Argument Terms
     
    What is the thesis statement?
  • Topic
  • Stance
  • A general statement about your topic, usually in the form of a single sentence that summarizes what you expect will be the controlling idea.  In argumentative writing, your thesis should clearly state your position on the issue you have chosen to write about.
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      Ex. Despite claims that increased immigration would hurt the economy, the evidence strongly suggests that new immigrants strengthen the economy in a variety of ways.
       
    What qualifies as evidence?
  • Proof/Support
  • Facts
  • Statistics
  • Authorities
  • Anecdotes
  • Scenarios
  • Cases
  • Textual Evidence
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    What is a counterargument?
  • If an issue is arguable, then there must be a possibility that the thesis is true, and there must also be a possibility that the thesis is false.
  • The counterargument refers to the possibility that the thesis is false.
  • The counterargument argues against the working thesis.
  • You must present the counterargument in your paper so that your audience knows that you have already considered the counterargument, but ultimately you will refute the counterargument in your paper.