Argumentative Unit Vocabulary Flashcards

Front

The purpose of argumentative writing is to ________.

Back

defend a position (for or against) on a topic

Front

The group of people who read a piece of writing is called the __________.

Back

Audience

Front

The group of people an author expects will be reading his or her writing is called _________.

Back

Intended Audience

Front

Claim

Back

A statement of one's position (for or against) on an issue

Front

Evidence

Back

Information used to support an argument

Answer explanation

This answer is correct for several reasons. First, the professor who was fired and her students already know what happened in her classes. The article takes time to explain this, so it's not likely the author intended the audience to be limited to either the professor or her students. Second, while the article gives background information about the controversial issue, it doesn't try to convince the reader to agree with this issue. Therefore, the likely intended audience isn't students who agree with the professor's stand on the issue. The article DOES argue the professor's right to free speech. Therefore, the correct answer is students who care about free speech.

Front

Counterargument

Back

An opposing viewpoint

(reasons that some people disagree with an argument)

Answer explanation

This answer is correct for several reasons. First, the college president is not likely to be the intended audience because the article asks readers to sign a petition. The college president doesn't need to sign a petition; he/she can just make the requested change. Second, vegetarian students are not the likely intended audience because the article explains how healthy a vegetarian diet is. This is something they would already know. Lastly, all students & staff are not likely to care about having healthy menu options on campus. Therefore, the correct answer is students & staff who DO care about healthy diet.

Front

Rebuttal

Back

Reasons given to show why the counterargument is wrong

Answer explanation

This answer is correct because the article explains the many hours and hard work that prevent college athletes from holding a job. College athletes already know this and therefore don't need it explained to them. Additionally, the article is about a topic that's very specific to college athletes. This likely means it's not intended to reach an audience from the much broader category of "sports fan". Because it calls for readers to come to a rally, it's likely intended to reach all students and staff on campus who care about the college's athletes.

Front

To REFUTE someone is to _____

Back

say or prove a person is wrong

Front

Rhetorical Device

Back

a writing tool used by authors to persuade their audience

Front

Rhetorical Question

Back

A question asked to create a dramatic effect or to make a point, not to get an answer.