A Workbook for Argument: Terms and Defs.

Argument

A set of reasons or evidence offered in support of a conclusion.

Claim

The main position or point being argued.

Conclusion

The main point or claim an argument attempts to prove.

Premise

A reason or supporting statement in an argument.

Evidence

Facts, examples, statistics, or testimony used to support a claim.

Reasoning

The logical connection between evidence and conclusion.

Warrant

The logical principle connecting evidence to the conclusion.

Counterargument

An opposing viewpoint that challenges the argument.

Refutation

Evidence or reasoning that disproves an opposing argument.

Concession

Acknowledging a valid point from the opposing side.

Authority

A knowledgeable or credible source used to support a claim.

Credibility

The trustworthiness or expertise of a source or speaker.

Reliable Premise

A premise that is believable, accurate, and well-supported.

Generalization

A broad claim based on examples or evidence.

Example

A specific instance used to illustrate or support a generalization.

Representative Example

An example that accurately reflects the larger group being discussed.

Counterexample

An example that challenges or disproves a generalization.

Sample

A smaller group used to represent a larger population.

Statistics

Numerical data used as evidence.

Background Rate

The overall frequency or probability of something occurring.

Analogy

A comparison between two similar things used to support an argument.

Deductive Argument

An argument in which the conclusion logically follows from the premises.

Inductive Argument

An argument that moves from specific examples to broader conclusions.

Inference

A logical conclusion drawn from evidence or reasoning.

Validity

The logical strength of an argument's structure.

Fallacy

An error in reasoning that weakens an argument.

Overgeneralization

A conclusion that extends beyond the evidence provided.

Extrapolation

Extending known information or trends beyond the available evidence.

Impartial Source

A source without a direct personal stake in the issue.

Source Citation

Information identifying where evidence or information originated.

Assertion

A confident statement presented as true, often without sufficient support.

Loaded Language

Emotionally charged wording intended to influence the audience.

Substance

Actual evidence and reasoning rather than emotional effect alone.

Concrete Language

Specific, vivid language rather than abstract wording.

Concise Language

Clear and brief wording without unnecessary elaboration.

Parallel Structure

Repeating a similar grammatical structure for clarity and emphasis.

Transition

A word or phrase that connects ideas smoothly.

Unfolding Order

The logical arrangement of ideas within an argument.