument?

• By using emotional appeals instead of addressing opposing viewpoints, which undermines the logical strength of the argument.

• By acknowledging and addressing opposing claims so you can prove that your claim is better.

• By repeating the same points without considering opposing viewpoints, which demonstrates a lack of critical thinking and weakens the argument.

• By ignoring any opposing viewpoints, which shows a narrow understanding of the topic and decreases the credibility of the argument.

What role do transitions play in connecting ideas in an argumentative essay?

• Transitions are only used to repeat the same idea in different words

• Transitions are unnecessary and only add unnecessary length to the essay

• Transitions help to maintain the flow of the essay and guide the reader through the argument by showing the relationships between ideas.

• Transitions are only used in narrative essays, not argumentative essays

Explain the difference between a claim and a thesis statement in argumentative writing.

• A claim is always true while a thesis statement can be false

• A claim is never supported by evidence while a thesis statement is always backed up by research

• The main difference is that a claim is a general statement while a thesis statement is more specific and provides clear, specific reasons to back it the claim.

• A claim is only used in academic writing while a thesis statement is used in legal documents