Argumentative Writing Flashcards

Grade 7 · English · Flashcards

Study the key terms and concepts for constructing and evaluating argumentative essays.

Flashcards

Claim: The writer's position on a debatable topic — what you are arguing
Thesis statement: The sentence stating your claim and previewing your main supporting reasons
Evidence: Facts, statistics, expert opinions, or examples that support your claim
Warrant: The explanation connecting evidence to the claim — the 'so what'
Counterargument: The opposing viewpoint to your claim
Rebuttal: Your response to the counterargument, showing why your claim is stronger
Ethos: Persuasion through credibility and trustworthiness
Pathos: Persuasion through emotional appeal
Logos: Persuasion through logic, data, and reasoning
Logical fallacy: A flaw in reasoning that weakens an argument — like the bandwagon fallacy
Bandwagon fallacy: Arguing something is true because many people believe it
Straw man fallacy: Misrepresenting the opposing argument to make it easier to attack
Anecdotal evidence: A personal story used as evidence — weaker than research but useful for illustration
Hook: An engaging opening sentence designed to capture the reader's attention
Call to action: A concluding statement urging the reader to do or believe something specific