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Crafting an Argumentative Claim

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13 views4 pages

Crafting an Argumentative Claim

Uploaded by

myleejhawkes
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Tutorial: Argument Claim

Instruction
Immediately after choosing a topic, you will want to write the claim. The claim is the single most important
sentence of the entire paper! It has two functions:
1) clearly state the writer’s position on an issue
2) preview the main points of the paper in order
In order to ensure that the paper stays on topic and is well-organized, this should be the very first sentence
you write and will guide the content and organization of the rest of the paper.
Here is an example of a well-written claim:
Although the expense would be extremely high, society should take steps now towards colonizing Mars
because the scientific discoveries would be significant and humans will soon need a new planet to live.

Remember, a claim (also called a thesis) should only be one sentence long. It must clearly state the position on
an issue and preview the main points of the paper. Once the claim is written, the paper is essentially
organized. Let’s break it down into pieces.
First, take a look at the position for which the writer is arguing. It’s highlighted below in yellow. The writer is
trying to persuade the reader that Mars needs to be colonized.
Although the expense would be extremely high, society should take steps now towards colonizing Mars
because the scientific discoveries would be significant and humans will soon need a new planet to live on.

Second, take a look at the two main points of the two body paragraphs. They are highlighted below in blue
and green. The blue highlighted part is the main idea of the first paragraph and the green is the main idea of
the second body paragraph.
Although the expense would be extremely high, society should take steps now towards colonizing Mars
because the scientific discoveries would be significant, and humans will soon need a new planet to live on.

Lastly, there is the mention of the counterclaim highlighted in pink. The counterclaim, or counterargument, is
when someone argues against a possible argument from the opposition and then it crushes that argument
with sound logic and evidence. We will learn more about that later.
Although the expense would be extremely high, society should take steps now towards colonizing Mars
because the scientific discoveries would be significant, and humans will soon need a new planet to live on.
Practice
For both claims below, highlight the position in yellow, the first main idea in blue, the second main idea in
green and the counterargument in pink.
The sale of guns to private citizens should not be regulated because it violates Americans’ second
amendment rights to bear arms and gun ownership deters crimes even though some might argue that guns
cause more deaths.

Whereas some may argue that gun control concedes too much power to the government, actually the sale
of guns to private citizens should be regulated because this would reduce gun-related deaths and the costs
related to gun violence.

Now, write your own claim for two of the following topics: healthcare costs (free or private), socialism
versus capitalism, minimum wage, gas versus electric vehicles, climate change…or choose your own!

Use one of the following formats:


1) Counterclaim + position + “because” + Reason #1 and Reason #2
Ex. Even though all creatures are necessary in the earth’s ecosystem, all snakes should be eliminated because
they are lethal and sneaky.
2) Position + “because” + Reason #1 and Reason #2 + Counterclaim
All snakes should be eliminated because they are lethal and sneaky even though all creatures are necessary in
the earth’s ecosystem.
Topic:
Position:
Reason #1
Reason #2
Counterclaim
Put it all
together to
make the claim:
Argument Reasons and Counterclaim
Instruction
Once you have the claim written, then you already have your reasons for why you have taken the position for
which you will argue. You can use a graphic organizer such as a chart with pros and cons to help you answer
the question of why you chose the position that you did.

For example, if the writer’s purpose is to persuade the reader to agree with her position, then there must be
compelling reasons why. These reasons will later be backed up with evidence, so the writer must choose
wisely! You cannot simply give a reason without backing it up with credible evidence that other people also
agree with your position. Remember, this type of writing is all about building an argument.

Let’s walk through the process of developing some ideas together with this question: Is technology making
people feel lonely?

Question: Does technology make people feel more lonely?

1. Social media cannot substitute human contact


Yes: Technology
2. Smart phones distract from face-to-face interaction
makes people feel
lonely.
1. Social media increases interpersonal connection
2. Smart phones help shy people interact
No: Technology
makes people feel
connected.

By developing reasons for both sides of the argument, you can then choose which is the more compelling
argument. If the writer chose “yes,” then #1 and #2 would be the reasons they chose to support the position.
On the “no” side, one of those reasons would be the counterargument.

Practice
On the chart below, develop reasons for one of the following questions. When you are finished, highlight the
position you would choose and the one counterclaim reason you would choose.

