Arguments and Claims

Arguments and Claims

Gaming Communities

Language Objective

I will be able to use appropriate academic vocabulary and language structures to discuss arguments and claims.

Learning Intention

Today, we will explore the world of arguments and claims in literature and real life. We will learn how to analyze and evaluate arguments, as well as construct our own persuasive claims.

Success Criteria

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• Identify arguments and claims in written texts.
• Construct well-supported claims using evidence and reasoning.
• Evaluate the credibility and validity of arguments and claims using specific criteria.

Do Now:

Think about a recent debate or argument you have witnessed or been a part of. Write down your thoughts on the following questions:

• What was the argument about?
• What claims were made by each side?
• Were there any counterarguments or rebuttals?

An argument expresses an opinion and defends that opinion. The person presenting the argument presents a claim, which is the main idea of the argument that the writer is attempting to prove. The argument then offers support for the claim. This support includes reasons and evidence. Reasons explain why others should accept the claim. Evidence consists of facts, examples, and expert opinions that uphold the claim. *Watch Concept definition video

evidence noun facts, statistics, numerical data, quotations, specific examples, and expert opinions that support a claim

Vocabulary

reason noun an explanation that states why others should accept a claim

argument noun a coherent series of reasons, statements, or facts intended to support or establish a point of view

claim noun the writer’s or speaker’s position on a debatable issue or problem

Identification and Application:

Identify the claim, using the following questions as a guide:

• What claim is the writer making about the topic of the text? What does the writer want his or her audience to believe or do?
• Where does the writer first introduce his or her claim?

Analyze the structure of the argument, using the following questions as a guide:

• How does the writer use reasons to support his or her claim?
• How does the writer use evidence to support his or her claim?

In order to identify a claim in an argumentative text, do the following:

• look at the title, introduction, and conclusion to find the claim
• note and number the writer’s reasons
• note the type of evidence the writer uses to prove his or her claim, such as:
• research
• anecdotes, or individual’s experiences told in a story
• statistics, or numerical facts
• expert opinions
• note paragraphs that might include many reasons but lack evidence

Model

In the Point/Counterpoint set of essays, the question is, “Is Gaming an Effective Form of Communication?” Two authors state claims about how online multiplayer games affect the communication skills of their players. Both authors structure their arguments using supporting evidence to defend their claims. Analyzing the characteristics and structures of arguments—including titles, organization of ideas, language used to make points, and evidence used to support opinions—can help you understand the claims they are making and why they believe those claims to be true. Let’s look at how one reader identifies the claim in the essay “Point: Gaming Helps Develop Communication Skills” by Joshua Vink: The title of this article clearly shows the author’s opinion in favor of gaming. The last sentence states his claim: that gaming improves communication skills. I think the point about electronic devices helps build supporting evidence. The reader pays close attention to the title of the essay and the way Vink introduces his ideas. In the text, the reader highlights the last sentence of the introduction. She notices that the claim reflects the title of the essay, confirming that the author believes gaming has a positive effect on players’ communication skills.

She continues reading “Point: Gaming Helps Develop Communication Skills” and identifies a reason and evidence the author uses to support his claim.

The topic sentence states a reason that gaming is helpful. It connects to the author’s original claim. He explains his reasoning, which helps build a logical argument.

In this passage, the reader highlights the topic sentence of the paragraph. She identifies it as a reason for the author’s claim. She also highlights supporting evidence. By paying attention to such details, the reader begins to understand how the author attempts to prove his argument.

EXIT TICKET

Thank you!

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