Reading & writing · Grades 5–12
Writing and argument
20 key concepts, retrieval questions and a learning checkpoint.
Start here
Evidence does not explain itself. Follow it with a sentence showing how it supports your specific claim.
Build your vocabulary
Thesis
The central claim an analytical or argumentative text develops.
Evidence
Information used to support a claim.
Reasoning
The explanation linking evidence to a claim.
Counterargument
A reasoned challenge to the main argument.
Rebuttal
A response that addresses a counterargument with reasoning or evidence.
Topic sentence
A sentence that establishes the main focus of a paragraph.
Transition
A word, phrase or sentence that connects ideas.
Coherence
The quality of ideas fitting together in an understandable sequence.
Revision
Rethinking content, structure and meaning to improve a draft.
Editing
Correcting and refining language, mechanics and presentation.
Paraphrase
Restating a source's meaning using genuinely new wording and sentence structure.
Quotation
Reproduction of a source's exact words with clear attribution.
Citation
Information that identifies a source used in a piece of work.
Plagiarism
Presenting someone else's words or ideas as one's own without proper acknowledgement.
Audience
The people for whom a text is intended.
Purpose
The goal a writer is trying to achieve.
Formal register
A language style suited to more official or academic contexts.
Concession
Acknowledging a reasonable point made by another side.
Qualifying language
Wording that appropriately limits the scope or certainty of a claim.
Conclusion
The closing part that draws together an argument's main significance.
Test your recall
Writing and argument: which term fits this description? The central claim an analytical or argumentative text develops.
- Citation
- Transition
- Purpose
- Thesis
Writing and argument: which term fits this description? Information used to support a claim.
- Evidence
- Purpose
- Quotation
- Thesis
Writing and argument: which term fits this description? The explanation linking evidence to a claim.
- Audience
- Thesis
- Reasoning
- Citation
Check and explain
Answers and marking notes
- Thesis
Thesis: The central claim an analytical or argumentative text develops.
- Evidence
Evidence: Information used to support a claim.
- Reasoning
Reasoning: The explanation linking evidence to a claim.
Learning preview · teacher review required. Grade bands are approximate, not official curriculum alignment.