Claims & Evidence
This is the writer's main point or stance on an issue, which they aim to prove or support with evidence.
Claim
This part of an argumentative essay is the central statement that clearly expresses the writer's main argument or position.
Thesis statement/claim
This sentence is typically the first in a paragraph and introduces the main idea of that paragraph.
Topic sentences
This term refers to an opposing viewpoint that challenges the writer's main claim or argument.
Counterargument
This is the first paragraph of an argumentative essay, where the writer introduces the topic and provides their thesis statement.
Introduction
These are the pieces of information—like statistics, facts, or expert opinions—that back up a claim in argumentative writing.
Evidence
Facts, statistics, and expert opinions are examples of this essential component that supports a writer's claims.
Evidence
A strong topic sentence should clearly express this, which guides the focus of the paragraph.
Main idea
This is the response a writer provides to prove why the opposing argument is flawed or less valid.
Rebuttal
This section of an argumentative essay contains the writer's main claims and supporting evidence.
Body paragraph
This is the term for evidence that directly supports the claim and is both credible and relevant to the argument.
Supporting evidence
A good argumentative writer addresses this opposing viewpoint to demonstrate fairness and strengthen their argument.
Counterclaim
Topic sentences should do this to ensure they align with the overall argument or thesis of an essay.
Support the thesis
Including counterarguments in writing shows that the writer has done this to opposing viewpoints, making their argument stronger.
True
In the conclusion of an argumentative essay, the writer restates this to remind the audience of their main argument.
Thesis statement
When using evidence, writers often include these explanations to show how the evidence supports their claim.
Reasoning
This rhetorical appeal relies on logic, reasoning, and facts to persuade the audience of an argument.
Logos
This is a common mistake when writing topic sentences, where the sentence is too vague or broad to give the reader a clear understanding of the paragraph's focus.
Unclear focus about the main idea being discussed
A strong rebuttal often provides this to demonstrate why the counterargument is incorrect or less convincing.
Reasoning
This part of an argumentative essay is where the writer addresses opposing viewpoints and explains why their argument is stronger.
Counterargument/rebuttal
This term refers to information that might seem like evidence but lacks credibility or relevance, making it ineffective in supporting a claim.
Weak evidence
In argumentative writing, this is the strategy of identifying and disproving weaknesses in the opposing argument.
Refutation
A strong topic sentence often contains this element to hint at the type of evidence or reasoning that will follow in the paragraph.
Controlling idea
This strategy, often used in rebuttals, acknowledges that the counterargument has some merit but explains why the writer's position is still stronger.
Concession
Each body paragraph typically begins with this sentence, which introduces the main idea of that paragraph.
Topic sentence