ANALYZING

ARGUMENTS
PARTS OF AN ARGUMENT

• All writing makes assertions, statements that the writer wants readers to
accept as true.
• In argumentative and evaluative writing, the writer’s assertions make up
the argument of an essay.
• An argument has basically two parts: a claim and support.
• The claim asserts an opinion, judgment, or point of view that the writer
wants readers to accept as true or, at least, as reasonable.
• In an essay, the claim serves as the essay’s thesis.
PARTS OF AN ARGUMENT

• The support is the heart of the argument, the reasoning that seeks to
convince readers to accept the claim.
• Supporting material consists of reasons, backing to justify the claim on the
basis of the reasons, and refutation of opposing arguments.
• The reasons explain why the writer thinks the claim should be acceptable
to readers.
• The backing provides evidence, explanation, and further justification.
• The refutation acknowledges those opposing arguments that make sense,
while rebutting those that do not.
PARTS OF AN ARGUMENT

• Analyzing an argument involves first identifying its claim and

support, and then evaluating the argument.
• You can identify the claim and support right on the text by
annotating, or you can use a separate piece of paper to write
out an outline like the one illustrated in the next section.
IDENTIFYING PARTS OF AN ARGUMENT

• Read the text closely and set out its claims and support schematically.
• In identifying the parts of an argument, you may quote the writer’s words
directly or use your own words to paraphrase the writer.
• Quoting has the advantage of allowing you to focus on the writer’s key
words and phrases, while paraphrasing is sometimes crucial because it
enables you to make explicit those points that are only implied.
IDENTIFYING PARTS OF AN ARGUMENT

• Your argument outline does not have to cover every point or account for
all nuances of meaning.
• The aim of this critical reading strategy is to give you a good sense of how
the reasoning process proceeds so that you can understand and evaluate
the argument.
THE PROCESS OF IDENTIFYING CLAIMS AND
SUPPORTS
• The process of identifying claims and supports (reasons, backing, refutations) is central to
analysing an argument.
• There are some steps to follow:
1. IDENTIFYING THE WRITER’S CLAIM OR THESIS.
Ask yourself: What opinion, idea, or point of view is the writer trying to
convince me to accept?
THE PROCESS OF IDENTIFYING CLAIMS AND
SUPPORTS
2. IDENTIFYING THE REASONS. Ask yourself: What statements does the
writer make that tell me why I should accept the claim?
3. IDENTIFYING THE BACKING. Ask yourself: What information or
explanation does the writer give to justify acceptance of the claim on the basis
of this reason?
THE PROCESS OF IDENTIFYING CLAIMS AND
SUPPORTS
• IDENTIFYING THE REFUTATION. Ask yourself: What opposing
arguments does the writer anticipate, and how are they dealt with?