Argumentative Unit

Question 1

Argument

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Claim

Answer 2

an assertion/ statement of the truth of something

Question 3

Assert

Answer 3

to state a fact or belief confidently

Question 4

Equivocate

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Position

Answer 5

one’s stance on an issue

Question 6

Challenge

Answer 6

to contradict a position

Question 7

Defend

Answer 7

to support a position

Question 8

Qualify

Answer 8

to set parameters for an argument (Yes, but…. or No, but…)

Question 9

Hypothetical Evidence

Answer 9

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

Question 10

General Evidence

Answer 10

evidence that is vague or too broad

Question 11

Somewhat Specific Evidence

Answer 11

evidence that has some concrete details but is still somewhat imprecise

Question 12

Commentary

Answer 12

analysis that explains the significance of the evidence

Question 13

Counterargument

Answer 13

the opposing argument

Question 14

Counterclaim

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Rebuttal

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Concession

Answer 16

acknowledging the merit of the opposing argument

Question 17

Refutation

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Specific Evidence

Answer 18

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