The Structure of an Argument Every argument consists of three parts….

1. The CLAIM The CLAIM is the statement being offered as true. Synonyms:  assertion, statement, argument The Death Penalty deters crime.

2. The EVIDENCE The EVIDENCE is the information being offered in support of the claim.. Synonym: data Examples: Statistics, Quotes from experts, factual examples States that use the death penalty have lower crime rates.

3. The REASONING or WARRANT The REASONING or WARRANT is the link in thought between the evidence and the claim. It provides a logical interpretation of the evidence to support the claim. TYPES: There are five types of reasoning:  Example  Causal  Authority  Sign  Analogy

All 3 parts together… EVIDENCE: Many states that use the death penalty have lower crime rates. CLAIM: The Death Penalty deters crime. REASONING : My reasoning is Causal. I claim that lower crime rates were directly CAUSED BY the use of the death penalty.

All 3 parts together… EVIDENCE: The water levels have risen. Temperatures are fluctuating. The seasons are changing. CLAIM: Global warming is happening. REASONING : My reasoning is Sign. I claim that these are the factors which show that global warming is a reality.

All 3 parts together… EVIDENCE: My brother plays games constantly and is never violent. CLAIM: Excessive video game playing does not cause violent behavior.. REASONING : My reasoning is Example. I claim that because the claim is true for my brother, it is true for everyone.

All 3 parts together… EVIDENCE: Rockwood does it this way and they like it. CLAIM: Having finals before winter break will be a good thing. REASONING : My reasoning is Analogy. I claim that because it was good for Rockwood, it will be good for Parkway.

Arguments What are the three parts?  Claim  Evidence  Reasoning/Warrant Can you give an example?