Argument Writing Terms

a statement that something is true/your position

• claim

• source

• works cited

• issue

your stance or claim on an issue is your ________________

• argument

• reason

• source

• call to action

a statement of justification or explanation of a claim - this explains why others should agree with a claim

• issue

• reason

• credible source

• argument

the place where one finds evidence to support one's claim (print, online, interview, etc.)

• argument

• call to action

• source

• claim

a section where the author/speaker prompts the audience to do something to make a difference related to the issue

• credible source

• evidence

• source

• call to action

This is the writer’s position on the issue or topic  that is presented in the prompt.  It is the side of the argument that the writer is on.

• Evidence

• Claim 

• Audience 

• Purpose

Information from the text that backs up a claim.  This should be directly quoted from the text. 

• Evidence

• Audience 

• Purpose 

• Logos

The people who will read the author’s piece and will hopefully support the author’s claim.

• Purpose

• Reasoning

• Relevant Evidence

• Audience

This is evidence that is extra or besides the point of the claim.  It is not necessary to prove the claim.

• Irrelevant Evidence 

• Pathos

• Irrelevant Evidence 

• Audience

The writer acknowledges the opposing claim by presenting reasoning or facts to disprove it.

• Purpose

• Counter-claim 

• Pathos

• Claim