Analytical Argument: Claims, Evidence, and Reasoning

Adapted from the Toulmin model of argument

Claims: The basis of argument
A clear, defendable position or belief that could be argued against.
Evidence: What makes you say so?
"Data" that provides examples of why the claim is true. This could be facts,
statistics, examples, rhetorical techniques, or literary devices.
Key Rhetorical Techniques
Ethos (Appeal to credibility)
Pathos (Emotional Appeal)
Logos (Logical Appeal)
Parallel Structure
Rhetorical Questions
Some Literary Devices
Allusion, Metaphor, Simile, DIDLS, etc.
Reasoning: So what?
A clear, well explained analysis how HOW and WHY the evidence supports
the claim.
Questions to consider during reasoning:
Why is this evidence important or significant?
How does it strengthen the overall argument?
What does this evidence show that wouldn't be known otherwise?
What effect does this evidence/technique/device have on the
audience?
What was the writer's intent in including this evidence?

Analytical Argument: Claims, Evidence, and Reasoning

Practice
CLAIM
1. You and your partner access will select one controversial current issue
from the provided list. For that issue, you will take a strong, specific
position and create a claim.

EVIDENCE
2. Provide at least three pieces of evidence for your claim. Remember,
this should be facts, examples, and statistics.

REASONING
3. Answer each of the following questions for EACH piece of evidence.
a. Why is this evidence important or significant?
b. How does it strengthen the overall argument?
c. What does this evidence show that wouldn't be known
otherwise?
aaa-

b-

b-

b-

c-

c-

c-