Parts of an Argument
Identify the Argument
Types of appeals
Identify the Argument
100

A statement that expresses an opinion.

What is the claim?

100
What part of an argument does this paragraph represent? Millions of people play sport every day, and, inevitably, some suffer injury or pain. Most players and spectators accept this risk. However, some people would like to see dangerous sports such as boxing banned. This essay will examine some of the reasons for banning certain sports.
Claim
100

"Football players across the nation recommend this football"

What is Ethos?

100
What part of an argument does the following represent? Art is a basic human need. Governments have a responsibility to spend money on art for their citizens.
Claim
200

Facts used to support the argument.

What is the evidence?

200
Some people argue that the players can choose to participate. However this is not always the case. Many boxers, for example, come from disadvantaged backgrounds. They are lured by money or by social or peer pressure and then cannot escape. Even in richer social groups, schools force unwilling students to play aggressive team sports, claiming that playing will improve the students’ character (or the school’s reputation), but in fact increasing the risk of injury.
Counterclaim/Rebuttal
200

"Get ABC insurance. Without it, you may be among the unlucky who get their cars broken into this year."

What is pathos?

200
What part of an argument does the following represent? Painters, musicians, and composers cannot survive without financial support. Rich people or large companies do finance art, but then it is often inaccessible to ordinary people. Governments have a duty to make this art available to everyone. However, the most important reason why governments should support the arts is because an appreciation of art is one of the things that makes life worthwhile.
Reason/Evidence
300

The opposite side to your opinion.

What is the counterargument?

300
What part of the argument does the following paragraph represent? Some sports are nothing but an excuse for violence. Boxing is a perfect example. The last thing an increasingly violent world needs is more violence on our television. The sight of two men (or even women) bleeding, with faces ripped open, trying to obliterate each other is barbaric. Other sports, such as American football or rugby, are also barely-concealed violence.
Reason/Evidence
300

"Lebron James is the best at basketball. He shoots over 90%!"

What is logos?

300
What part of an argument does the following passage represent? It can be wrong for governments to spend large sums of money on art. Too often, governments spend unwisely. They spend money on art not because a picture is good or a museum is needed, but for political reasons. Cities end up with huge statues or empty expensive buildings that are used only by a few people or the elite. Another point is that the artworks are often chosen to represent social or political rather than artistic ideas.
Counterclaim/Rebuttal
400

The basis for a claim.

What are the reasons?

400
What part of the argument does this paragraph represent? Today, many sports are becoming increasingly regulated. Boxing, rugby, soccer, and other games are being targeted by sports bodies and medical organizations in an effort to improve safety standards and to reduce injuries. However, for some people, this is not enough, and they would rather see some dangerous sports banned completely. In this essay, I will examine some arguments against banning dangerous sports.
What is Claim?
400

"Jessica has taught for nearly a decade. She knows how to teach writing, so listen to her."

What is ethos?

400
What part of an argument does the following passage represent? Creative people have always tried to look at things in a new way and to make the world a better place through painting, music, poetry, calligraphy, sculpture, dance, and numerous other forms of expression. While art may not make us immortal, it does make the world a richer place for future generations.
Reason/Evidence
500
An explanation of the counterclaim and why it is wrong.
What is the rebuttal?
500
What part of an argument does this paragraph represent? Challenging sport provides a healthy, largely safe, physical outlet for aggression. There is very little evidence to show that people who take part in dangerous sports become violent as a result. In fact it is more likely that apart from the many friendships created in playing, sport acts as a safety valve for a society by reducing stress. Moreover, sport teaches and requires discipline, training, and respect for the rules – valuable lessons in any society.
Reason/Evidence
500

Any language (device) that helps an author or speaker achieve a particular purpose (usually persuasion, and can include techniques for generating emotion)

What is a rhetorical device?

500
What part of an argument does this passage represent? People have several arguments against the need for degrees. They say that having so many graduates devalues a degree. People lose respect for the degree holder. It is also claimed that education has become a rat race. Graduates have to compete for jobs even after years of studying. Another point is that studying for such a long time leads to learners becoming inflexible. They know a lot about one narrow subject, but are unable to apply their skills. Employers prefer more flexible and adaptable workers
Counterclaim/Rebuttal
M
e
n
u