1. Helpful terms to know

2.  A claim is the proposition made in the argument  Examples ◦ “The purchase of electric vs. gasoline-powered cars ought to be mandatory.” ◦ “It’s healthier for us to eat organic produce.”* ◦ “Students should be allowed to dance any way they want to.” ◦ “Teaching penmanship would improve student learning.”* ◦ “Abortion should be against the law.” ◦ School uniforms effectively reduce discipline problems in school.*

3.  Look at persuasion as: I know the truth, and now I just have to convince my audience of that fact with my rhetoric. (“win”)  “Recycling needs to be mandatory now!” (A call to action is a clear indicator of persuasion.)  Look at argument as: I believe I know a truth, and you might agree with me if you will allow me to show you the evidence from several angles.  “Mandatory recycling programs are an effective way to reduce volume in landfills.”

4.  Why a claim is made NOTE: Reasons are not evidence-reasons simply provide a rationale while evidence supports the reason(s) and the warrant(s).  “Because electric cars are better for the environment.”  “Because organic foods do not contain hormones or synthetic pesticides.”  “Because dancing is a form of personal expression.”  “Because kids no longer take time and pride in their school work.”  “Because it is taking a life.”  Because they reduce distractions and competition.

5.  The underlying assumption or connection between the claim and the reason:  Things that are good for the environment should be enacted.  Additives such as hormones or synthetic pesticides are not healthy and should not be eaten.  Personal expression is important and should be protected.  Taking pride in and spending time on school work is important.  If something involves taking a life it should be illegal.  Reducing distractions and competition also reduces discipline issues.

6.  A warrants is the connection between the claim and the reason.  Look at warrants as generalizations or assumptions (not necessarily valid ones)  “As a general rule,” or “generally” can help you discover the warrant(s) of an argument.

7.  Claim: We need a mandatory study hall for all students  Reason: Too many students have “Fs”  Warrant: Generally, students who study every day won’t fail classes

8.  Claim: Bobby is smart  Reason: He got an A+ on his AP Calculus final  Warrant: Generally, students who do very well on advanced exams and classes are smart.

9.  The purchase of electric vs. gasoline- powered cars ought to be mandatory.  Because electric cars are better for the environment.  Things that are good for the environment should be enacted.

10.  It’s healthier for us to eat organic produce.  Because organic foods do not contain hormones or synthetic pesticides.  Additives such as hormones or synthetic pesticides are not healthy and should not be eaten.

11.  Students should be allowed to dance any way they want to.  Because dancing is a form of personal expression.  Personal expression is important and should be protected.

12.  Teaching penmanship would improve student learning.  Because kids no longer take time and pride in their school work.  Taking pride in and spending time on school work is important to student learning.

13.  Abortion should be against the law.  Because it is taking a life.  If something involves taking a life it should be illegal.

14.  School uniforms effectively reduce discipline problems in school.  Because they reduce distractions and competition.  Reducing distractions and competition also reduces discipline issues.

15.  organizing the argument organizing the argument  Delve further Delve further  Sample essay Sample essay