Making an Argument: Claim and Warrant BUDL PD

Making a Basic Argument Claim A controversial statement Warrant reason why it is true = + Example: Language Arts is the best subject in school Example: because we get to read interesting stories. This is the formula for a basic argument. A basic argument is made up of a claim (which is a controversial statement which means it has at least two sides or could be considered an opinion) and a warrant (reason why it is true). (ON CLICK) Let’s look at this example. In this example, my argument is that This seems like a simple skill, right? We use it everyday—probably without even realizing it. “Hamburgers are the best food because they are so tasty. ” or “Dancing is great exercise since it gets your heart pumping.” Eventually, we’ll talk about making these arguments stronger, but this is the foundation for making an argument. Vocabulary = Claim, Warrant

Vocabulary Comprehension Check What is a claim? What is a warrant? Claim A controversial statement Warrant reason why it is true Give an example of a full argument using the terms “claim” and “warrant.” What is a claim? (Answer appears on click) What is a warrant? (Answer appears on click) (“Give an example of an argument” appears on click) Ensure that students are using the vocabulary “claim” and “warrant” correctly as they give their examples. (“My claim is… My warrant is…”)

Making a strong argument = Claim A controversial statement + Persuasive Warrant The best warrant for the audience Example: Language Arts is the best subject in school Example: because it improves reading skills. This is the formula for a strong argument. A strong argument is made up of a claim (which is a controversial statement which means it has at least two sides or could be considered an opinion) and a persuasive warrant (which is a reason why it is true that is the best reason for the audience you are trying to persuade). Let’s look at an example. We’ll use the same claim from our last example (on click) “Language Arts is the best subject at school.” For my warrant, I was thinking, how would I convince parents that this claim is true. So, the warrant is (on click) “because it improves reading skills.” Parents care a lot about what a student can get out of a subject, so I chose this warrant because it would matter a lot to parents. If I was trying to convince you guys that Language Arts is the best subject in school I might make a warrant where I say, “because it has more fun activities than any other subject” because you guys really love activities.”

What makes a warrant persuasive? Claim: Our school should have student vending machines. 75% of polled students and parents are supportive of student vending machines. How can we make the warrant for this claim very persuasive? Statistics Real World Connections Endorsement from an Authority Text Evidence Persuasive Language Appeals to the Emotions of the Audience Logical The other day, I missed lunch to take a test and the cafeteria was closed. A vending machine could have provided me with a snack. Dr. Alonso has voiced his support of student vending machines. In his report on school health, Dr. B writes, “All schools should have vending machines” (12). Students need vending machines to get healthful nutrients and to prevent starvation! Anyone who cares about children will want to provide student vending machines. 1. Introduce the sample claim. 2. Ask students how to make a warrant persuasive: When you really want to convince someone about something, what do you say to them to convince them? 3. Allow students to take a few guesses about how to make a warrant persuasive. 4. (On Click) Here are a few ways to make a warrant persuasive. 5. (On Click) An example of a warrant that uses statistics pops up. (On Click) warrant disappears) Continue all the way through logical. Statistics: Some people are convinced if they see numbers as proof. Sometimes this is a poll, sometimes it is data. Real World Connections: Some people are convinced if they can see a way that it applies to their own or someone else’s life. Endorsement from Authority: Some people are convinced if someone famous and with a good reputation supports it. Text Evidence: Some people are convinced if there is something from a reliable published text on it. Persuasive Language: Some people are convinced if the person making the argument is able to use very persuasive words. Appeals to the Emotions: Some people are convinced if the person making the argument is able to figure out what they really care about. Logical: Some people are convinced if the argument really makes sense and it’s hard to find a reason not to agree. It allows students to purchase snacks when they are hungry.