2.01 Page 2 - Elements of an Argument

Elements of an Argument

Arguments may take many forms, but successful arguments share a specific set of elements. A complete argument contains:

· a claim, or the basic idea of the argument;

· a warrant, or an explanation why the claim is true;

· data, or evidence; and

· an impact, or a reason why the argument is important.

These elements should be present in all forms of argumentation. They are especially important in verbal argumentation because the audience must be able to follow the argument. In written argumentation, readers may absorb and process the argument at their own pace; if they are confused, they can reread a passage or sentence.