Understanding Argument Study Guide

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the basic elements of argument, types of claims, evidence forms, argument terms, and the classical argument structure based on the study guide.

Argument

The process of reasoned inquiry and rational discourse seeking a common ground, engaged in when exploring ideas reasonably and thinking clearly about the world.

Claim

An assertion that states the argument's main idea or position; it requires a defense, should provoke interest, needs to be a complete sentence, and must be significant and reasonable.

Claims of Fact

Assertions that something is true or not true, which often pivot on what exactly is 'factual' and become arguable when questioned, raise controversy, or challenge beliefs, stereotypes, or social beliefs.

Claims of Value

Arguments that something is good or bad, wrong, valuable or not valuable, or desirable or undesirable, based on personal taste or external criteria that must be established to evaluate the subject.

Claims of Policy

Claims made anytime a change is proposed; they typically require rhetorical work beforehand, such as establishing the nature and severity of a problem or explaining why other solutions fall short.

Personal Experience

A type of evidence that adds a human element and acts as an effective appeal to pathos.

Personal Observation

A type of evidence consisting of things you have seen, but not necessarily experienced yourself.

Testimonies

Expressions of how the writer—or someone the writer is citing—feels about a personal experience or personal observation.

Anecdotes

Stories about other people that you have either observed, been told, or researched.

Analogies

A comparison between two unrelated things to clarify one of them, where similarities must be more important than differences and the reader must understand both elements.

Facts, Examples, & Details

Awareness of local, national, and global occurrences (such as current events and historical information) that provides a store of accurate and brief information for arguments.

Expert Opinion

Specialized, credible knowledge that serves as the backbone of evidence-based arguments.

Quantitative Evidence

Evidence represented as numbers (such as stats, surveys, polls, and experiment results), often presented through graphs, charts, tables, or verbal explanations.

Corroboration

Evidence or sources that complement or support an argument.

Refutation

Demonstrating with evidence that all or a portion of a competing claim is invalid or incorrect.

Concession

Accepting all or a portion of a competing claim as correct, or correct under different circumstances.

Rebuttal

Offering a contrasting perspective on an argument and its evidence, or providing alternative evidence to propose that all or a portion of a competing claim is invalid.

Qualification

A limitation placed on the scope, precision, or accuracy of a claim that allows a speaker to anticipate and account for counterarguments or objections.

Line of Reasoning

The order, pattern, and arrangement of claims and reasons in an argument to reach a conclusion.

Exordium (Introduction)

The opening part of a classical argument that sets the tone for the paper (urgent, calm, humorous, satirical, etc.) and reaches out to a specific audience sharing common goals, values, or concerns.

Narratio (Narration)

The section of a classical argument that lays a foundation by updating the reader on relevant material, briefly providing specific examples, and offering background information to understand the topic thoroughly.

Confirmatio (Confirmation)

The section of a classical argument that clearly defines each argument point-by-point, provides proof or evidence, presents research or results to support the thesis, and explains why claims of value are significant.

Refutatio (Refutation)

The section of a classical argument that presents opposing viewpoints with research, explains why counterarguments are impractical, points out flaws or logical deviations, and shows how the primary argument is better.

Peroratio (Conclusion)

The concluding section of a classical argument that summarizes the strongest arguments, may include emotional appeals or a call to action, proposes a solution, leaves a final impression, and paints a picture of what happens if advice is or is not followed.