Argumentative Essay Vocabulary

A comprehensive set of flashcards designed to review key vocabulary related to argumentative essay writing, including core terms, logical fallacies, rhetoric, and transitional phrases.

Claim

The main point or thesis of the argument; the position the writer is attempting to prove.

Counterclaim

An opposing viewpoint or argument that challenges the writer's claim.

Rebuttal

The response to the counterclaim, which attempts to disprove or minimize its validity; also called a refutation.

Evidence

Facts, statistics, examples, expert opinions, or other data used to support a claim.

Warrant

The underlying assumption or principle that connects the evidence to the claim; the logical reasoning that justifies the evidence as support.

Qualify

To modify, limit, or restrict a claim, often by adding exceptions or conditions.

Assumption

A belief or idea taken for granted; something the writer expects the audience to accept without proof.

Assertion

A confident and forceful statement of belief or fact; a strong declaration.

Premise

A statement or proposition that an argument is based on, or from which a conclusion is drawn.

Inductive Reasoning

Moving from specific observations to a broader, general conclusion.

Deductive Reasoning

Moving from a general principle or premise to a specific conclusion.

Ad Hominem

An attack on the character of a person rather than on their arguments or ideas.

Straw Man

Misrepresenting or exaggerating an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack.

Red Herring

Introducing an irrelevant topic into an argument to distract the audience from the main issue.

Slippery Slope

Arguing that one small step will inevitably lead to a chain of related, negative events.

Hasty Generalization

Drawing a conclusion based on a small or unrepresentative sample of evidence.

Bandwagon

Suggesting that an idea has merit simply because many people believe it or do it.

False Dichotomy

Presenting only two options or sides when, in fact, there are multiple possibilities.

Appeal to Emotion

Manipulating an emotional response in place of a valid or compelling argument.

Rhetoric

The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing.

Tone

The attitude of a writer toward a subject or an audience.

Ethos

An appeal to ethics or credibility; establishing the writer as a trustworthy source.

Pathos

An appeal to emotion; attempting to persuade an audience by creating an emotional response.

Logos

An appeal to logic or reason; using facts and sound reasoning to persuade.

Connotation

The emotional or cultural association a word carries, in addition to its literal meaning.

Denotation

The literal, dictionary definition of a word.

Vested Interest

A personal stake or involvement in an undertaking or state of affairs.

Nuance

A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound.

To Introduce a Claim/Point

Signaling phrases such as 'Evidently,' 'Primarily,' or 'It is crucial to note that…'.

To Add or Continue an Idea

Leading phrases like 'Furthermore,' 'Moreover,' or 'Similarly.'

To Contrast or Counter

Phrasing that indicates opposition such as 'Conversely,' 'However,' or 'On the contrary.'

To Show Cause and Effect

Expressions like 'Consequently,' 'Therefore,' or 'As a result.'

To Emphasize or Clarify

Clarifying phrases including 'Specifically,' 'Indeed,' or 'For example.'

To Conclude or Summarize

Final phrases such as 'Ultimately,' 'In essence,' or 'To recapitulate.'