1. Persuasion vs. Argumentation Claim Reason Evidence Warrant
Vocabulary for Lesson
Write these terms in your notebook and leave spaces to fill in the definitions as we learn about them.
Persuasion vs. Argumentation
Claim
Reason
Evidence
Warrant
Counterclaim
Counterargument
Rebuttal

2. So You Think You Can
ARGUE?

3. What is an argument?

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

5. Persuasion vs. Argumentation
Persuasion: The action or fact of persuading someone or of being persuaded to do or believe something.
Argumentation: The process of establishing a claim and then proving it with the use of logical reasoning, examples, and research.

6. Kids should be in school Monday through Saturday!
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.

7. 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 reasons and evidence.

8. Understanding the Parts of an Argument

9. Claim A main argument--or claim--all by itself is not very strong.
Claims are main argument.
It is what you think is true about a topic based on your knowledge. *Claims are not just opinions.
It asks the question: What do you think?

10. Reason Reasons explain WHY.
A reason tells the importance of the claim. It provides logical basis for a claim.
Note: Your reasoning is always debatable so it must be supported by evidence.
It asks the question: Why do you think that?

11. Evidence Evidence supports your reasoning.
It explains the HOW. Evidence provides the logical basis for your reasoning. It consists of incontestable facts that lend concrete support to your claim.
It asks the question: How do you know?

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

13. Warrant
A WARRANT is an explanation of how your evidence proves your claim.
Without good WARRANTS your audience may interpret your evidence in a way you didn't intend.

14. Arguments should also include rebuttals or reasons why the counter arguments are wrong
Kids should not have to go to school on Saturdays.

15. Elements of Argumentation:
What is the Counterargument/Counterclaim?
The counterclaim is an argument that stands in opposition to your argument/claim.
The counterargument is your opponent’s (the other side’s) argument that tries to explains why you are wrong.

16. Elements of Argumentation
Rebuttal
Simply disproving an opposing argument by using arguments or evidence.

17. The Rhetorical Triangle – Remember me?
Don’t forget to incorporate elements of ethos, pathos, and logos.

18. Claim Counterclaim Reasons Argument Synthesis Reasons Evidence/Warrant
8/10/2011
Synthesis
Counterclaim
Reasons
Rebuttal

19. Making a Claim
8/10/2011
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.
 Based on an example from:

20. Evidence
Information that supports a claim or counterclaim (ex. facts, figures, examples)
8/10/2011
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 DMV
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

21. Synthesis Concluding Statement
Clarify relationships between claim and reasons, reasons and evidence, 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.
8/10/2011
Claim
Reason
Evidence
Synthesis
Synthesis
Point out strengths and limitations of both claim and counterclaim

22. It’s YOUR Turn Read the articles: Consider the following: Your claim
“Should we erase our bad memories?”
“Is technology messing with our brain?”
Consider the following:
Your claim
Your reason and evidence
The counterargument
Rebuttal