Possible topics:
1. Is online dating replacing the real thing?
2. Is technology limiting creativity?
3. Are clowns frightening?
4. Should dogs rule the world?
5. Should self-driving cars replace traditional cars?
6. Should animal sports be criminalized?
7. Is it morally acceptable to use nuclear weapons?
Question:

Yes…

No….

Now that you have developed your reasons, and counterargument, write the claim/thesis in the box below.

The next step is to outline the topic sentences of your paragraphs. The claim goes in the introduction
paragraph. Reason #1 becomes the topic sentence of paragraph #1. Reason #2 becomes the topic sentence of
paragraph #2. The counterclaim becomes the topic sentence of paragraph #3. Write out the topic sentences
below for the claim you developed above.

Topic sentence Paragraph #1:

Topic sentence Paragraph #2:

Topic sentence Paragraph #3:

Common questions

Powered by AI

Evidence plays a critical role in supporting the reasons within an argumentative claim by providing the justification needed to make the reasons compelling and credible. It transforms abstract assertions into substantiated arguments, helping to persuade the reader by demonstrating that the position is not only logically sound but also backed by credible and relevant information. Effective evidence appeals to logic and authority, reinforcing the argument's validity .

Refining a thesis statement at the beginning of the writing process is crucial because it sets the direction and focus for the entire piece. A clear and concise thesis provides a foundation for organizing thoughts and structuring the argument, enabling the writer to maintain coherence and relevance throughout. This initial refinement ensures that the argument is purposeful and well-targeted, guiding research and writing efforts in a unified direction .

Including a counterclaim in an argumentative essay is crucial because it demonstrates an awareness of opposing viewpoints and strengthens the argument by addressing and refuting them. Handling a counterclaim effectively involves acknowledging a common opposing argument and then using sound logic and evidence to refute it, thus solidifying the original position presented in the claim .

The structure of argumentation significantly affects the efficacy of a persuasive piece by determining how easily readers can follow and understand the argument. A clear, logical structure enhances comprehension and persuasion by organizing main points and evidence in a coherent order, typically with a strong introductory claim, followed by body paragraphs each with a distinct reason or counterargument, and a conclusive synthesis. This format ensures the argument's clarity and strength .

Ensuring that an argumentative essay remains balanced while promoting a clear stance involves skillfully integrating opposing viewpoints without diminishing the strength of the main argument. The challenge lies in acknowledging counterclaims respectfully and thoroughly, yet confidently refuting them with stronger logic and evidence. Maintaining this balance requires precise structuring and careful analysis to assure that the main position remains the most persuasive aspect, even when faced with valid opposition .

A well-constructed claim serves as the foundation of the entire argumentative essay by clearly stating the writer’s position on an issue and previewing the main points of the paper. This initial clarity guides the organization and content of the essay, ensuring it remains focused and cohesive. The claim functions as the thesis statement, allowing the subsequent paragraphs to logically support the stated position and providing a roadmap for the reader .

The counterclaim + position + reasons format provides a comprehensive view of the argument by immediately addressing potential opposition, which can make the position appear more balanced and thought-out. This approach anticipates and counters objections from the outset, potentially increasing the argument's persuasiveness. However, it may also complicate the initial presentation of the argument, as readers must absorb both the counterclaim and the reasons supporting the position simultaneously, which can be challenging without clear guidance .

Constructing an argument around pros and cons allows a writer to explore different facets of an issue comprehensively, helping them to understand all sides before forming a thesis. This exercise aids in identifying the most compelling reasons to support the chosen position and ensures that the argument addresses potential counterarguments. By contrasting pros and cons, a writer can discern which arguments are stronger and build a solid and persuasive thesis, supported by well-rounded reasoning .

Topic sentences enhance the coherence of an argumentative essay by clearly indicating the main point of each paragraph, which directly relates to the overall claim. Each topic sentence serves as a mini-guide for the paragraph, linking back to the thesis and previewing the specific aspect of the argument the paragraph will develop. This structure helps maintain a logical flow and ensures that the essay remains focused on the central argument .

To strengthen the persuasiveness of a claim on controversial topics like gun control or climate change, writers can employ strategies such as presenting robust empirical evidence, appealing to ethical considerations, and employing logical reasoning. Additionally, acknowledging and refuting counterarguments with respect to opposing views enhances credibility. Personal anecdotes or authoritative testimonials can also add a compelling human element, aligning abstract issues with real-world impacts .

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