Key Terms for Informational and Argument Writing – 4.21.14
Term
Argument
Central Idea
Claim
Counterargument
Counterclaim
Evidence
Main Idea
Definition
A form of writing that aims to present a balanced view of a subject
by presenting several sides to get the reader to acknowledge the
writer’s side is valid and deserves consideration as another point of
view. [S]
It involves introducing a specific claim(s) and establishes an
organizing structure that clarifies the relationship between various
claim(s), counterclaims, evidence, and reasoning. Students use a
formal and objective style and tone. [J.B.]
The implicit or explicit messages in a text. [Calkins, J.B.] There can be
more than one valid central idea in a text. Synonyms: Main idea,
theme, controlling idea.
NB - Theme is used with fiction and literary non-fiction.
Statement that something is true even though it has not yet been
proven. [L.D.]. Several claims may be used to support the overall
thesis for which the writer is arguing. [P.O.] Synonym: Topic
sentence.
An evidence-based reasoned argument in response to another
argument.
A claim that is an alternative or opposing angle to the writer’s
position; the writer must respond by refuting (disproving) or
conceding (agreeing in part but still emphasizing superiority of
writer’s own position) the other’s claim. [WH]
Quotations, details, observations, interviews, examples, facts, data,
survey results, human interest stories that support topic sentences
and, thus, the thesis statement. [WH]
What a text is “mostly about.” [DESE] There can be one or more valid
main ideas in a text. Synonym: Central idea.
Example
Sample Grade 12 Argument from Appendix C of the Common
Core State Standards – See pp. 78 – 79.
A central idea of Nickel and Dimed is that a society that expects people
to survive on the current minimum wage is inhumane. Another central
idea of Nickel and Dimed is that those who manage to survive on a
minimum wage often work much harder than those who earn higher
wages, dispelling the myth that laziness is a major cause of poverty.
All schools should provide students the chance to bring technology
from home.
Some of the best spellers in the country have parents who were born
outside the U.S.
Argument: Fracking provides many benefits for extracting natural
resources. For example, A…B… C… Counterargument: Though the
resources gained by fracking may be beneficial in the short term, the
long term damage to the Earth is not worth the immediate benefits.
This is seen in XYZ environmental pollution data collected by ABC on
DEF date and GHI locations and the ensuing costs to fund clean-up
efforts.
Claim: Fracking is a valuable way of extracting natural resources from
the Earth.
Counterclaim: Fracking causes long term damage to the Earth.
Observation: The flush on his face revealed his embarrassment.
See Central Idea above.
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Persuasive
Writing
Theme
Writing that seeks to convince its readers to embrace a point-of-view
by appealing to reason and understanding through argument and/or
entreaty. [P.O.] It may use appeals to ethos, pathos, and/or logos
and differs from argumentation in that it need not address a
counterargument. [S]
A theme is a universal underlying idea that may be about life,
society, or human nature. Themes explore timeless truths and are
often implied rather than stated explicitly. There can be multiple
themes within a text. It is a thread that connects multiple situations
or characters, but does not refer to any specific character or
situation. (Calkins modified)
Advertisements, often political campaigns, often appeals for funding…
Topic
Prejudice
Courage
Some NON_EXAMPLES of theme: “War is disgusting.” (opinion) OR
“Friendship” (topic)
Thesis
Topic Sentence
A writer’s overall position on a topic. [E.B.] An attitude or position
on a problem taken by a writer with the intention of proving or
supporting it with specific evidence. [E.L.] A thesis is a type of claim
and is supported by topic sentences, support /evidence, and
explanations/reasoning/warrants. [P.O.]
Every paragraph should include a topic sentence that identifies the
main idea of the paragraph. Generally, the topic sentence appears at
the beginning of the paragraph. [P.O.] and makes a specific claim
about some aspect of the thesis. [WH]
Theme
People
should not
be judged
by first
appearances
.
Courage
often comes
from
unexpected
sources.
Thesis
Some characters in Harper Lee’s
To Kill A Mockingbird
overcome their prejudices, while
others do not.
In Harper Lee’s To Kill A
Mockingbird, several characters
deemed weak by others end up
demonstrating
unexpected strengths.
Several characters in Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird
reveal unexpected strengths.
(Based on the thesis above) Mrs. Dubose, while repellant to Jem and Scout,
shows strength of character in choosing to die addiction-free.
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Warrant
Explanation of why or how the evidence supports the claim; the
underlying assumption that connects your evidence to your claim. It
often involves inferential thinking and expresses a shared
understanding between the writer and the audience. [.PO., R.]
Synonyms: Reasons, explanations
Types of Warrant
Generalization
Analogy
Sign
Causality
Authority
Principle
Definition
It assumes that what is true of a wellchosen sample is likely to hold for a
larger group or population
Extrapolating from one situation or
event based on the nature and outcome
of a similar situation or event. Has links
to 'case-based' and precedent-based
reasoning used in legal discourse
The notion that certain types of
evidence are symptomatic of some
wider principle or outcome. For
example, smoke is often considered a
sign for fire.
Arguing that a given occurrence or
event is the result of or caused by factor
X. Generally the hardest to prove.
Does person X or text X constitute an
authoritative source on the issue in
question? What political, ideological or
economic interests does the authority
have? Is this the sort of issue on which
a significant number of authorities are
likely to agree?
Locating a principle that is widely
regarded as valid and showing that a
situation exists in which this principle
applies.
Sources
Bloy, B. (2006). A Peoples Education Skillbook for AP*/Honors English Literature: Close Reading and Analytic Writing. [E.L.]
Burke, J. (2013). The Common Core Companion: The Standards Decoded, Grades 9 - 12: What They Say, What They Mean, How To
Teach Them. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Literacy. [JB]
Calkins, L., Ehrenworth, M., & Lehman, C. (2012). Pathways to the Common Core: Accelerating Achievement [Calkins]
Heller, S. & Fox, S. (2010). A Peoples Education Skillbook for Pre-AP*/Honors AP* English Bound: Skills for Pre-AP and Honors English Literature [E.B.]
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Jago, C. Shea, RH, Scanlon, L. Aufses, R.D. (2011). Literature and Composition: Reading. Writing. Thinking [L & C]
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
Murfin, R. & Ray, S.M. (2009). The Bedford Glossary of Critical and Literary Terms [B.G.]
Longman Dictionary [L.D]
Purdue Online Writing Lab. http://owl.english.purdue.edu/ [PO]
Http://www.rohan.sdsu.edu/~digger/305/toulman_model.htm [R]
Smekens Education Solutions. http://www.smekenseducation.com/argumentative-v-persuasive-writing.html and
http://www.mesd.k12.or.us/si/Pennys_PortaPortal_Docs/ArgumentvsPersuasiveWriting.pdf [S]
West High Literacy Team Glossary [WH]
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