Parts of an Argumentative Essay
Biased or Unbiased?
Key Vocabulary
Name that Counterclaim
Argumentative Break Down
100

The place in an argumentative essay where the CLAIM is located. 

What is the THESIS? 

100

"We should not be required to read this book because it is boring and shouldn’t be required reading for anyone."

What is BIASED?

100

This is when a person focuses their mind to relax, reflect, or calm their thoughts.

What is MEDITATING?

100

Claim: School uniforms should not be required.

Counterclaim: School uniforms should be required. 

100

Students should have longer lunch periods at school. 2 Longer lunches give students more time to eat, relax, and socialize, which can improve focus in afternoon classes. 3 A study by the National Education Association found that schools with 45-minute or longer lunch periods reported higher student attention and lower stress levels. 4 Some people argue that longer lunch periods would reduce instructional time and hurt learning. 5 However, even with slightly shorter class time, students are more productive and engaged after having enough time to recharge, so learning actually improves overall. 6 In conclusion, Students should be given a longer lunch because it gives students the opportunity to socialize, resulting in a stronger focus during class time.

This sentence is the EVIDENCE in the paragraph above. 

What is SENTENCE 3?

200

This portion of an argumentative essay gives the reader the specific claims that support the overall argument. 

What are the REASONS? 

200

“This football team is the best. They are the best because they won 8 out of 10 games this season.”

What is UNBIASED? 

200

This word describes thinking skills related to learning, remembering, and problem-solving.

What is COGNITIVE?

200

Claim: School rules should be the same for everyone.

Counterclaim: School rules should be different for every student. 

200

Students should have longer lunch periods at school. 2 Longer lunches give students more time to eat, relax, and socialize, which can improve focus in afternoon classes. 3 A study by the National Education Association found that schools with 45-minute or longer lunch periods reported higher student attention and lower stress levels. 4 Some people argue that longer lunch periods would reduce instructional time and hurt learning. 5 However, even with slightly shorter class time, students are more productive and engaged after having enough time to recharge, so learning actually improves overall. 6 In conclusion, Students should be given a longer lunch because it gives students the opportunity to socialize, resulting in a stronger focus during class time.

This sentence is the CLAIM in the paragraph above. 

What is SENTENCE 1? 

300

This section of an argumentative essay presents the opposing viewpoint.

What is the COUNTERCLAIM? 

300

"The new dress code is unfair and only exists to punish students."

What is BIASED? 

300

This term refers to understanding where objects are in relation to yourself and other objects around you.

What is SPATIAL AWARENESS?

300

Claim: No one should be required to participate in group projects.

Counterclaim: Everyone should be required to participate in group projects.

300

Students should have longer lunch periods at school. 2 Longer lunches give students more time to eat, relax, and socialize, which can improve focus in afternoon classes. 3 A study by the National Education Association found that schools with 45-minute or longer lunch periods reported higher student attention and lower stress levels. 4 Some people argue that longer lunch periods would reduce instructional time and hurt learning. 5 However, even with slightly shorter class time, students are more productive and engaged after having enough time to recharge, so learning actually improves overall. 6 In conclusion, Students should be given a longer lunch because it gives students the opportunity to socialize, resulting in a stronger focus during class time.

This sentence is the COUNTERCLAIM in the paragraph above. 

What is SENTENCE 4?

400

This piece of an argumentative essay provides credible proof of the author's claim. 

What is the EVIDENCE? 

400

“The book has mixed reviews from students, with some enjoying it and others not.”

What is UNBIASED? 

400

In an argumentative essay, this is the main point or position the writer is trying to prove.

What is a CLAIM? 

400

Claim: Schools should start later in the morning to improve student focus and learning.

Counterclaim: Schools should start earlier in the morning to improve student focus and learning. 

400

Students should have longer lunch periods at school. 2 Longer lunches give students more time to eat, relax, and socialize, which can improve focus in afternoon classes. 3 A study by the National Education Association found that schools with 45-minute or longer lunch periods reported higher student attention and lower stress levels. 4 Some people argue that longer lunch periods would reduce instructional time and hurt learning. 5 However, even with slightly shorter class time, students are more productive and engaged after having enough time to recharge, so learning actually improves overall. 6 In conclusion, Students should be given a longer lunch because it gives students the opportunity to socialize, resulting in a stronger focus during class time.

This sentence is the REASON in the paragraph above. 

What is SENTENCE 2? 

500

This part of an argumentative essay explains why the opposing viewpoint is weak or incorrect.

What is the REBUTTAL? 

500

“Although the policy claims to support student success, it clearly ignores what students actually need.”

What is BIASED? 

500

This terminology is usually found in comprehension questions. The definition is: to notice and explain the difference between two or more things.

What is DISTINGUISH?

500

Claim: Reading every day helps people develop important skills for success in school and life.

Counterclaim: Reading every day does not help people develop important skills for success in school and life. 

500

Students should have longer lunch periods at school. 2 Longer lunches give students more time to eat, relax, and socialize, which can improve focus in afternoon classes. 3 A study by the National Education Association found that schools with 45-minute or longer lunch periods reported higher student attention and lower stress levels. 4 Some people argue that longer lunch periods would reduce instructional time and hurt learning. 5 However, even with slightly shorter class time, students are more productive and engaged after having enough time to recharge, so learning actually improves overall. 6 In conclusion, Students should be given a longer lunch because it gives students the opportunity to socialize, resulting in a stronger focus during class time.

This sentence is the REBUTTAL in the paragraph above. 

What is SENTENCE 5?