Elements of an Argument

How can I change the ways that other people think?

Class Brainstorm Can you change someone’s mind? Should you have the power to change someone’s mind? How do you change someone’s mind? How do other people change your mind?

Class Brainstorm What are some things people do to change your mind that work? What are some things people do to change your mind that you do not like or do not work?

What do you think of when you hear these words? Claim Evidence Reasoning

Claims, Evidence, and Reasoning = Elements of an Argument

Claim (noun) To assert in the face of possible contradiction.

Evidence (noun) Something that furnishes proof.

Reasoning (noun) A statement offered in explanation or justification, connecting the proof to the claim.

Scientific Reasoning Claim – The sun is hot. Evidence – My skin feels warm. Reasoning – My skin became warmer when the sun came up.

Social Reasoning Claim – My mom is mad. Evidence – She is frowning. Reasoning – She was frowning yesterday when she said, “I am mad.”

Political Reasoning Claim – Japan should join our international organization. Evidence – Japan needs to increase food supply. Reasoning – Countries in our organization will send food to other countries.

Create a C-E-R Chain… Your Claim – Something you think is true. Your Evidence – What made you think it was true? Your Reasoning – What about the evidence convinced you?

Mixed-Pair-Share Get out of your seats and share you C-E-R with someone who you have not talked to today.

C-E-R Reflection What was the most difficult part of this exercise? Why? Would this be a useful thing to know how to do? Why or why not? Why might this be a better way to present an argument? What happens if you try to present an argument without using C-E-R?