Argumentation and Debate Terms

Evidence

• Facts, statistics, examples, or expert testimony used to support a claim.

• Personal opinions and beliefs that are not backed by data.

• A collection of unrelated anecdotes and stories.

• Hypothetical scenarios that have not been tested.

Validity

• The quality of being logically sound and well-supported by evidence.

• The ability to be easily understood and interpreted.

• The degree to which something is accurate or true.

• The extent to which a theory can be applied in practice.

Strength of Argument

• The effectiveness of an argument based on the quality of reasoning and evidence presented.

• The ability to persuade someone without any evidence.

• The length of the argument presented.

• The emotional appeal of the argument.

Persuasion

• The act of convincing someone to adopt a particular belief or course of action.

• A method of gathering information from a group of people.

• The process of making a decision based on logical reasoning.

• A technique used to analyze data and draw conclusions.

Counterclaim

• A statement that supports the original claim.

• A statement that opposes or challenges the original claim.

• A statement that provides additional evidence for the original claim.

• A statement that summarizes the original claim.

Audience

• The group of people the argument is aimed at.

• A type of visual presentation.

• A method of data analysis.

• A form of artistic expression.

Thesis Statement

• A detailed analysis of the essay's structure.

• A concise summary of the main point or claim of an essay or research paper, which is supported by evidence and argumentation.

• An introduction that outlines the topics covered in the essay.

• A conclusion that summarizes the findings of the research.

Counterargument

• An argument that supports the main claim.

• An opposing argument that addresses and refutes the counterclaim.

• A statement that agrees with the counterclaim.

• A summary of the main argument.

Debate

• A casual conversation between friends.

• A structured discussion where opposing sides present arguments and counterarguments.

• A type of game played in teams.

• A method of teaching that involves storytelling.

Reasoning

• The explanation or logic behind why the evidence supports the claim.

• A summary of the main points discussed in the argument.

• A statement that presents a counterargument to the claim.

• A list of all the evidence presented in the argument.