Argumentative Writing Vocabulary

support that explains why a writer takes a certain point of view

• reasons

• fact

• claim

• issue

appeals to your mind and relies on logic and facts

• logical appeal

• author's purpose

• evaluate

• central idea

the writer's position on an issue or problem

• claim

• evidence

• issue

• reasons

favoring one side unduly; prejudiced

• biased

• claim

• issue

• trace

1 - 2 sentences that state the issue and the author's position on the issue or problem

• thesis or claim statement

• central or main idea

• counterargument

• evidence

The reasons to support your way of thinking. Used to convince your audience that what you believe is correct.

• Arguments

• Audience

• Precise Claim

• Citing

Confidently states your viewpoint.

• Opposing Claim

• Precise Claim

• Expert Opinion

• Examples

This shares the point of view of people who do not agree with your claim.

• Fact

• Opposing Claim

• Purpose

• Criteria

Answer explanation

A statement that supports your claim.

• Facts

• Sufficient Evidence

• Reason

• Commonly Accepted Beliefs

Evidence that directly and factually support your position.

• Relevant Evidence

• Sufficient Evidence

• False Evidence

Answer explanation