Elements of Argument and Line of Reasoning

argument

Expressing a point of view on a subject and supporting it with evidence in order to convince your audience to adopt your point of view or take action

issue

An important problem for debate or discussion

claim

Assertion about the topic from a certain perspective

Opinion without support

thesis

A claim/position on an issue that is supported by evidence

concession

Acknowledging opposing viewpoints

counterargument

Refuting (shooting down) the opposition's claim with a contrasting claim- no evidence yet

qualifiers

Words and phrases that limit the claim (usually, sometimes, in many cases, often, always, etc.)

rebuttal

Showing the opposing argument to be weak or incorrect by using evidence- after counterargument

resolution

Solving the problem or dispute

call to action

Signifying what you want the audience to do

line of reasoning

The arrangement of claims and evidence that leads to a conclusion

How your full argument is constructed and crafted to reach your ultimate end

key terms

Can signal the process of the author's thoughts as they move through an argument

transition words

Because, for example, explains, therefore, supports, since, though, however