Arguments

==Parts of an argument==

Claims

  • States your position on the issues you have chosen to write about
  • A good claim is not obvious, is engaging, is specific
  • A good claim is logical, come from considering the evidence, and is debatable

\
Ways to develop an argument with claims

  • analysis: comparing

  • cause and effect

  • classification: put into categories

  • comparison and contrast

  • narration: storytelling

    \

Data/evidence

  • the evidence that you cite to support your claim

\
Types of evidence

Facts: facts are truth claims subject to verification or falsification. Facts usually obtain their status only after repeated verification

%%Examples:%% Examples are used to support generalizations. They give specific instances to illustrate the material

Authorities: Authorities are experts in various fields. their work or statements are used as evidence to support claims.

Statistics: numerical data in the form of tables, graphs or charts.

Public records

Interviews: Personal interviews with people who have relevant experience

Personal experience

\
Using evidence

  • summarize: distill or boil down the original to its facts and essential ideas
  • paraphrase: restate an author’s idea but in your own words
  • direct quotation

\
Warrant

  • explains why/how the data proves the claim
  • the connection between a claim and the evidence
  • a good warrant will be a reasonable interpretation of facts
  • will not make illogical interpretive leaps
  • transition sentence between claims
  • will not assume more than the evidence supports
  • may consider and respond to possible counterarguments
  • in this case, so, for example

\