What Is an Argument?

While Lunsford and Ruszkiewicz believe “everything’s an argument”, they admit that most recognized arguments consist of a claim (or thesis) backed up by evidence.

Opinion vs. Argument

· Statement of Opinion (I believe ….)

· Opinion is not debatable.

· Opinions do not need to be supported.

· Example: “I believe the Kansas City Chiefs will win the Superbowl.”

· Statement of Argument = Claim

· Claims are debatable.

· Claims need to be supported.

· Example: “The Kansas City Chiefs will win the Superbowl.”

· Supports or reasons follow the claim.

· Classic Arguments

· Statement about Truth and Proof – Aristotle

· Claim (Statement) and Reason (Evidence) and Warrant (Proof) – Toulmin

Conviction vs. Persuasion

All arguments are meant to convince the reader that your claim is reasonable. Some arguments also mean to persuade the reader to do/believe something.

· Conviction – Discover/develop a statement about truth, i.e., you make the reader believe you have good reasons for claiming what you claim

· Persuasion – Change point of view, i.e., you make the reader do or believe something you want

An argument makes a claim supported by evidence meant to convince or persuade the reader of the truth of the claim.