Elements of an Argument

Refutation

Reason(s)

Call to Action

Evidence

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Claim

Elements of an Argument

If I want to convince my teachers to stop assigning homework, I will be more successful if I can address the reasons they have for giving me homework.

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Strong arguments do not have tunnel vision, but have an understanding of the whole issue.

Counterclaims

• Class texts
• Outside research (if applicable)

Where do we get our evidence?

• Expert opinions
• Dr. Heinrich, professor of educational theory at Stanford, found that "meaningful, independent practice of concepts increases student confidence, thereby increasing their success" (Heinrich).

• Anecdotes
• Levi did no homework. He failed. Justin did all his homework. He passed!

• Facts and statistics
• Students who complete homework have an average 30% higher grade than those that don't.
• Logical reasoning = You can only get better with practice. Homework is a form of practice. Therefore, you can only improve your skills by doing homework

Evidence!

Anyone can provide reasons something is true. But how trustworthy are those reasons? How do we know they're reliable?

In light of all you've just argued, what is the result you want? Consider your AUDIENCE here!

At the end of the argument, a writer should: 1. Restate their claim 2. Challenge the reader to do something in response to the argument

Call to Action!

It is the BECAUSE part of your claim statement

It's one thing to make a claim, but another to prove it! Writers must have reasons why their claim is true! A good argument has at least 2-3 reasons! So you want to convince me not to give you any homework? WHY? This is where your reasoning comes in.

Your reason goes hand-in-hand with your claim!