Argumentative Terminology
One or two sentences stating the author's perspective or belief on a topic
What is a claim?
Supporting details that can be trusted because it comes from someone or some place that is dependable
What is credible or reliable evidence?
Women make better parents and cooks than men because they are nurturing and multi-task better.
What is biased information?
A type of word that can combine two or more independent clauses; are easily remembered with the nickname "FANBOYS"
What are coordinating conjunctions?
The flower reached for the sun, opened its petals, and smiled, but it didn't grow any bigger for weeks.
What is a compound sentence?
IC: The flower reached for the sun, opened its petals, and smiled
CC: , but
IC: it didn't grow any bigger for weeks
The process of assessing the quality or value of something
What is evaluating?
Supporting details that directly support a claim, or are connected to the topic being argued
What is relevant evidence?
Some people believe that cats are smarter than dogs.
What is a counterclaim or counter argument?
A type of clause that includes a subject and a verb, it can stand alone or be connected to other clauses
What is an independent clause?
A toad, a rabbit, and a bird slowly travelled through the beautiful, old forest at night.
What is a simple sentence?
IC: A toad, a rabbit, and a bird slowly travelled through the beautiful, old forest at night.
The process of outlining and understanding the general idea of an argument
What is tracing an argument?
Supporting details that cannot be trusted because the information is unfairly opinionated
What is biased information?
Cats may be more independent than dogs; however, cats do not typically learn tricks or listen when called by name while dogs are capable of learning many skills.
What is a rebuttal?
A type of word that can combine clauses, and always transforms the clause following it into a dependent clause
What is a subordinating conjunction?
When the llama finally made it back home, she was upset, and her owner made her feel better.
What is a compound-complex sentence?
IC: she was upset
IC: her owner made her feel better
CC: , and
SC+DC: When the llama finally made it back home
A statement that argues against a previously made claim
What is a counterclaim?
Support and explanations that make sense and use logic to appeal to the reader. Support that is clear, and easy to follow.
What is sound reasoning?
School uniforms are too expensive, limit students' self-expression, and increase students' personal struggles.
What is a claim?
A type of clause that starts with a subordinating conjunction and relies on other clauses in order to be part of a sentence
What is a dependent clause?
What is a complex sentence?
IC: The small, perfumed candle had been lit for hours
SC+DC: until my mother complained about the danger
Evidence or information that argues against a previously made counterclaim
What is a rebuttal?
Supporting details that are enough information, high quality, and meet expectations for supporting an argument
What is sufficient evidence?
Renowned scientist Lori Marino says that dolphins are intelligent because they demonstrate the ability to learn and apply new knowledge.
What is credible evidence?
Part of a sentence that has a subject or a verb, but not both; it cannot stand alone
What is a phrase?
I went to the park, Dan went to the skatepark, and Talia went to the beach.
What is a compound sentence?
(Yes- it can have more than two independent clauses!)
IC: I went to the park
IC: Dan went to the skatepark
IC: Talia went to the beach
CC: , and