SUPPORTING DETAILS

ARGUMENTATIVE
ESSAY
 WHAT IS A SUPPORTING DETAIL?

Supporting details are:

• pieces of information, evidence, examples, or facts that are used to
reinforce and substantiate the main argument or thesis statement in
an argumentative essay.
• They serve to persuade the reader of the validity and strength of
the central argument. Supporting details provide context,
clarification, and proof for the claims made in the essay.
 SUPPORTING DETAILS
Here's a breakdown of what supporting
details are and how they work in an
argumentative essay:

counter-argument and rebuttal

Evidence logical reasoning

SUPPORTING
Examples DETAILS personal
experience

Analogies and quotes from

comparison experts
Facts and
statistic
Evidence
• Supporting details often include
empirical evidence, such as
statistics, research findings,
studies, surveys, or expert
opinions. This data provides
concrete and factual support for
the essay's argument. For
example, if you are arguing for
the harmful effects of smoking,
you might include statistics on
the link between smoking and
lung cancer.
Examples

Using real-life examples helps illustrate and reinforce the

argument. These examples can be anecdotes, case studies,
historical events, or hypothetical scenarios. For instance, if
you are arguing for stricter environmental regulations, you
could provide examples of industries that polluted the
environment and the consequences of their actions.
Analogies &
Comparisons:
Analogies and comparisons draw parallels between the subject of the
argument and something more familiar or relatable to the reader. This
helps clarify complex concepts and makes the argument more accessible.
For example, when arguing for the importance of education, you might
compare it to the foundation of a building, emphasizing its role in
supporting future success.
Quotes from
Experts
• Quoting reputable experts or authorities on
the topic can lend credibility to your
argument. Expert opinions and insights can
reinforce your position. If you're writing
about climate change, you could include
quotes from climate scientists to support
your argument.
Personal Experience
In some cases, sharing personal
experiences or anecdotes can be
effective, particularly when the
argument relates to subjective matters
or personal perspectives. However, be
cautious when using personal anecdotes
to ensure they are relevant and not
overly emotional.
Logical
Reasoning
Logical reasoning involves presenting a logical chain of
cause-and-effect relationships or deductive reasoning to
support the argument. This might involve explaining why
certain conclusions logically follow from the presented
evidence or premises.
Counterarguments &
Rebuttal
While not always considered "supporting" in the traditional sense,
addressing counterarguments is a crucial aspect of supporting your own
argument. Acknowledging opposing viewpoints and then effectively
refuting them strengthens your position.
Facts &
Statistics
• Hard facts and verifiable statistics
can provide objective support for
your argument. Ensure that any
statistics you use are from
reputable sources and accurately
represent the point you are
making.
 Example:
Climate change is causing more frequent and severe extreme weather events worldwide. Evidence
from scientific studies shows that rising global temperatures are linked to the increase in these
events. For example, researchers have found that hurricanes and tropical storms are becoming
stronger and more destructive due to warmer ocean waters. This is similar to how a pot of water
boils more vigorously when the heat is turned up. In recent years, we have seen devastating
hurricanes like Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Harvey, which caused widespread flooding and
damage. These events are comparable to the force of a giant hammer hitting a fragile structure.
The statistic is also alarming: in the last decade, the number of extreme weather events has
doubled compared to the previous decade, according to data from the World Meteorological
Organization. This increase in extreme weather events not only endangers lives but also damages
homes, infrastructure, and the environment, making it crucial for us to take action to reduce the
impacts of climate change.
Evidence:
"Climate change is causing more frequent and severe extreme weather events
worldwide."
⚬ This sentence provides evidence by stating the direct relationship between
climate change and extreme weather events.

Example:
"For example, researchers have found that hurricanes and tropical storms are
becoming stronger and more destructive due to warmer ocean waters."
• This sentence provides an example by explaining how climate change is
affecting hurricanes and tropical storms.
Evidence:
"Climate change is causing more frequent and severe extreme weather events
worldwide."
⚬ This sentence provides evidence by stating the direct relationship between
climate change and extreme weather events.

