Claim
Reasons
Evidence
Counterclaim
Counterargument
Conclusion (so what?)
Claim
Statement the writer is
trying to prove is true
Mom, I need
a car.
Reason
Statement supporting
the claim, tells why
Because I have
places to go that
you cannot take me.
Evidence
Proof from a credible
source
ACT prep is at 4
when you’re at
work.
Explanation
Explains what the
evidence proves
Since ACT prep is
at 4, I’ll need a
car to drive myself.
So What?
Why should they care
I know you want me
to take ACT prep and
improve my score, but
I’ll need a car to do
that for you.
Counterclaim
Statement opposing the
claim, opposing argument
I know you
think I could ride
with friends,
Counterargument
Rebuttal to the counterclaim
But, none of my
slacker friends are
taking ACT Prep.
Conclusion
Restates claim,
summarizes argument
I need a car so that I
can I can take ACT Prep,
like you want me to.
not reasons
The “rules” of academic argument
exclude the following as support:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Because it is my personal opinion
Because my friends/relatives think so
Because most people think so
Because it’s always been, it’s tradition
Because it’s obvious
Because it’s morally right
Four types of
evidence:
Facts that support the reasons.
 Statistical Evidence, data
 Testimonial Evidence, expert
 Anecdotal Evidence, example
 Analogical Evidence, analogy
Transition Words
between claim(s) and reasons
•because
• for the (simple) reason that
• being that
• because (of the fact)
• due to (the fact that)
Transition Words
between reasons and evidence
• For instance,
• For example,
• As an example,
• As an illustration,
• Not only, but also…
• According to ____
(expert)
• According to the
data,
• ____ proves that…
Transition Words
between claim(s) and counterclaim
• Conversely
• On the contrary
• Even though
• Others think
• However
• Others may say
• Nevertheless
• Some believe
• On the other hand
Transition Words
for counterclaims and counterarguments
• Critics argue that…. although….
• While it may be true that… still all in all….
• Others may say that… but I argue…
• A common argument against this position is… but...
• It may be true that…. however,…
• It is easy to think that… but the facts suggest...
• While some people say…. they fail to address….
• It is often thought that… but in reality….
Opinion:
Twinkies are
delicious.
I like dance
music.
Argument/Arguable claim:
Twinkies taste better than other snack cakes because
of their texture, creamy filling, and golden
appearance.
Dance music is popular for reasons that have nothing
to do with the quality of the music; rather, the clear,
fast beats respond to the need of young people to
dance.
Virginia Woolf is Virginia Woolf is a more effective writer than James
better than
Joyce because she does not rely on elaborate language
James Joyce. devices that confuse and alienate the reader.
The governor has continually done the community a
The governor is
disservice by mishandling money, focusing on frivolous
a bad man.
W.9-10.1
Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics
or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
1.A Introduce precise claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or
opposing claims, and create an organization that establishes clear
relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.
1.B Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly, supplying evidence for each
while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that
anticipates the audience's knowledge level and concerns.
1.C Use words, phrases, and clauses to link the major sections of the text,
create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and reasons,
between reasons and evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims.
1.D Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending
to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing.
1.E Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports
the argument presented.