Understanding Argumentative Terms

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.

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.

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

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

Also known as a counter-argument, this is the viewpoint opposite of the author's claim.

• Counterclaim

• Rebuttal

• Refute

• Bias

An author uses this to support his claim.

• Counterclaim

• Bias

• Evidence

• Debate

The author can explain his thinking in a logical, sensible way using specific examples, cause and effect, deductive thinking, or other types of this kind of skill.

• Refute

• Rhetoric

• Rebuttal

• Reasoning

Arugmentative writing must include...

(Choose all that apply.)

• Counterclaim

• Reasons

• Evidence

• Claim