This document provides an overview of the key components of an argumentative essay: the claim, reasons, and evidence. It explains that an argumentative claim is a statement that can be proven with evidence on a debatable topic. Strong reasons are logical statements that support the claim, while evidence provides factual proof for the reasons to validate the claim. When writing an argumentative essay, authors must ensure their claim is arguable, their reasons are logical and related to the claim, and their evidence is relevant and convincing to support the overall argument.

1. Argumentative Essay

2. ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
Argumentative and Persuasive essays sound like they
would the same type of essay. However,
argumentative essays are supported by verifiable
examples and facts; and persuasive essays make
more of an emotional appeal to a reader.

3. ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
An argument is based off of three things:
1. The Claim: What do I think?
2. The Reasons: Why do I think this?
3. The Evidence: How do I know this is the case?

4. THE CLAIM
A claim is a statement that can be argued and proven with
evidence.
Example Claims:
Students who play sports in high school are more likely to
attend college.
Motorcyclists should be required by law to wear helmets.

5. THE CLAIM
A claim is NOT an obvious statement that is known by the
general public.
For Example:
Humans need oxygen to live.
Duh! Everyone knows that.

6. THE CLAIM
A claim is NOT a personal opinion.
For Example:
Coca-Cola is better than Pepsi.
That is a matter of opinion and differs from person to
person.

7. THE CLAIM
A strong claim is specific.
School dress codes should be abolished due to the
economic and social restraints it places on students and
families.
The more general the claim, the harder your job will be.
Almost all children who are abused will become disturbed
adults.

8. THE CLAIM
You should ask these questions when writing a claim:
• Is it arguable?
• Is it obvious?
• Is there a bias?
• Is there a specific agenda the writer is working
towards?
• Is the claim general?

9. THE REASONS
A reason is a statement of logic that supports your claim.
For example:
Alec should be elected class president because he’s a natural
leader.
This reason in italics logically supports the claim that Alec should
be class president. The reason makes the claim stronger and more
difficult to disagree with or disprove.

10. THE REASONS
You should ask these questions when determining the
reasons:
• Is it logical?
• Is it connected or related to the claim?
• Is it biased?
• Is it tangible (meaning: does it have the ability to be
proven)?
• Is it reasonable?
• Is it in support of the claim?

11. THE EVIDENCE
Evidence is the PROOF. Evidence can come from a variety of
sources including: testimony, presentation, documents, and
records. Evidence is found through research.
Evidence is going to prove that your reasons are valid support for
your claim.

12. THE EVIDENCE
Example:
Alec should be elected class president because he’s a natural
leader. When we got lost in the Smoky Mountains on our class trip,
Alec took control and navigated us back to civilization.
This evidence proves the reason (Alec is a natural leader) and
supports the claim (Alec should be elected class president).

13. THE EVIDENCE
You should ask these questions about your evidence:
• Is it relevant?
• Is it convincing?
• Is it specific or is it general?
• Is it connected to the reason?