Argumentative Essays and Debates

Flashcards on Argumentative Essays and Debates

What is an Argumentative Text?

Writing that uses evidence and facts to support a certain thesis.

What is the purpose of an Argumentative Essay?

To argue in favour of a certain thesis using facts and evidence.

What is a thesis statement?

The final statement in the introductory paragraph.

What is the major aim of the thesis statement?

Introduces the reader to the claim the writer will support throughout the essay.

What is the purpose of the introductory paragraph?

Engage or ''hook'' the reader.

What are good ways to draw in the reader in the introduction?

Key statistic, brief anecdote, imagery, or question.

What does analyzing both sides of the argument entail?

Analysing both sides of an argument, presenting the writer's perspective, refuting other side with evidence, and providing clear evidence.

What does the conclusion include when analyzing both sides of an argument?

Restating the thesis statement, calling to action and concluding remarks.

What does presenting only one side of the argument entail?

Discusses only one side of the argument and works well when there is no clear truth or absolute solution.

What is the structure when only presenting one side of the argument?

Thesis statement or the main claim, facts and evidence to support the argument, and rebuttal of counter-arguments.

What does providing a middle ground between both sides of the argument entail?

Acknowledges that an argument can be looked at from different standpoints.

What are Vocatives?

Opening greetings in debate writing.

What makes a debate informative?

Providing complete information and facts.

What makes a debate well-reasoned?

Arguments discussed must be logical, relevant, competent, and well-explained.

What makes a debate persuasive?

Must emphasize strong arguments to convince the people.

What makes a debate orderly?

Must present the facts in the structured and organized form.

What makes a debate dynamic?

Opposition teams question and answer important points.

What is a Team Policy Debate?

Two teams, each with two debaters and the aim is to present a huge amount of data coherently.

What is a Cross-examination Debate?

Period between speeches, opponents ask each other to clarify and understand points.

What is a Lincoln-Douglas Debate?

One-on-one and open-style debate, debaters focus on arguing for or against a topic persuasively and logically.

What is Spontaneous Argumentation?

Two teams that argue on a specific idea without much research, focuses more on presentation than content.

What is Public Forum Debate?

Arguments on controversial topics that are used to test argumentation, cross-examination, and refutation skills.

What is Parliamentary Debate?

Two teams argue, one proposes a motion and the other argues against it.