This document discusses the key components of an argument: the claim, evidence, and warrant. It provides examples of each component and how they work together. A good claim is engaging, specific, and logical. Evidence includes facts, statistics, expert opinions, and personal experiences that support the claim. The warrant interprets the evidence and shows how it logically supports the claim, using generally accepted rules or interpretations. It should consider and reasonably respond to any counterarguments.

1. Argumentation

2. CLAIM
States your position on an issue.

3. Good claims are…
Engaging
Specific
Logical

4. Claim Examples
Though they seem mere entertainment,
Hollywood movies are actually
responsible for reinforcing cultural
stereotypes in America.

5. EVIDENCE
Support for your claim.

6. Evidence can include…
Facts and statistics
Expert opinion
Primary research
Personal anecdote

7. Evidence example…
Last year the State of Minnesota spent
$$$ million dollars promoting their
state-run lottery through ads
focusing on the contributions made
to environmental funds (Cary).
Churches have used raffles, bingo
nights, and even card tournaments
as fundraisers for years.

8. WARRANT
Interprets the evidence and shows how it supports
the claim. It is usually a generally accepted
rule.
“establishes clear
relationships
among the claim(s),
counterclaims,
reasons, and evidence”

9. A Good Warrant will …




be a reasonable interpretation and
analysis of the facts.
be a logical interpretation of the
evidence
not assume more than the evidence
supports.
consider and respond to possible
counter-arguments.

10. EXAMPLES
Claim: It must have rained last night.
Evidence: The pavement is wet
Warrant: Wet pavement is a good
indication of rain.

11. EXAMPLES
Claim: It must have rained last night.
Evidence: The pavement is wet.
Warrant: Wet pavement is a good indication of
rain.
Counterclaim: The wet pavement may be the
result of sprinklers hitting the pavement.

12. EXAMPLES
Claim: Forks were not used in France in the fifteenth
century.
Evidence: Paintings of banquets from that period show
no forks on the tables or people eating with them.
Warrant: Contemporary paintings are very good
indications of the customs of an age.
Counterclaim:

13. EXAMPLES
Claim:
Evidence:
Warrant: