On the spot english reviewer (formerly 45 terms tf)

Argumentative essay

type of writing that presents a clear stance on a specific issue & aims to persuade the reader to accept the writer's viewpoint

Argumentative text

aims to persuade / convince an audience to accept a particular viewpoint or take action, using logic, evidence, & reasoning to support a central claim

Claim

the main point/stance the author defends

Evidence

facts, data, statistics, or examples that support the claim (must be credible & relevant)

Reasoning

explanation of why the evidence proves the claim

Thesis Statement

sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay, usually coming near the end of your introduction to state a clear position/stance on an issue

Issue

idea about which the opinions of people are different

Argument

idea that supports the claim; needs supporting evidence and must have claim, evidence, counterclaims, & rebuttal

Counterargument

acknowledging & responding to opposing views to strengthen the argument by showing awareness of other perspectives

Pro

argument in favor of a claim or advantage regarding something

Con

argument against a claim or disadvantage regarding something

Facts

statement that can be proven true

Expert opinions

statements made by authorities on a subject

Anecdote

brief, personal stories

Counterclaims

alternate/opposing claims that not everyone will agree w/ your claim, requiring explanation of why your claim is more valid

Clarity

means the argument is easy to understand, stating its claim directly, using precise language, and avoiding ambiguity

Purpose

why the argument exists: to persuade, to inform, & to motivate

Rebuttal

response to the counterargument using transitions to negate or disprove the counterclaim

Transitions

words, phrases, & clauses that show how ideas are related to one another and help clarify the relationship between claim & reason

Conclusion

provides a concluding statement that restates your claim, briefly summarizes your evidence, and adds a final call to action or proposed solution

Statement of Position (Exposition) / Introduction

contains the hook & context, introduces the topic with a strong opening sentence, and states the thesis/claim

Body

presents evidence, counterclaims, and rebuttals while beginning each paragraph w/ a key general statement followed by supporting reasons

Linguistic Features

specific choices a writer makes regarding vocabulary (words), grammar, and sentence arrangement to make writing smooth, clear, & powerful

Style

way in which something is written, influencing the reader's impression through diction & tone to fit both audience & purpose

Diction

word choice suited for the assignment, considering denotation (dictionary meaning) and connotations (implied meanings)

Tone

attitude appropriate to the audience & purpose, which may be objective/subjective, logical/emotional, intimate/distant, or serious/humorous

Objective writing

focusing on facts rather than feelings, stating the claim confidently as a fact while avoiding slang and text

Simple Sentence

sentence containing one independent clause, great for emphasizing strong, final points or punchy claims

Compound Sentence

2 independent clauses joined by coordinating conjunctions with no dependent clause, good for comparing or adding thoughts

Complex Sentence

1 independent clause & 1 dependent clause joined by a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun, perfect for explaining evidence in detail