Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning How to write an explanation

Objectives To understand the literary terms To be able to apply literary terms in an argument To establish a claim, evidence, and reason for a topic

So You Think You Can ARGUE

What is an argument?

PERSUASIVE WRITING, right? It’s just… PERSUASIVE WRITING, right?

WRONG!! Persuasive writing is based on an emotional appeal and the credibility of the writer. Argument writing is based on logic and reasoning.

An argument is a claim that someone believes should or should not be true. Kids should be in school Monday through Saturday! For the next three slides, have students fill in the missing words in the “notes” at the top of the guided worksheet.

A claim by itself is not enough A claim by itself is not enough. You have to convince people why your claim is true. You do this by using evidence and reasons.

“I need backup!” A main argument--or claim--all by itself is not very strong. Evidence explain how the evidence supports the claim. Reasoning supports the evidence.

Claim=Argument Most argument text have two sides to a guiding question. Your claim is the concluding statement that answers your original question. The claim is usually one sentence in length. It must be accurate, specific, and completely answer the question.

Evidence=Proof The evidence is all of the material that you have read that supports your claim. Evidence must be sufficient and relevant to your claim. Not all data is considered evidence! Most evidence is specific information. This can come from your own research or reading or another person’s research.

Evidence The evidence is always supporting your claim. It can also come from other sources such as: computer simulations, websites, textbook, class notes, personal experience, etc. It is important to have numerous pieces of evidence in order to prove your claim!

Reasoning=Logical Support Reasoning is the explanation that connects your claim to the evidence that supports it. It shows why the materials you chose counts as evidence. This explanation acts as a “conclusion” of your claim.

Reasoning Reasoning is the explanation that connects your claim to the evidence that supports it. It shows a detailed understanding of the claim that you are trying to argue. The reasoning should fully answer and support your claim.

Claim: Kids should not have to go to school on Saturdays. Evidence: Students spend 36 hours a week at school. Students spend 12 hours a week with their parents. Reasoning: Most working parents have weekends off, and students need to be with their families. Evidence: 86% of 11th and 12th graders work on the weekends. Reasoning:Some students have jobs. Evidence:Only 12% of students aren’t involved in extracurricular activities. On average, students spend 22 hours a week on extracurricular activities. Reasoning: Students need time for other activities.

Claim Evidence Reasoning Argument Synthesis 8/10/2011

Making a Claim Think about how a teenage driver might convince his/her parents to loan the family car. Some tactics might include: Present examples of trustworthiness from the past Instill feelings of guilt Whine Present statistics on teen driving to demonstrate a sense of responsibility. 8/10/2011

Evidence I passed the driving test the first time. (I know the rules.) I should be allowed to drive the car! I probably should not be allowed to drive the car! Concluding Statement I passed the driving test the first time. (I know the rules.) Driving record at MVA I have never gotten a ticket. (I follow the rules.) I have not lost my cell phone, wallet, or debit card. (I am responsible.) Personal communication Traffic accidents are a leading cause of death for teenagers. (They don’t pay attention as well) NHTSA No previous experience with being responsible for something this potentially dangerous or expensive. Synthesis

Concluding Statement Synthesis Clarify relationships between claim and evidence, and reasons, and claim and counterclaim. I should be allowed to drive the family car as I have demonstrated responsibility, fulfilled the legal requirements, and have maintained control of my driving. Even though it is true that traffic accidents are a leading killer of teenagers, it is obvious since not all teenagers have accidents that there are many safe teenage drivers. In previous circumstances, when I have been given the opportunity to be responsible, I have demonstrated this attribute so a lack of experience is not a strong counterclaim. Claim Evidence Reasoning Synthesis Synthesis Point out strengths and limitations of both claim and counterclaim

Real-World Claims People make claims all of the time. Friends, parents, and just about every commerical on TV is making a claim about something. Discuss some claims you have heard recently.

Some examples... Global warming Energy drinks Bottled water Diets Axe body spray Airborne Organic food Vaccinations Vitamins Furniture stores Car insurance Magnet bracelets