Understanding Argumentative Terms

An author's position or opinion about a topic, often written as the thesis in an argumentative essay.

• editorial

• controversy

• claim

• reasoning

A dispute concerning a matter of opinion is a

• claim

• controversy

• plagiarism

• reason

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

• argument

• controversy

• claim

• evidence

A short essay in which someone speaking for a publication (such as a newspaper or magazine) expresses an opinion or takes a stand on an issue.

• debate

• editorial

• claim

• narrative

A perspective or view that can be debated is called an

• evidence

• essay

• opinion

• editorial

Statements of facts, statistics, examples, etc. that supports or proves a claim.

• reasons

• evidence

• editorials

• controversy

The points that explain why an author is making a certain claim.

• evidence

• claim

• reasons

• opinion

To restate in one's own words.

• Opinion

• paraphrase

• reasoning

• claim

Students should not be required to do community service.

• evidence

• reason

• claim

• paraphrase

Which of the following are types of evidence a writer can use to support a claim?

• research and survey results

• expert opinions

• facts and statistics

• all of the above