Skip to main content

Learn It

A good argument is organized in a way that establishes a clear relationship between the claim(s), counterclaims, evidence and reasoning. When you develop an argument, you want your reader to accept the claim, evidence and reasoning that you are presenting. In developing a strong argument, it is also important to include the opposing side of the issue, the counterclaim. When you include a counterclaim in your argument and address its strengths and limitations, your argument is stronger. You have shown your reader that you are looking at the full picture of the issue and that you have considered other ideas. This makes your argument more credible and further validates your claim.

View the slideshow below to learn how to develop a well-written argument. Refer to the Glossary for the definitions of bolded terms.


Speaker plays audio

Building an Argument

graphic of two people arguing

Can you remember your last argument? It was probably a heated debate filled with strong emotions that left you and the other person upset, and the issue unresolved. Outcomes like this might be avoided if both people took the time to carefully consider their own claim, evidence and reasoning, and the claim, evidence and reasoning of the other person.


Now go to the next page to practice identifying claims, counterclaims, evidence and reasoning that will help to build a strong argument based on the written explanation you developed in Writing Explanation Part 2: Crafting a Well-Written Explanation Opens a new window.