ORGANIZATION

WHAT IS A CLAIM?

Something stated to be trueUsually something that can be

disputed

What’s the difference between the two statements?

1. Lunchtime is short.

2. We should have a longer lunch period.

What’s the difference between the two statements?

1. We should have a longer lunch period.

2. We should have a longer lunch period because fewer students who go out to lunch will be tardy, the lunch line is too long, and we need more time to relax with our friends.

THESIS STATEMENT

Includes a claim and the reasons that support your claim

Outlines the topics you will cover in your essay

MAKING A CLAIM AN ARGUMENT

1. What reasons support your claim?

2. What evidence do you have?

3. Why does your evidence support your

claim?

4. What do you do with opposing claims?

EVIDENCE

QuotesStatisticsFactsStoriesExamples

Secret to Writing Great Papers?

WHY

WARRANTS: PAIRED STATEMENTS

Warrant: A statement that connects a reason to a claim

Statements come in twos. Make a claim and say WHY. Make a claim and say WHY. Make a claim and say WHY.

What is wrong with these two statements? Yellow Labs are the most popular breed of dog. 32% of dog

owners say Yellow Labs are their favorite.

EXAMPLE OF A WARRANT

Yellow Labs seem to be the most popular dog breed because the popularity of Yellow Labs at 32% is higher than the percentage of any other type of dog.

TRY IT OUT

Write me a warrant for the following statement and evidence:

Athletes should drink water instead of soda.

A 20oz bottle of Mountain Dew contains a cup of sugar.

COUNTERCLAIMS

Opinions and evidence that go against your claim (thesis)

Your claim: The I-phone is the all-around best phone.

Counterclaim: The Android is the all-around best phone because it is more durable and easier to use.

Where does the counterclaim belong in

your argument?

OUTLINE

1. Introduction

2. Body Paragraph 1

3. Body Paragraph 2

4. Body Paragraph 3

5. Counterclaim

6. Conclusion

TRY TO INCLUDE

1. A claim about your product Ex. Every teenager should own a Wii

2. Reasons to buy your product

3. Evidence why your reasons to buy your product are true Ex. Scientists show that 90% of Wii players improve their hand-eye

coordination.

4. TELL US WHY: Warrants

5. A counterclaim Ex. The Xbox 360 is the superior gaming system because it costs

more and has better games to choose from.

6. Why your product is still better despite the counterclaim