Argumentative Unit

Question 1

A reason or set of reasons given with the aim of persuading others that an action or idea is right or wrong

Answer 1

Argument

Question 2

An assertion/statement of the truth of something

Answer 2

Claim

Question 3

To state a fact or belief confidently

Answer 3

Assert

Question 4

When one tries to argue both sides evenly, thus not asserting a clear position

Answer 4

Equivocate

Question 5

One’s stance on an issue

Answer 5

Position

Question 6

To contradict a position

Answer 6

Challenge

Question 7

To support a position

Answer 7

Defend

Question 8

To set parameters for an argument (yes, but… or No, but…)

Answer 8

Qualify

Question 9

Analysis that explains the significance of the evidence

Answer 9

Commentary

Question 10

The opposing argument

Answer 10

Counterargument

Question 11

A claim made to rebut (go against/refute/disprove) a previous claim

Answer 11

Counterclaim

Question 12

A refutation or contradiction; follows the counterclaim to disprove it, thus strengthening one’s position

Answer 12

Rebuttal

Question 13

Acknowledging the merit of the opposing argument

Answer 13

Concession

Question 14

The action of proving a statement or theory to be wrong or false

Answer 14

Refutation

Question 15

Examples that could potentially happen but have not actually happened (Hypothetical evidence tends to be weak evidence and should not be included in essays.)

Answer 15

Hypothetical Evidence

Question 16

Evidence that is vague or too broad

Answer 16

General Evidence

Question 17

Evidence that has some concrete details but is still somewhat imprecise

Answer 17

Somewhat Specific Evidence

Question 18

Evidence that contains detailed information to help the reader clearly understand the example

Answer 18

Specific Evidence