Argument EssaysArguments of Fact and Arguments of Judgment

Persuasive Vs.ArgumentBased on

opinionsEvidence is not

requiredDidn’t need to

explain conclusions

Based on facts and judgments

Evidence is required

The process of arriving at conclusions must be explained to the reader

Parts of an ArgumentClaimEvidenceWarranting

(General rule)Conclusion

(Backing)

ClaimEvidence

Warrant

Conclusion(Backing)

ClaimYour point or idea you are

arguing.Not just an opinion formed

lightly, but a supportable argument based on evidence.

This will be the thesis of your argument paper.

EvidenceFacts or judgments used to help

you form your claimFind evidence by

◦Examining data◦Asking questions based on data◦Reexamine data◦Try to answer the question◦Data that supports your answer =

Evidence

WarrantingCommon sense rules that people

accept as generally trueDoesn’t talk specifically about

the story/situationThis adds significance to your

evidence

Conclusion (Backing)The application of the warrant

(general rule) to the specific situation.

Helps to keep your warrant supported.

Conclusions drawn due to warranting.

Claim: The defendant killed his wife.

Evidence Warrant Conclusion (Backing)

A bloody glove with the victim’s blood on the outside, and the defendant’s DNA on the inside was found in the defendant’s home.

As a general rule, DNA is left on an object when a person had contact with that object. Generally, blood is left on an object when it has had contact with a victim.

Because the glove had both DNA from the defendant and blood from the victim, this suggests that the defendant had contact with the victim’s bloody body. This suggests the defendant was present at the time of death.

Arguments of FactsThese arguments use facts as

their evidenceLook at the following scene