Arguments and Claims Vocabulary

What is a counter argument?

• An argument that is the opposite of another argument

• The main point an author is trying to make

• Facts, examples, statistics, quotes, and expert opinions used to support an argument.

• The reason why something is done or used

Why would an author introduce a counter argument?

• To make their argument more interesting

• To show they understand the other viewpoint, but then go against it with evidence in order to strengthen their argument.

• To "lose" against the other argument

• To show how intelligent they are

What is an argument?

• An opposing viewpoint made by the author to strengthen their own viewpoint

• When the author uses evidence to support a point of view

• Facts, examples, statistics, quotes, and expert opinions used to support an argument

• The use of ethos, pathos, and logos

Define: argument

• an attempt to persuade others to agree with an idea or course of action

• a claim

• the evidence for a claim

• a statement made by an expert or authority on a subject

Define: claim

• an attempt to persuade someone to agree with you

• a statement made by an authority on a subject

• a statement that something is wrong

• a statement that something is true even though there is no proof yet

Define: sufficient

• too much support for a claim

• enough support for a claim

• not enough support for a claim

Define: evidence

• an attempt to persuade someone to believe what you believe

• opinions used to support an argument

• information used to support an argument

• a fact given in number form

Define: relevant (select all that apply)

• unrelated to a claim

• closely connected to a claim

• directly related to a claim

• Reasonable or logical thinking

When you are asked to "trace" arguments and claims, what does this really mean for you to do?

• to tell the argument

• to investigate, to study closely

• to use your pencil to draw around

• to read

a statement of your opinion

• sufficient

• sound

• argument

• simile