Elements of an Argument

The writer's position or opinion on an issue. 

• claim
• counterclaim
• reasons
• evidence

Why the writer believes his or her claims. 

• claim
• counterclaim
• reasons
• evidence

Support reasons and include examples, anecdotes, statistics, and facts. 

• claim
• counterclaim
• reasons
• evidence

Disproves the opposing viewpoint and explains why the writer's position is better. 

• claim
• counterclaim
• reasons
• evidence

Statements that can be proved and statements expressed in numbers. 

• facts and statistics
• examples
• expert opinions
• anecdotes

Details the illustrate the claim; help readers understand or relate to the reasons 

• facts and statistics
• examples
• expert opinions
• anecdotes

A quote from a scholar or someone who has in-depth knowledge of a subject. 

• facts and statistics
• examples
• expert opinions
• anecdotes

A brief story that illustrates a point. 

• facts and statistics
• examples
• expert opinions
• anecdotes

Where does the claim most often appear in an argument?

• In the beginning
• In the middle
• In the first sentence
• In the conclusion

Which is NOT a reason to evaluate an argument?

• Change viewpoints 
• Confirm ideas about a topic 
• Help to bring about change
• So you can win