Parts of an Argument

Parts of an Argument

Identifying Claims, Evidence, and Reasoning

Parts of an argument

Effective arguments have three parts: claim, evidence, and reasoning

Part one: claim

The claim sums up the argument that the writer is persuading you to believe. It is typically at the start of the paragraph or passage.
When you write a claim, you state your opinion in a strong and clear way. When you are reading someone else's argument, to find the claim, ask yourself, "In which sentence are they telling me what to think or believe?"

Claims don't state a fact - they are the writer's viewpoint, opinion, or position on a topic - based on the facts.

Multiple Choice

What is the claim of this passage?

American high schools should offer classes on stress management in order to better prepare students for the workforce. According to CNBC, 80% of American workers report feeling stressed at work. Clearly, a majority of people who work in America are feeling the negative results of stress. By teaching students healthy habits for managing stress, high schools would help create a generation of workers that is more relaxed and confident.

• Red - first sentence

• Green - second sentence

• Blue - third and fourth sentences

Part two: evidence

A piece of evidence is a fact that supports the claim. Think: "What sentence or sentences give facts to support the author's point or claim?

Strong evidence must:

• be a fact

• come from a credible source

• be relevant to the claim (not just random)

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is the evidence in this paragraph?

American high schools should offer classes on stress management in order to better prepare students for the workforce. According to CNBC, 80% of American workers report feeling stressed at work. Clearly, a majority of people who work in America are feeling the negative results of stress. By teaching students healthy habits for managing stress, high schools would help create a generation of workers that is more relaxed and confident.

• Red - first sentence

• Green - second sentence

• Blue - third and fourth sentences

Multiple Select

Which sentence(s) are the evidence in this paragraph? Check all.

1. Katniss consistently underestimates her competitors in the Hunger Games. 2. For example, upon first noting Rue in the training center, Katniss characterizes the younger girl as a "small yellow flower" (Collins 99). 3. Furthermore, Katniss maintains that twelve-year-old Rue reminds her of a bird (Collins 99). 4. During the games, however, Rue is not delicate like a flower or helpless as a bird; the young girl makes smart decisions that ultimately save Katniss' life.

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Part three: reasoning

Strong reasoning connects the evidence to the claim. It gives a reason for the evidence and tells what it means or why it matters to support the claim. To find it, ask yourself, "What sentence or sentences connect the evidence to the claim?"

The reasoning must be strong

• Draws a conclusion from the evidence AND

• Supports the claim

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is the reasoning in this paragraph?

American high schools should offer classes on stress management in order to better prepare students for the workforce. According to CNBC, 80% of American workers report feeling stressed at work. Clearly, a majority of people who work in America are feeling the negative results of stress. By teaching students healthy habits for managing stress, high schools would help create a generation of workers that is more relaxed and confident.

• Red - first sentence

• Green - second sentence

• Blue - third and fourth sentences

Multiple Choice

What is the evidence in this passage?

Hermione benefits immensely from her friendship with Harry and Ron. After Harry, Ron, and Hermione band together to defeat the mountain troll, the narrator notes that Hermione becomes "more relaxed (Rowling 181). Because she feels a sense of belonging, Hermione is able to release some of her tension and is better able to connect with those around her.

• Red - first sentence

• Green - second sentence

• Blue - third sentence

Multiple Choice

What is the reasoning in this passage?

Hermione benefits immensely from her friendship with Harry and Ron. After Harry, Ron, and Hermione band together to defeat the mountain troll, the narrator notes that Hermione becomes "more relaxed (Rowling 181). Because she feels a sense of belonging, Hermione is able to release some of her tension and is better able to connect with those around her.

• Red - first sentence

• Green - second sentence

• Blue - third sentence

Multiple Choice

What is the claim in this passage?

Hermione benefits immensely from her friendship with Harry and Ron. After Harry, Ron, and Hermione band together to defeat the mountain troll, the narrator notes that Hermione becomes "more relaxed (Rowling 181). Because she feels a sense of belonging, Hermione is able to release some of her tension and is better able to connect with those around her.

• Red - first sentence

• Green - second sentence

• Blue - third sentence