Understanding Arguments, Claims, Evidence, and Commentary
Components of an Argument
- Arguments: Represent the central overall idea.
- Claims: Small pieces that build and support the argument.
- Evidence: Factual information that proves claims are truthful rather than conjecture.
- Commentary: Essential explanations that clarify the meaning and significance of evidence.
- Evidence vs. Commentary: Evidence proves a claim; commentary clarifies it.
- Fix-Up Strategy: Reading commentary serves to resolve confusion when text meaning is unclear.
- Demonstrating Process: Functioning like showing work in math, commentary communicates the writer's thought process and reasoning.
- Locate the Claim: Identify the specific point or idea the author is attempting to prove.
- Identify the Evidence: Locate the factual material used to support the claim.
- Isolate the Commentary: Find the text following the evidence that explains its core meaning and significance for the audience.
Application Examples
- Bosnia Commitment Example:
- Claim: Renewal of commitment is necessary after fighting stopped in Bosnia.
- Evidence: Implementation of the Dayton Accords.
- Commentary: Explanation of the Dayton Accords, such as backing the war crimes tribunal to hold accountability.
- Abolition and Voting Example:
- Claim: Voting for the right accomplishes nothing on its own.
- Evidence: Voting to abolish slavery.
- Commentary: Explanation of what the abolition of slavery truly means for the country.