Terms Used in Argumentative Writing

A claim is

• Also known as a text reference; stating in my essay where my evidence came from and the author of my evidence

• Proof that supports and backs up my claim

• The opposing side of an argument

• The last sentence in the introduction that states the author’s stance about the topic

Evidence is

• Proof that supports and backs up my claim

• Words or phrases a writer uses to move from one idea to the next

• Explaining, expanding on, and reinforcing the importance of my evidence and how/why it supports my claim

• A list of the sources I used during my research

To elaborate means

• The opposing side of an argument

• Proof that supports and backs up my claim

• Why an author believes their stance

• Explaining, expanding on, and reinforcing the importance of my evidence and how/why it supports my claim

An In-text citation is

• Words or phrases a writer uses to move from one idea to the next

• Why an author believes their stance

• Also known as a text reference; stating in my essay where my evidence came from and the author of my evidence

• The opposing side of an argument

An example of an in-text citation is

• “Competitive sports are a way to burn off energy and also to meet new people”

• (Thomas 34)

• I found my information on History.com

• (google)

A reason is

• The ending paragraph that summarizes the main ideas from the entire essay

• Why an author believes their stance

• Words an author uses to show their feelings about their topic; also to improve their argument

• Using evidence word for word from a text and putting the evidence in quotation marks

A counterargument is

• Words or phrases a writer uses to move from one idea to the next

• To re-word, rearrange, summarize, or put information in my own words

• The opposing side of an argument

• A list of the sources I used during my research

A rebuttal is

• A.When the author disproves the opposing side’s evidence. (ex: I understand what you are saying, but…)

• Why an author believes their stance

• To re-word, rearrange, summarize, or put information in my own words

• Words or phrases a writer uses to move from one idea to the next

Bias means

• Explaining, expanding on, and reinforcing the importance of my evidence and how/why it supports my claim

• Words an author uses to show their feelings about their topic; also to improve their argument

• To re-word, rearrange, summarize, or put information in my own words

• Using evidence word for word from a text and putting the evidence in quotation marks

An example of a claim is

• No, because kids can get hurt, feel too much pressure, and lose focus on their grades

• I think competitive sports are a bad idea.

• Yes because competitive sports are fun!

• Kids should be involved in competitive sports.