ARGUMENTATION

VOCABULARY TERMS
Analyze

To methodically examine The detective was

in detail the composition
asked to analyze
or structure of something,
(especially information the evidence for the
or evidence), for case.
purposes of explanation
and interpretation.
 Anecdote

A brief narrative account, Although the defense

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

the act or process of He tried to

forming reasons and use argumentation,
drawing conclusions rather than force, to
in support for or convince his
opposition to a given opponents.
topic in discussion or
writing
Backing

In argumentation, the The fact that the team

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

The main idea or Because the

point being prosecuting
maintained as attorney was so
true unclear, the judge
had to ask, “What is
your claim?”
Conclusion

the end decision After analyzing all of

or judgment the evidence, their
conclusion was that
reached by Arthur was a hopeless
reasoning and drunk.
examination of
evidence
 Consequences
Cameron is CHS football
In logic, the
player.
relationships between
statements that hold All CHS football players
are red devils.
true when one logically
"follows from" one or Consequently, it follows
more to others; the that Cameron is a red
devil.
conclusions that follow
the premises
Counterargument

a contrasting, op- Shannon and Alison were

ready to offer their
posing, or refuting counterargument to Mr.
argument to the McMahon about why
they should be allowed
initial argument at to bring a 21-year-old
hand guest to the
homecoming dance.
Evidence

Data or grounds Although the jury

to prove or believed Queenie
disprove was guilty, there
something was not enough
evidence to prove
it.
 Experts

a person who has The expert stated

special skill or know that he did not feel
-ledge in a particu- the level of
lar field; a specialist intoxication was
or an authority enough to cause
the victim’s death.
Generalization

a proposition asserting The employer’s

something to be true generalization
either of all members of about teenagers
a certain category or of was that all
an indefinite part of that teenagers are lazy.
category
Grounds

The foundation or There were no

basis for the grounds to prove
claim; the the claim that the
supporting Indians would soon
have a winning
evidence for the
team again.
argument
Misrepresentation

the action or Mrs. Volupides’ co-

offense of giving a worker, who had never
false or misleading gotten along with Mrs.
Volupides, tried to provide
account
misrepresentation with the
hope that Queenie would
lose her job.
 Qualifier

Statements that limit the The numerous

strength of the argument
qualifiers in her
or statements that propose
the conditions under argument made the
which the argument is jury seem unsure
true; the degree of about her claim.
certainty about the claim
Reasoning

the action of Although his mother

thinking about explained the reasoning
behind her decision, Matt
something in a was not happy with the
logical, sensible final outcome about his
way curfew.
Relevant

having direct The defense lawyer

bearing on the accused the
prosecuting attorney
matter in hand; of bringing up
pertinent, related, evidence that was not
appropriate relevant to the case at
hand.
Rebuttal

the act of refuting or After listening to

contesting one Brandon’s reasons
argument by for being excused
offering a contrary from school forever,
dispute or argument the principal offered
his rebuttal.
Statistics

the collection, analysis, Had the lawyer

interpretation, and provided a more
presentation of large statistical argument,
quantities of numerical
he may have won the
data; a collection of
such quantitative data case to ban all
smoking.
Substantive

Important, Matt’s argument

meaningful or was not substantive
essential; enough to convince
supported by his parents to
extend his curfew.
facts or logic
Sufficient

enough; an The detective

adequate amount determined that the
autopsy report was
sufficient to prove the
victim was
intoxicated.
Testimonial

a formal statement Based on the

affirming someone's testimonial of the
character and witness, it appeared
as though Mrs.
qualifications
Volupides was telling
the truth.
Undisputable (also Indisputable)

incontestable: not The evidence against

open to question; the defendant was so
obviously true; undisputable, the jury
was sure to vote
undeniable
“guilty.”
Valid

having a sound The group’s

conclusion was not
basis in logic or very valid, given the
fact; reasonable evidence they had to
support it.
Warrant

The chain of Although she had

reasoning that found some good
connects the claim evidence, there was
no warrant to support
of an argument to
her claim.
the grounds or
evidence
Well-founded

based on good His argument was

evidence or so well-founded, no
one could argue
reasons against him.