Argument - Introduction with Humorists 2010

Question 1

claim

Answer 1

a reason why your thesis is true (remember that claims in argument are beliefs while claims in rhetorical analysis are techniques) claims must be debatable. if it’s a fact, it’s data, not a claim

Question 2

data

Answer 2

evidence from any source that you can use to support your claim. pull evidence from your reading, things you’ve seen, your own experiences, etc. Write what you know about. this is when it helps to be well-read

Question 3

warrant

Answer 3

explanation that ties your data to your claim. it explains how your data proves the claim. data doesn’t speak for itself; readers may get the wrong conclusion if you don’t provide the correct one

Question 4

argumentative essay structure

Answer 4

• introduction: build context. introduce the controversy. provide a thesis. remember: do NOT write, “I am defending…” or “this essay is to qualify” your thesis needs to be strong enough without stating if you are defending, challenging, or qualifying
• body: use an “argument sandwich” stack claims, data, and warrants as makes sense for you argument. It works well to write a paragraph for each set of claim, data, and warrants. Make sure you include transition sentences between sets of paragraphs. Make sure you use more than one argument or claim to deeply explain your logic
• conclusion: sum up your ideas. restate (do NOT repeat) the thesis. tie up any loose ends

Question 5

which information will best complete this “quotation sandwich” so that it includes a claim, data, and warrant?

Answer 5

• Organic foods should be preferred over processed foods
• These higher scores show that Ms. Jenkins’ students learned better with a smaller class
• Politicians must craft a way to help immigrants be documented, so we can protect all citizens
• The presence of so many undocumented individuals is a screen for criminals
• He used this diction in order to set the stage for his powerful argument against British tyranny
• Libraries should not waste money on paper books
• Sports teams such as “The Chiefs” or “The Braves” are based on Native American Terminology
• Increased taxes on this industry would help pay for sick people
• Cigarettes are responsible for many health issues that contribute to rising health care costs
• There is a large movement to grow food without the use of pesticides