Example:
"For example, researchers have found that hurricanes and tropical storms are
becoming stronger and more destructive due to warmer ocean waters."
• This sentence provides an example by explaining how climate change is
affecting hurricanes and tropical storms.
Analogy:
"This is similar to how a pot of water boils more vigorously when the heat is turned
up."
• This sentence uses an analogy to help the reader understand the concept of
warmer ocean waters intensifying storms.

Comparison:
“In recent years, we have seen devastating hurricanes like Hurricane Katrina and
Hurricane Harvey, which caused widespread flooding and damage."
• This sentence provides a comparison by likening recent hurricanes to past ones,
emphasizing the increase in severity and damage.
Statistic:

"The statistic is also alarming: in the last decade, the number of extreme weather
events has doubled compared to the previous decade, according to data from the
World Meteorological Organization."
• This sentence includes a statistic, specifically the increase in the number of
extreme weather events over the last decade, supported by data from the World
Meteorological Organization.
 Example:
One of the most concerning consequences of climate change is the rise in global sea levels, a
phenomenon driven primarily by the melting of polar ice caps and the thermal expansion of
seawater. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the
average global sea level has risen by approximately 8 inches (20.32 centimeters) since the late
19th century, and this rate is accelerating. To put this into perspective, consider that this is roughly
equivalent to the height of an average-sized dinner plate. While this might not seem like a
significant change, it has far-reaching effects on coastal regions. For instance, low-lying coastal
cities like Miami, Florida, are experiencing frequent tidal flooding, even on sunny days.
Additionally, the analogy of a rising dinner plate can help us understand the gravity of the situation
– imagine trying to balance your meal on a plate that keeps getting higher. This analogy highlights
the instability and disruptions caused by rising sea levels, not only in terms of flooding but also in
terms of coastal erosion, displacement of communities, and damage to infrastructure. The
statistics, combined with these examples and analogies, underscore the urgent need for global
action to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect vulnerable coastal areas from further
harm.
Evidence:
"One of the most concerning consequences of climate change is the rise in global
sea levels, a phenomenon driven primarily by the melting of polar ice caps and the
thermal expansion of seawater."
• This sentence provides evidence by explaining the cause of rising sea levels
due to climate change.

Statistic: "According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

(NOAA), the average global sea level has risen by approximately 8 inches (20.32
centimeters) since the late 19th century, and this rate is accelerating."
• This sentence includes a statistic, specifically the measure of the rise in global
sea levels and its rate of acceleration.

Example: 3. "To put this into perspective, consider that this is roughly equivalent to
the height of an average-sized dinner plate."
• This sentence provides an example to help the reader visualize the extent of the
sea-level rise.
Example: "To put this into perspective, consider that this is roughly equivalent to
the height of an average-sized dinner plate."
• This sentence provides an example to help the reader visualize the extent of the
sea-level rise.

Example and Comparison: "While this might not seem like a significant change, it
has far-reaching effects on coastal regions."
• This sentence serves as both an example of the sea-level rise's impact and a
comparison to the initial statistic to emphasize the significance.

Example and Analogy: "For instance, low-lying coastal cities like Miami, Florida,
are experiencing frequent tidal flooding, even on sunny days."
• This sentence presents an example of a coastal city experiencing the impact of
rising sea levels and also uses the analogy of "even on sunny days" to highlight
the unexpected nature of these flooding events.
Analogy: "Additionally, the analogy of a rising dinner plate can help us understand
the gravity of the situation – imagine trying to balance your meal on a plate that
keeps getting higher."
• This sentence introduces an analogy comparing the rising sea level to a dinner
plate, making the concept more relatable and understandable.

Concluding Statement with Statistic and Examples: "The statistics, combined with
these examples and analogies, underscore the urgent need for global action to
mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect vulnerable coastal areas from
further harm."
• This sentence summarizes the importance of the statistics, examples, and
analogies in emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change and its
impact on coastal regions.