AP Lang Key Argumentative Terms Final

Thesis

overarching, debatable and controversial assertion writer seeks to prove in the essay

Reason

answers the question “why?” 

supports the thesis, leads the paragraph

main idea/topic sentence:  previews focus of the paragraph

Evidence

types of evidence:  statistics, studies, surveys, polls, expert opinion, experiences

supports reason, works to convince reader

Commentary

 unique (writer’s thinking)

offers writer’s perspective, illustrates writer’s thinking

Context

circumstances

brings the reader up to speed

provides the reader with the necessary background information in order to understand the argument

background information

Counterargument

opposing viewpoint

helps reach a more nuanced understanding of the issue

Qualifier

places limits on the claim

narrows the claim

makes the writing more precise and honest

Ex. Instead of saying something is always or never true, a qualifier shows that a statement is true under certain conditions or to a certain extent.

Common qualifiers

• often

• usually

• sometimes
  

Warrant

the reasoning that explains why your evidence supports your claim. It’s the logical bridge between what you say is true (claim) and what you prove (evidence).

Backing

the support that reinforces the warrant. If a warrant explains why the evidence supports the claim, the backing explains why the warrant itself is valid.

Think of it as proof for your reasoning.

Line of Reasoning

the logical sequence of ideas that connects your claim to your conclusion, showing how and why your argument develops step by step.