Argumentative Writing: Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning

 A claim is ______________________________.

• A fact.

• Personal opinion

• A claim is what the author is arguing in favor of or against.

 Evidence is ___________________

• Quotes, facts, statistics, data

• Not needed when creating argument

• Personal opinion

Reasoning is __________________.

• Quotes, statistics, facts, data

• Personal opinion

• Clear & ordered thinking. The reasons why the author is arguing for their claim.

Which of the following is NOT a claim?

• California is the best state in the USA.

• The school year began on August 18 and will end on June 4

• Christmas is the best holiday of the year.

• Twinkies taste better than other snack cakes because of their texture, their creamy filling, and their golden appearance.

According to the American Health Association, peanut butter is a great source of protein.

• Claim

• Evidence

"Sleepy students are more likely to be tardy, absent, inattentive in the morning and less able to learn" is an example of:

• Claim

• Evidence

• Reasoning

The statement "Oxiclean is the best stain fighter money can buy" is an example of:

• Evidence

• Reasoning

• Claim

• Personal opinion

What is the purpose of evidence and reasoning in an argument?

• To strengthen an argument by adding credibility. (that you know what you're talking about!)

• Evidence and reasoning weaken the credibility of your argument.

• Evidence and reasoning don't add anything to an argument.