Argument Elements

What is a claim?

• Facts, quotes, and information from a text

• A statement of one's beliefs, ideas, or judgments.

• Explanation of the evidence

• A point brought up by the other side.

Which one is a claim?

• Soda is not as healthy as water.

• Schools should not sell soda.

• 77% of students don't like school lunch

• Diet sodas use artificial sweeteners.

__________ is facts, quotes, or information that supports your claim and helps prove it.

Which of the following is evidence to support the claim that Beyonce is the best female musician?

• Beyonce is the best modern female artist.

• Some might say Taylor Swift is better.

• However, Taylor Swift does not have the range of Beyonce.

• Beyonce has won 24 Grammys and been nominated 70 times.

Explanation of how the evidence proves the claim is called the _______.

• Analysis

• Rebuttal

• Counterclaim

• Claim

Which is the best analysis to follow this claim+evidence? "School should teach kids financial skills. The cost of college is the highest it's ever been, and young people have more debt than ever before."

• As a result, kids don't need financial skills.

• So, it's important to teach kids how to manage money to help them budget and plan for college.

• Therefore, we should have financial literacy classes.

• That means that college is expensive.

What is a counterclaim?

• Facts to prove the claim correct.

• A response to someone who disagrees with your argument.

• A claim made by the opposing side.

• The opposite of a claim.

Check all the ways you can introduce a counterclaim.

• There are others who believe...

• Some might disagree and say...

• In addition, ....

• I also believe...

• Admittedly, ...

Which of the following is a good counterclaim?

• On the other hand, I disagree.

• Some might say they don't agree.

• However, they're wrong.

• Some argue that Taylor Swift, and not Beyonce, deserved the Grammy.

A response to the counterclaim that explains why it's wrong is called the ________