Learning Goal: I’m working on a english exercise and need support to help me learn.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Main Claim | The main claim is the thesis of your argument–the overall stance your paper is taking. The claim is debatable, should be complex, and must be paired with ideas and evidence to support it. Essentially, it is both your main point and the reasons for arguing and what you hope your audience will see. The main claim addresses: what are you trying to demonstrate? |
| Reasons/Points | The reasons, in many ways, are the second part of your claim. Developing and clearly articulating the “reasons� for your position is key to developing your argument. As you can imagine a well-articulated claim + reasons will drive your argument. |
| Warrant (the Bridge) |
A sentence or two that explains the reason. In other words, a general principle that explains why you think your evidence is relevant to your claim. The warrant addresses: why you think your evidence supports your claim. |
| Evidence |
The evidence (data or grounds) is evidence you’ve collected to support your claim and reasons. The evidence addresses: what proof do you have? * The development of your argumentative essay (later in the course) can be organized by reasons with each reason having a warrant and evidence. |
| Counterclaim | This is where you illustrate that you’re familiar with what the opposition claims. (Be sure to explore each counterpoint, gathering source information to fully understand why people hold that position and to more fully evaluate the counterargument.) |
| Rebuttal | While you will always consider the opposition’s point of view, do not hesitate to reiterate the points that support your claim. The rebuttal functions as a reiteration of your evidence in support of your claim. Be sure to always make a clear connection between the rebuttal, your claim and the evidence that points in your direction.
*Counterclaims and rebuttals can appear anywhere in the essay you will develop later in the course. |