Understanding Argumentative Writing Vocabulary

What is the main purpose of an argument in writing?

• To provide a fictional narrative

• To describe a historical event

• To convey the writer's position and persuade others

• To entertain the audience

Who is the audience in a piece of writing?

• The editor of the publication

• The group of people the writing is intended for

• The writer's friends

• The characters in the story

What is a claim in an essay?

• An anecdote from the writer's life

• A summary of the essay

• The main argument of the essay

• A list of references

What is a counterclaim?

• A supporting argument

• A point made by the opposing side

• A conclusion of the essay

• An introduction to the topic

What is the purpose of a rebuttal?

• To disprove or point out weaknesses in the counterclaim

• To summarize the essay

• To introduce a new topic

• To provide background information

What does it mean to refute an idea?

• To support the idea

• To ignore the idea

• To prove the idea is wrong or false

• To expand on the idea

Which of the following is NOT a component of an argument?

• Rebuttal

• Narrative

• Counterclaim

• Claim

What is another term for a claim in an essay?

• Thesis

• Introduction

• Conclusion

• Summary

What role does evidence play in an argument?

• It introduces new topics

• It confuses the audience

• It supports the claim

• It provides entertainment

Which of the following best describes a rebuttal?

• Reasoning and evidence against the counterclaim

• A list of references

• An introduction to the essay

• A summary of the main points