Reading & writing · Grades 5–12

Writing and argument · quick reference

Evidence does not explain itself. Follow it with a sentence showing how it supports your specific claim.

Key terms at a glance

The central claim an analytical or argumentative text develops.

Information used to support a claim.

The explanation linking evidence to a claim.

A reasoned challenge to the main argument.

A response that addresses a counterargument with reasoning or evidence.

A sentence that establishes the main focus of a paragraph.

A word, phrase or sentence that connects ideas.

The quality of ideas fitting together in an understandable sequence.

Rethinking content, structure and meaning to improve a draft.

Correcting and refining language, mechanics and presentation.

Restating a source's meaning using genuinely new wording and sentence structure.

Reproduction of a source's exact words with clear attribution.

Information that identifies a source used in a piece of work.

Presenting someone else's words or ideas as one's own without proper acknowledgement.

The people for whom a text is intended.

The goal a writer is trying to achieve.

A language style suited to more official or academic contexts.

Acknowledging a reasonable point made by another side.

Wording that appropriately limits the scope or certainty of a claim.

The closing part that draws together an argument's main significance.

Learning preview · teacher review required. Grade bands are approximate, not official curriculum alignment.