Reason

What are reasons?

• The position taken by the writer - what the writer is trying to prove or argue

• provided to support a claim; supported by evidence

• used to support or prove a reason: statistics, facts, quotations, surveys, etc...

• whatever is in the bottom of your backpack

The sentence "Learning a new language also means learning more about other cultures." is an example of __________.

• claim

• bias

• reasons

• evidence

In this paragraph the sentence, "For starters, students can't afford most colleges, so they have to work while going to school, which means they have little time for studying." is an example of ____________.

• Claim

• Reason

• Bias

• Evidence

In this paragraph the sentence, "Second, hockey is quicker and more exciting as the puck moves quickly over the ice." is an example of ____________.

• bias

• reason

• claim

• evidence

What does the REASON do?

• Tells your opinion

• Explains evidence

• It makes a good argument

• Tells why you think what you think

What is the definition of Reasons?

• Statements that you find in a source.

• Statements that go against your claim. These are the 2 counterpoints to your argument.

• Statements that support your claim. These are the 2-3 main points of your argument.

Why the writer believes his or her claims. 

• claim

• counterclaim

• reasons

• evidence

Put a checkmark next to all the STRONG reasons for this claim: Starbucks is more successful than Dunkin.

• Starbucks has more stores worldwide.

• Starbucks made more money last year.

• Starbucks sells less donuts than Dunkin.

• Starbucks' stores are in more countries around the world.

Which piece of evidence could be used to BEST support this claim: Students should be required to wear uniforms.

• When adding everything up, a school uniform could end up costing more than $200.

• A student reported, "Allowing us to wear our own clothes gives us a chance to show our unique style and independence."

• Last year, at many schools that required students to wear uniforms, attendance rates went up and behavior incidents went down.

• School uniforms can be ordered online.

What is the primary function of a reason in an argument?

• To state the main claim

• To provide evidence

• To support the claim

• To introduce a counterargument