Making an ArgumentVocabulary to Know

claim

• A statement of something as a fact, true, or right

•His claim of innocence did not have any evidence.

fact

• Something that actually exists, reality, truth

• She relied on the fact that the sun comes up each morning.

opinion

• A belief or judgment, a personal view, attitude, or appraisal

• It was her opinion that peas were a terrible vegetable.

argument

• a process of reasoning; a series of reasons• I could not follow his argument.

• a statement, reason, or fact for or against a point.• There is a strong argument in favor of that theory.

reason

• a statement presented in justification or explanation of a belief or action

•George gave many reasons for not doing his homework.

evidence

• that which tends to prove or disprove something; proof

• Susan’s flushed look was visible evidence of her fever.

PRACTICE

Choose one of the following claims and practice making your argument:

• Playing sports is better than playing video games.

OR• Playing video games is better than playing sports.

PRACTICE

Choose one of the following claims and practice making your argument:

• Reading books is better than watching TV or movies.

OR•Watching TV or movies is better than reading books.