Argumentative Unit

Question 1

Argument

Answer 1

A reason or a 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 of 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 precise

Question 12

Specific evidence

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Commentary

Answer 13

analysis that explains the significance of the evidence

Question 14

Counterargument

Answer 14

the opposing argument

Question 15

Counterclaim

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Rebuttal

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Concession

Answer 17

Acknowledging the merit of opposing arguments

Question 18

Refutation

Answer 18

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