7.1 Understanding the Elements of an Argument

• The claim is the main statement the writer is trying to prove in an argument.


  True
• A strong claim should be clear, specific, and debatable.


  True
• Match the type of evidence with its purpose:

  Facts ↔️ Objective, verifiable information

  Statistics ↔️ Numerical data to measure information

  Quotes ↔️ Statements from credible sources
• Logical reasoning uses logical arguments to demonstrate how evidence supports the claim
• Incorporating different reasoning techniques builds a well-rounded argument.
• Match the component of an argument with its purpose:

  Claim ↔️ Main statement or assertion

  Evidence ↔️ Information used to support the claim

  Reasoning ↔️ Explains how evidence supports the claim

  Counterclaim ↔️ An opposing argument to the claim
• What are three characteristics of a strong claim?

  Clear, specific, debatable
• What are three types of evidence that writers can use to support their claims?

  Facts, statistics, quotes
• What is the primary purpose of effective reasoning in an argument?

  Connect evidence to claim
• Causal reasoning explains how one thing directly leads to or causes another

  True
• What are logical fallacies?

  Flaws in reasoning
• The straw man fallacy misrepresents an opponent's position to make it easier to attack

  True
• The main statement or assertion in an argument is called the claim
• Match the components of an argument with their purpose:

  Claim ↔️ To state the writer's main point

  Evidence ↔️ To provide factual support

  Reasoning ↔️ To link evidence to claim

  Counterclaim ↔️ To acknowledge opposing views

  Rebuttal ↔️ To strengthen the original claim
• A strong claim should state the writer's position
• Evidence provides factual support for the claim in an argument.


  True
• Causal reasoning explains how one thing directly leads to another.


  True
• How many key components are in an argument?

  Five
• The claim is the main statement or assertion the writer is trying to prove
• A strong claim provides a roadmap for the evidence and reasoning in an argument


  True
• Facts are objective, verifiable pieces of information that support the claim
• Logical reasoning uses arguments and inferences to support the claim
• Match the reasoning technique with its example:

  Logical Reasoning ↔️ Exercise releases endorphins to reduce stress

  Causal Reasoning ↔️ Exercise improves mental wellbeing through physiological changes

  Analogical Reasoning ↔️ Finding a similar situation to support the claim
• The ad hominem fallacy involves attacking the person making the argument
• Match the logical fallacy with its description:

  Ad Hominem ↔️ Attacking the person instead of the argument

  Straw Man ↔️ Misrepresenting an opponent's position

  Slippery Slope ↔️ Assuming one event leads to another without justification

  False Cause ↔️ Assuming correlation equals causation