Parts of an Argument

Your basic belief about a particular topic, issue, event, or idea.

• claim

• warrant

• rebuttal

• evidence

Data and facts that support claims.

• counterargument

• claim

• rebuttal

• evidence

Explains why the data supports the claim.

• warrant

• counterclaim

• rebuttal

• argument

Supports the warrant with additional logic or reasoning. Proves that logic used in the warrant is valid.

• evidence

• rebuttal

• claim

• backing

A statement that argues, convinces, proves, or proactively suggests something your reader may or may not agree with

• claim

• counterclaim

• evidence

• rebuttal

A solid and reasonable argument that opposes or disagrees with your claim.

• warrant

• evidence

• counterargument

• claim

Allows writers to respond to potential objections that a skeptical reader might have.

• claim

• counterargument

• evidence

• warrant

A response to a counterclaim.

• warrant

• rebuttal

• claim

• evidence

Evidence that negates or disagrees with the claim.

• claim

• warrant

• evidence

• counterargument

Purpose is to explain why the counterclaims aren't valid enough.

• rebuttal

• claim

• warrant

• evidence