Elements of Argumentative Writing Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is a claim in argumentative writing?

Ideas that challenge the writer's position

A type of evidence used in arguments

A strategy to capture reader interest

A writer's position in an argument (correct)

What is a counterclaim?

Statements that address the opposing position in an argument.

What does it mean to delineate an argument?

To trace the outline of a writer's argument.

What are reasons in the context of argumentative writing?

Ideas that support a writer's claim. Signup and view all the answers

What is evidence in argumentative writing?

Facts, statistics, anecdotes, quotations, and examples used to provide support for reasons presented in an argument. Signup and view all the answers

What does to cite mean in argumentative writing?

To mention or quote a passage, author, or person as evidence that supports the reasons you present in an argument. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to explain evidence?

To describe what a citation says and how it supports a reason in an argument. Signup and view all the answers

What does evaluate mean?

To judge or assess. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to analyze a piece of writing?

To examine a piece of writing to determine the essential parts and how they work together. Signup and view all the answers

What does synthesize mean in the context of writing?

To combine evidence from different written works into one essay. Signup and view all the answers

What should the introduction of an argumentative essay include?

Your hook, background information, and thesis statement/claim. Signup and view all the answers

What is a hook in an essay?

A statement that captures the interest of the reader and sets the tone for your essay. Signup and view all the answers

What is a claim statement?

What your essay will prove; it will be the last sentence in your introduction and includes your claim and the two main points you will use to support your claim. Signup and view all the answers

What does a body paragraph contain?

A topic sentence, evidence, an explanation of the evidence, a counterclaim and rebuttal, and a linking sentence back to the claim. Signup and view all the answers

What should a conclusion in an argumentative essay do?

Paraphrase thesis/claim, summarize supporting points, and end with a call to action and/or an emotional appeal. Signup and view all the answers

What are statistics in the context of an argument?

Facts, numbers, and information that can be very convincing when used in an argument. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Concepts in Argumentative Writing

Claim: Central position a writer takes in an argument, expressing their point of view.
Counterclaim: Recognition of opposing views that challenge the primary claim, fostering a balanced argument.
Delineate: The act of outlining or defining the structure and main points of a writer's argument.
Reason: Justifications that bolster the claim, providing logical support for the argument.
Evidence: Various forms of support such as facts, statistics, anecdotes, and quotations that validate the reasons.
Cite: To reference specific passages or authorities as a means of reinforcing the reasons in the argument.
Explain Evidence: The process of detailing how a citation substantiates a reason, clarifying its relevance in the argument.
Evaluate: Assessing the strengths and weaknesses of arguments or evidence presented.
Analyze: A detailed examination of a text, focusing on essential components and their interrelationships.
Synthesize: Merging insights from multiple sources to create a cohesive essay or argument.

Structure of an Argumentative Essay

Introduction: Comprises a hook to engage readers, background context, and a thesis statement that encapsulates the claim.
Hook: An engaging opening sentence designed to capture reader interest and set the essay's tone.
Claim Statement: The culminating sentence in the introduction, outlining what the essay aims to prove, including the claim and supporting main points.
Body Paragraph: Features a topic sentence that provides a reason supporting the claim, alongside evidence, explanations, counterclaims, rebuttals, and transitions that reconnect to the claim.
Conclusion: Restates the thesis and summarizes main points while urging action or eliciting an emotional response, aiming to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Use of Statistics in Arguments

Statistics: Quantitative data that can enhance the credibility of arguments, effectively persuading audiences through factual credibility.

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Description

Explore key terms essential for mastering argumentative writing with these flashcards. Learn definitions and concepts like claim, counterclaim, reason, and evidence to enhance your writing skills. Perfect for students and writers alike.