3 Parts of an Argument A-R-E

Opinion vs. Argument There is a difference between an opinion and an argument. An opinion is an expression of preference; it does not require any support (although it is stronger with support). An opinion is only the first part of an argument. Argument consists of assertions, reasoning, evidence.

3 Parts of an Argument: A-R-E A- Assertion (statement or claim) R- Reasoning (explanation) E- Evidence (support and used to help prove and show) To be complete, arguments should have three parts: an assertion, reasoning and evidence (easily remembered with the mnemonic ARE).

A = ASSERTION – “What Do You Think? An ASSERTION is usually a simple statement, such as “Homework is a waste of time,” “Television news is boring,” or “Tomato soup is better than grilled cheese sandwiches.” In format argument, an ASSERTION or CLAIM states a position on an issue or topic. An assertion is the claim or the main point of an argument.

ASSERTION/CLAIM – What Do You Think? Write an Assertion/Claim that states a position on an issue or topic of your choice.

R=REASONING – Why Do You Think That? REASONING is the “because” part of an argument, as in the following examples: “Homework is a waste of time because it takes time away from other activities that are more important.” “Television news is boring because it doesn’t talk about issues that are relevant to me.” “Tomato soup is better than a grilled cheese sandwich because it is more nutritious.” Reasoning can be simple or complex, but the most important things to remember are the use of the word “because” as a cue and the need to connect the assertion/claim and the reasoning.

REASONING – Why Do You Think That? Add a reasoning statement that supports your assertion.

E = EVIDENCE – How Do You Know? Just as reasoning supports an assertion, EVIDENCE supports reasoning. There are many different kinds of evidence, ranging from expert testimony or statistics to historical or contemporary examples. “Homework is a waste of time because it takes time away from other activities that are more important. For example, we end up doing worksheets of math problems instead of getting outside and getting fresh air and exercise.” “Television news is boring because it doesn’t talk about issues that are relevant to me. For example, I never see stories about the issues that kids deal with every day.” “Tomato soup is better than a grilled cheese sandwich because it is more nutritious. For example, tomato soup contains important vitamins such as lycopene, while grilled cheese sandwiches really don’t have that much nutritional value at all.”

EVIDENCE – How Do You Know? Add evidence to supports your reasoning/argument.

ASSERTION – REASONING - EVIDENCE Add a second reasoning statement with supporting evidence to your argument.

ASSERTION – REASONING - EVIDENCE Share your argument with a partner. Discuss additional evidence you could use to support one or both of your reasoning statements. Revise your writing to include additional evidence.