1. Principles of Argument
AP Language and Composition

2. Argument
Definition: An argument is a series of statements intended to justify some opinion. Any true argument consists of at least three parts:
Claim
Evidence
Interpretation

3. Claim
Definition: A claim is an opinion that is supported by evidence and interpretation.
The term claim refers to the main idea or the thesis you plan to present in an argument.
CLAIM = THESIS

4. EVIDENCE supports a CLAIM.
Definition: Evidence consists of the facts, examples, statistics, credible descriptions, and expert opinions you use to back up your claim.
If an argument lacks evidence, the audience should be hesitant to accept the claim.
EVIDENCE supports a CLAIM.

5. CLAIM - INTERPRETATION - EVIDENCE
Definition: Interpretation is the bridge you build between your evidence and your claim. Basically, interpretation is the way you explain how the evidence supports your claim.
CLAIM INTERPRETATION EVIDENCE

6. CLAIM - INTERPRETATION - EVIDENCE
Warrant
Definition: A warrant is an unstated belief, rule, or principle that underlies an argument.
Example: Suppose you’re arguing that schools should enforce strict dress codes in order to better prepare students for the work world. The warrant (or unstated principle) underlying your argument is that one purpose of school is to prepare students for the work world. It is important to understand warrant because you might not always agree with the assumptions that underlie an argument.
CLAIM - INTERPRETATION - EVIDENCE
WARRANT

7. CLAIM / THESIS Warrant Supporting Point / Argument EVIDENCE
INTERPRETATION
Supporting Point / Argument
EVIDENCE
INTERPRETATION
Supporting Point / Argument
EVIDENCE
INTERPRETATION
Warrant

8. Logic
Syllogism: an argument or form of reasoning in which two statements or premises are made and a logical conclusion is drawn from them.
Example of a Syllogism:
Premise: Aristotle is a man.
Premise: Man is mortal.
Conclusion: Aristotle is mortal.

9. Deductive Reasoning
Deductive Reasoning (deduction): A process of reasoning that starts with a general statement and proceeds to the particular.
Example: Marijuana laws make some citizens contemptuous of the legal system. This contempt is based in part on the fact that there are too many contradictions and inconsistencies in criminal penalties for marijuana use. Laws vary radically from state to state. In Texas, you can be sentenced to life imprisonment for first- time use of marijuana. In contrast, in the District of Columbia, the same crime would most likely result in a suspended sentence.
You can find this example on page 86 of your textbooks.

10. Inductive Reasoning
Inductive Reasoning (induction): Inductive reasoning starts with specifics or particular ideas and moves to a more general point. Essentially, the evidence / details comes first and the general statement (topic sentence) comes later.
Example: In Texas, you can be sentenced to life imprisonment for first-time use of marijuana. On the other hand, in the District of Columbia, the same crime would most likely result in a suspended sentence. Laws vary radically from state to state; as a result, there are a number of contradictions and inconsistencies in criminal penalties for marijuana use. America’s citizens are aware of just how arbitrary these laws are, and they are frustrated and disgusted with how the rules are enforced. Therefore, instead of helping build respect for the rule of law, marijuana laws actually make many citizens contemptuous of the legal system.

11. Your Homework
Read pages in your textbook. In your notebooks, do the following:
Define these terms: counter argument, fallacy, justification, and refutation.
Explain how to use the test of justification.
Define qualifier and give an example to show how qualification works.
Explain the concept of warrant. How does a warrant link the claim to the conclusion?