Claims, Evidence, & Reasoning

A claim is a statement (spoken or written) that something is the case.

Ex: Sixth graders should not be able to participate in school-sponsored extracurricular activities.

What is a Claim?

Evidence is factual information that can be proven and will back up your claim.

Ex: Research studies show that the shift for eleven years olds from elementary school to middle school may affect their academic performance.

In order for anyone to take your claim seriously, it has to be backed by facts and/or evidence.

What is Evidence?

Reasoning is the act of thinking about something in a logical, sensible way.

Ex: If sixth grade students have to adjust to new schedules, teachers, and peers, they will have a hard time giving full attention to schoolwork AND to a sport or a club.

In order to persuade or convince someone that your claim or argument is correct, you must provide sound reasoning.

What is Reasoning?

- An argument is a logical way of presenting a belief, conclusion, or stance.

- A good argument is always supported with reasoning and evidence.

- An argument can be used for many purposes, such as to change the reader’s/listener’s point of view or opinion, or to bring about an action or a response from a reader/listener.

C-E-R Review:What is an Argument?