Claim, Reason, and Evidence

Break an argument into its claim, the reasons for it, and the evidence behind each reason.

Arguments have a basic anatomy. The claim is the main point the author wants you to accept. Reasons explain why the claim should be accepted. Evidence, such as facts, statistics, examples, and expert statements, supports each reason. Picture it as a table: the claim is the tabletop, reasons are the legs, and evidence keeps each leg standing. Read: 'Our school should start a community garden.

First, gardens teach science in a hands-on way; students in one district scored higher on plant-biology tests after a garden program. Second, gardens encourage healthy eating; a survey found students were more willing to try vegetables they grew themselves. ' Claim: start a garden. Reason 1: it teaches science. Evidence: higher test scores in one district. Reason 2: it encourages healthy eating. Evidence: the survey.

Mapping an argument this way shows you exactly what the author asks you to believe and lets you judge each piece separately.

• 1The claim is the main point.
• 2Reasons explain why; evidence supports each reason.
• 3Map the argument to judge each part separately.