Basic Parts of an Argument
Thank you for your attention!
What is an argument?
The Parts of an Argument: Its Structure Not the Order they are presented in!
An argument is the expressing of a position on a debatable topic through logical reasoning and evidence.
Pay attention to how Pheobe expresses her opinion on Evolution.
It is not!
It is!
Stop at 1:37
Here is a great way to remember these elements...brought to you by The Writing Center 2016-17
Introduction of the Argument
Much like other intro. paragraphs this will provide the reader with a hook, map of argument, and thesis or claim statement
- A claim is an opinion. It is something the writer or speaker is arguing to be true.
- Important: a CLAIM is the writer's POSITION on an issue or topic. Claims need to be arguable.
Discuss:
What was Pheobe's claim?
What was Ross's claim?
Background Information
- Define--Explain what the argument is.
- Clarify--Explain any difficult terms or subjects the reader should know.
- Review-Explain why your claim is so important or correct.
In Ross and Phoebe's argument, which of the three above examples were used to give the viewers background on the argument?
Evidence is also referred to as support or facts.
When enough evidence has been used to support a claim, the evidence is sufficient.
Evidence will also need to be relevant or supportive of the claim.
An argument should not use irrelevant evidence that does not support the claim, because it could confuse the reader.
Take Notes
Confirmation
: Supporting Claims with Evidence and Warrants
What is evidence?
Usually, before people make a claim, they look at the evidence. Evidence is specific pieces of information given to support a claim. Often, looking at the evidence creates questions in our mind that we attempt to answer by making a claim.
What evidence did Ross use to support his claim?
(Talk to your table partner and make a list of 3 pieces of evidence that was used.)
Refutation
Counterclaim:
opposing position and the evidence as to why it is faulty or wrong
Discuss: In the second clip, Phoebe gives her counterclaim; why is it so effective?
What is a warrant/reasoning?
Part V-Conclusion:
- Benefits--what will be gained if the reader believes the claim.
- Implication--what will happen if the reader does or doesn't believe the claim.
- Call to Action--what should the reader do if they believe the claim.
Once you have your evidence, and you are making a claim, you will need to explain how your evidence supports your claim. Warrants are not absolute or definite statements, they are reasonable interpretations of evidence. They're general statements that explain how the evidence supports the claim. Warrants must be logical, or natural and reasonable. They can be rules or definitions.
Usually....
In general....
Typically....
Claim: Ross is a more logical person than Phoebe
Evidence: Ross uses facts and proven laws to debate evolution, while Pheobe uses her feelings.
Warrant/Reasoning: Usually, a person that ...(discuss)
Discuss: What did Phoebe say to Ross at the end when he started believe her? What type of conclusion is this?