Reading & writing · Grades 9–12
Academic arguments, evidence and qualification · revision notes
A defensible argument states a specific claim rather than an unlimited assertion. The intended audience and purpose determine the required scope.
Key ideas and conditions
Claim
A defensible argument states a specific claim rather than an unlimited assertion. The intended audience and purpose determine the required scope.
Evidence
Evidence should be relevant and sufficient for the claim. A quoted authority does not automatically support an unrelated conclusion.
Warrant
Explain why the evidence bears on the claim. Counterexamples and alternative explanations help test the reasoning.
Integrity
Paraphrase accurately, identify sources and distinguish quotations from your own analysis. Do not fabricate citations or certainty.
Explain without looking
- A paragraph makes 5 factual claims and supplies relevant evidence for 3. How many remain unsupported in this audit?
- Give one way to signal a limitation without abandoning an argument.
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