Definitions
What is a claim?
the point the arguer is trying to make; answers the question: “What is the point?”
Engaging in acts of kindness produces endorphins, the brain’s natural painkiller. Is this an example of a statistic, fact, report, or physical proof?
Fact
Does a quotation count as evidence?
Yes
It is sometimes okay to leave out reasoning.
False
a. The home team enjoys an advantage in basketball.
b.They are playing at home.
c. The Lakers are likely to win the basketball game tonight.
cba
What is evidence?
the proof, grounds, or substantiation an arguer offers; should always be factual
“High levels of immigration help the economy because immigrants tend to be hard-working and entrepreneurial.” Is this an example of a claim, evidence, or reasoning?
Claim
Evidence can be based on objective information. What are examples of objective information?
facts, statistics, reports, or physical proof
Evidence should always be based on personal opinions.
False, evidence should be based on objective data, observations, experiments, or reliable sources, not solely on personal opinions
a. Smaller class sizes improve student academic performance.
b. Smaller class sizes allow for more individualized attention from teachers, more active participation from students, and a better learning environment. These factors contribute to improved academic performance.
c. A study found that students in classes with fewer than 20 students scored 15% higher on standardized tests than those in classes with more than 30 students.
acb
What is reasoning?
interpreting what in it is supportive of the claim and why the evidence is significant
The average pre-slaughtered chicken, for example, lives its entire life in a two cubic-foot cage, is pumped with hormones, and gets almost no free-roam or natural sunlight time.” Is this an example of a claim, evidence, or reasoning?
Evidence
Evidence can be based on source credibility. What are examples of source credibility?
authorities, experts, celebrity endorsers, a close friend, or someone's say-so
The reasoning should paraphrase the evidence.
False, it should further analyze and interpret.
a. Studies show that individuals who engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week have a 30% lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to those who do not exercise.
b. Exercise improves cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart, reducing blood pressure, and improving cholesterol levels. These benefits contribute to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
c. Regular physical exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
cab
What is a warrant in reasoning?
The inferential leap that connects the claim with the evidence; sometimes implicit (unstated) and requires the listener to recognize the connection between the claim and evidence
Example: “Climate change is threatening the global rise in sea levels, swamping coastal areas around the world. Fully 20% of the arctic ice shelf has melted since 1990.”
(warrant: the ice shelves at the poles contain massive amounts of water; significant ice shelf melting has to raise sea levels)
Give me an example of a claim related to sleep.
Increasing the duration of sleep improves cognitive function. Regular sleep patterns contribute to overall well-being. Adequate sleep is essential for physical recovery and immune function. Quality of sleep impacts mood and emotional regulation.
Evidence can be based on textual support. What is textual support?
arguments about literature or other books are often supported through paraphrase or quotation from the text
Evidence can be based on examples such as historical examples, current parallels, other instances in which what the audience already accepts as true.
True
a. It would violate American values to deport all undocumented residents.
b. According to a 2016 study done by UCLA, some 4 million undocumented residents have American-born (and therefore citizen) children in the U.S.
c. Fundamental American values include the sanctimony of the family. Americans also have never believed in punishing kids for the faults of their parents.
abc