Claim: what the author wants you to accept
A claim (also called a thesis or conclusion) is the main point of an argument. It says something that can be true or false, and that people could disagree with. 'The sun rises in the east' is a fact, not a claim worth arguing. 'School uniforms should be removed' is a claim.
In a text, look for the claim in the first or last paragraph, or in words such as therefore, so, I argue that, should, must. Ask: if I had to say the whole text in one sentence, what would it be?
Premise: the reasons and the evidence
A premise is a reason that supports the claim. A premise often answers the question why? or because?. Under a premise there is usually evidence: a fact, a number, an example, a quote from an expert, or something you can see for yourself.
Test each premise with two questions: Is it true or believable? and Does it really support the claim? A premise can be true and still not matter. 'Many children like sweets' is true but does not support 'schools should start later'.
Words that often introduce premises: because, since, for, as, the reason is.
Counter-evidence and rebuttal
Counter-evidence is information that points against the claim, or against one of its premises. Good writers do not hide it. They show it, then give a rebuttal: an answer that explains why the claim still holds. Typical rebuttals say the counter-evidence is weak, rare, has another explanation, or can be solved.
When you read, ask: What would an opponent say? Does the author mention it? Is the answer fair? When you write, add one honest counter-point and your reply. This makes your argument more trusted.
Words that introduce counter-evidence: however, although, some argue, on the other hand, but.
Try it: choose an opinion such as 'mobile phones should be allowed in class'. Write the claim, two premises with evidence, one counter-evidence and a rebuttal. Then check: does the claim stand?
Key formulas and definitions
- Argument = Claim + Premises (with evidence)
- Strong argument = enough true premises + an answer to counter-evidence
- Premise words: because, since, the reason is
- Counter-evidence words: however, although, some argue; Rebuttal: but still, yet
Worked examples
1. Text: 'Children should learn to swim, because drowning is common and swimming is a life skill.' Find the claim and the premises.
Claim: children should learn to swim. Premise 1: drowning is common. Premise 2: swimming is a life skill.
2. Text: 'The new bridge is useful. However, it costs a lot. But the cost will be paid back by toll in ten years.' Name each part.
Claim: the bridge is useful. Counter-evidence: it costs a lot. Rebuttal: the cost will be paid back by toll in ten years.
3. Is 'Many children like sweets' a good premise for 'schools should start later'?
No. It may be true, but it does not support the claim, so it is irrelevant.
4. An author says 'Homework should be banned' and gives only one example of a tired child. What is weak?
Too little evidence: one example is thin, and there is no answer to counter-evidence such as 'homework builds practice'. A stronger text gives more premises and a rebuttal.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up the claim with a fact that nobody disagrees with.
- Accepting a premise just because it is true, without checking if it supports the claim.
- Treating counter-evidence as 'wrong' without reading the answer to it.
- Calling every sentence a premise; some sentences are only examples, background or decoration.