Identifying Parts of an Argument

For example, the Organization for Sane Middle School Teachers explains that 7th grade students are more productive after a well-timed recess break.

• claim

• reasoning

• evidence

• rebuttal

Which of the following best describes a strong piece of evidence in an argumentative text?

• A popular opinion

• A personal anecdote

• A fact supported by credible sources

• A hypothetical scenario

A counterargument is used in an argumentative text to:

• Strengthen the main argument by addressing opposing views

• Replace the main argument

• Support the main argument directly

• Confuse the reader about the main argument

Which of the following describe claim?

• the thesis or main idea of an argument

• what the other side would say

• your answer to what the other side would say

Which of the following describe a reason?

• a point that explains why you can take a certain position on a controversial issue

• proof that your point is true

• what the other side would argue

Which of the following describes a rebuttal?

• what the other side would say

• your position on an argument

• your answer to what the other side would say

Which of the following is an example of a claim?

• While opponents say that fast food workers are mostly teens and do not need much pay, that is simply not true. Only 30% of fast food workers are teens.

• Fast food workers should be paid $15 per hour.

• Fast food workers need $15 per hour because, thanks to hard economic times, fast food work is their career.

This part of an argument often contains the word “however” or “but.”

• claim

• reason

• evidence

• reasoning

• counterargument

This part of an argument sometimes contains results of a study or research.

• claim

• reason

• evidence

• reasoning

• counterargument

information that supports your claim and reasons; comes from a reliable source and PROVES your claim and reasons to be true.

• claim

• reason

• evidence

• reasoning

• counterargument