AP Language and Composition: Argument Vocabulary

Argument

a reason or set of reasons given with the aim of persuading others that an action or idea is right or wrong

Claim

an assertion/statement of truth of something

Assert

to state a fact or belief confidently

Equivocate

when on tries to argue both sides evenly, thus not asserting a clear position

Position

one’s stance on an issue

Challenge

to contradict a position

Defend

to support a position

Qualify

to set parameters for an argument (Yes, but.. or No, but…)

Commentary

analysis that explains the significance of the evidence

Counterargument

the opposing argument

Counterclaim

a claim made to rebut (go against/disprove) a previous claim

Rebuttal

a refutation or contradiction; follows the counterclaim to disprove it, thus strengthens one’s position

Concession

acknowledging the merit of the opposing argument

Refutation

the action of proving a statement or theory to be wrong or false