Important vocabulary and concepts: Helpful terms to know

Important vocabulary and concepts: Helpful terms to know

Claim A claim is the proposition made in the argument Examples “The purchase of electric vs. gasoline-powered cars ought to be mandatory.” “It’s healthier for us to eat organic produce.”* “Students should be allowed to dance any way they want to.” “Teaching penmanship would improve student learning.”* “Abortion should be against the law.” School uniforms effectively reduce discipline problems in school.*

The difference between persuasion and argumentation Look at persuasion as: I know the truth, and now I just have to convince my audience of that fact with my rhetoric. (“win”) “Recycling needs to be mandatory now!” (A call to action is a clear indicator of persuasion.) Look at argument as: I believe I know a truth, and you might agree with me if you will allow me to show you the evidence from several angles. “Mandatory recycling programs are an effective way to reduce volume in landfills.”

Reasons Why a claim is made NOTE: Reasons are not evidence-reasons simply provide a rationale while evidence supports the reason(s) and the warrant(s). “Because electric cars are better for the environment.” “Because organic foods do not contain hormones or synthetic pesticides.” “Because dancing is a form of personal expression.” “Because kids no longer take time and pride in their school work.” “Because it is taking a life.” Because they reduce distractions and competition.

Warrant The underlying assumption or connection between the claim and the reason: Things that are good for the environment should be enacted. Additives such as hormones or synthetic pesticides are not healthy and should not be eaten. Personal expression is important and should be protected. Taking pride in and spending time on school work is important. If something involves taking a life it should be illegal. Reducing distractions and competition also reduces discipline issues.

Warrants A warrants is the connection between the claim and the reason. Look at warrants as generalizations or assumptions (not necessarily valid ones) “As a general rule,” or “generally” can help you discover the warrant(s) of an argument.

Warrant Claim: We need a mandatory study hall for all students Reason: Too many students have “Fs” Warrant: Generally, students who study every day won’t fail classes

Warrant Claim: Bobby is smart Reason: He got an A on his AP Calculus final Warrant: Generally, students who do very well on advanced exams and classes are smart.

Claim, reason, warrant The purchase of electric vs. gasolinepowered cars ought to be mandatory. Because electric cars are better for the environment. Things that are good for the environment should be enacted.

Claim, reason, warrant It’s healthier for us to eat organic produce. Because organic foods do not contain hormones or synthetic pesticides. Additives such as hormones or synthetic pesticides are not healthy and should not be eaten.

Claim, reason, warrant Students should be allowed to dance any way they want to. Because dancing is a form of personal expression. Personal expression is important and should be protected.

Claim, reason, warrant Teaching penmanship would improve student learning. Because kids no longer take time and pride in their school work. Taking pride in and spending time on school work is important to student learning.

Claim, reason, warrant Abortion should be against the law. Because it is taking a life. If something involves taking a life it should be illegal.

Claim, reason, warrant School uniforms effectively reduce discipline problems in school. Because they reduce distractions and competition. Reducing distractions and competition also reduces discipline issues.

Helpful links: organizing the argument Delve further Sample essay