Introduction to Argument
and Debate
Argument
Components of An Argument
• Claim- the argument you want to make.
– Debaters call this the “tag”
– Should be a complete, persuasive sentence
– Should present the argument and why it matters
– Example: “The affirmative plan can’t solve:
there is no proof that the plan will reduce the
risk of war.”
Components of An Argument
• Data- the evidence that is read to prove the claim.
– Written evidence should come from credible, published
sources
– Analytical proof can be based on logic, general
knowledge, or evidence already in the debate
Identifying Valid Evidence
Components of An Argument
• Warrant- the “why” a claim is true.
The “visual” version…
DATA
WARRANT
WARRANT
WARRANT
CLAIM
Ways to Answer An
Argument