Argumentative Vocabulary

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

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

Answer 3

Equivocate

Question 4

one’s stance on an issue

Answer 4

Position

Question 5

to contradict a position

Answer 5

Challenge

Question 6

to support a position

Answer 6

Defend

Question 7

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

Answer 7

Qualify

Question 8

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

Answer 8

Hypothetical evidence

Question 9

evidence that is too broad or vague

Answer 9

General evidence

Question 10

evidence that has some concrete details but is still somewhat imprecise

Answer 10

Somewhat specific evidence

Question 11

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

Answer 11

Specific evidence

Question 12

analysis that explains the significance of the evidence

Answer 12

Commentary

Question 13

the opposing argument

Answer 13

Counterargument

Question 14

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

Answer 14

Counterclaim

Question 15

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

Answer 15

Rebuttal

Question 16

acknowledging the merit of the opposing argument

Answer 16

Concession

Question 17

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

Answer 17

Refutation