Key Terms in Argumentative Text and Writing

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Argumentative Text

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A text in which the writer develops and defends a position or debates a topic using logic and persuasion.

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Audience

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The intended target group for a message, regardless of the medium.

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Author’s purpose

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The reason an author writes about a particular topic (e.g., to persuade, to entertain, to inform, to explain to analyze, etc.); the reason an author includes particular details, features, or devices in a work.

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Bias

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A particular inclination, feeling, or opinion about a subject that is often preconceived or unreasoned.

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Claim

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An assertion, position, or arguable thesis about a topic or issue.

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Counterargument

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A viewpoint that opposes an author’s thesis or claim; addressing and rebutting counterarguments are essential in persuasive writing and speaking.

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Credibility

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The quality of having reliable and trustworthy characteristics which may be influenced by an author having expertise on a topic, using unbiased and accurate reasoning, evidence, and sources to support ideas, and providing current and up-to-date information.

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Critique

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A detailed evaluation or critical commentary on a problem, subject, or work.

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Direct address

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A technique that addresses or calls to an absent person or personified object as if he/she/it is able to reply, yet they are not actually present; also known as apostrophe.

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Evidence

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Specific details or facts that support an inference or idea.