ARGUMENTATION VOCABULARY TERMS

1. Analyze To methodically examine in detail the composition or structure of something, (especially information or evidence), for purposes of explanation and interpretation. Ex: The detective was asked to analyze the evidence for the case.

2. Anecdote A brief narrative account, often intended to illustrate or support a point. NOTE: The expression anecdotal evidence refers to the use of particular instances or concrete examples to support a claim. Such information (sometimes referred to negatively as "hearsay") may be compelling but does not, in itself, provide proof. Ex: Although the defense lawyer provided several clever anecdotes, this was not sufficient evidence to win the case.

3. Argumentation the act or process of forming reasons and drawing conclusions in support for or opposition to a given topic in discussion or writing Ex: He tried to use argumentation, rather than force, to convince his opponents.

4.Backing In argumentation, the support or explanation provided for the warrant. NOTE: The backing is often characterized by the word because. Ex: The fact that the team with the best defense has won the Superbowl for the last five years, was his backing for stating that the team with the best defense would win the Superbowl once again.

5. Claim The argument or point being maintained as true Ex: The prosecuting attorney’s argument was so unclear, the judge had to ask, “What is your claim?”

6. Conclusion the end decision or judgment reached by the examination of evidence Ex: After analyzing all of the evidence, their conclusion was that Arthur was a hopeless drunk.

7. Counterargument a contrasting, op- posing, or refuting  argument to the initial argument at hand Ex: Shannon and Alison were ready to offer their counterargument to Mr. McMahon about why they should be allowed to bring a 21-year-old guest to the homecoming dance.

8. Evidence Data or grounds to prove or disprove something Ex: Although the jury believed Queenie was guilty, there was not enough evidence to prove it.

9. Experts a person who has  special skill or know -ledge in a particu- lar field; a specialist or an authority Ex: The expert stated that he did not feel the level of intoxication was enough to cause the victim’s death.

10. Generalization a proposition asserting something to be true either of all members of a certain category or of an indefinite part of that category Ex: The employer’s generalization about teenagers was that all teenagers are lazy.

11. Rebuttal the act of refuting or contesting one argument by offering a contrary dispute or argument Ex: After listening to Brandon’s reasons for being excused from school forever, the principal offered his rebuttal.

12. Relevant having direct bearing on the matter in hand; pertinent, related, appropriate Ex: The defense lawyer accused the prosecuting attorney of bringing up evidence that was not relevant to the case at hand.

13. Statistics the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of large quantities of numerical data; a collection of such quantitative data Ex: Had the lawyer provided a more statistical argument, he may have won the case to ban all smoking.

Now find 2 examples from these notes in your argument “Undercover Parent” (Tigerbook pg. 65-67) Directions: Underline the sentence that is the argument vocabulary example and write the vocabulary word in the margin