What an Argument Is
An argument is a set of claims where some claims (premises/reasons) are offered to support another claim (the conclusion). The key feature is support: the speaker or writer is trying to show that a particular claim should be accepted because of other claims.
The basic structure
- Premise(s): statements presented as reasons or evidence.
- Conclusion: the statement the premises are meant to support.
You can often spot an argument by looking for “support language” such as: because, since, therefore, so, that’s why, this shows that, it follows that.
Mini example (everyday)
“We should leave now because traffic gets worse after 5.”
- Premise: Traffic gets worse after 5.
- Conclusion: We should leave now.
What an Argument Isn’t
Many things look like arguments because they contain multiple sentences, strong opinions, or the word “because.” But they are not arguments unless reasons are offered to support a conclusion.
1) Explanations (why something happened)
An explanation aims to make an accepted fact understandable, not to prove it’s true.
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Example: “The flight was delayed because there was a storm.”
- Not an argument if everyone already accepts the flight was delayed and the speaker is just explaining the cause.
- Could become an argument if the delay is disputed: “The flight really was delayed because the departure board shows a 2-hour delay.” (Now the reason supports the claim that it was delayed.)
2) Descriptions (what something is like)
A description lists features or observations without trying to prove a conclusion.
Example: “The apartment has two bedrooms, a small kitchen, and a balcony.”
- Not an argument unless those details are used to support a conclusion, such as “So it’s a good fit for a small family.”
3) Narratives (what happened, in sequence)
A narrative tells a story or sequence of events. It may include reasons for actions, but it’s not automatically an argument.
Example: “I woke up late, missed the bus, and arrived after the meeting started.”
- Not an argument unless the story is used to support a claim, such as “So it wasn’t my fault I was late.”
4) Disagreements without support (mere contradiction)
A disagreement becomes an argument only when it provides reasons.
Example: “That restaurant is terrible.” “No, it’s great.”
- Not an argument yet: there are opposing claims but no supporting reasons.
- Argument version: “It’s great because the food is consistently good and the service is fast.”
How to Label a Passage: A Quick Checklist
When you read or hear a short passage, label it by checking for these features.
- Count the claims: Is there more than one statement?
- Find the main point: Is one statement presented as what we should believe or do?
- Look for support: Are other statements offered as reasons/evidence for that main point?
- Test the intent: Is the speaker trying to prove something (argument) or clarify something already accepted (explanation) or just describe/tell (description/narrative)?
Labeling Practice: Everyday Conversation, Ads, and News Commentary
For each item below, decide: Argument or Not an argument. Then justify your label by identifying whether there is a conclusion and whether reasons are offered to support it.
| Item | Text | Your label (Argument / Not) | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everyday conversation | “Let’s take the train; it’s cheaper than driving and we won’t have to park.” | Argument | Conclusion: take the train. Reasons: cheaper; no parking hassle. |
| Everyday conversation | “I’m exhausted. I worked late and barely slept.” | Not an argument (typically) | Usually an explanation/description of a state (exhausted) rather than trying to prove a disputed claim. It becomes an argument if someone doubts they’re exhausted and the speaker is trying to convince them. |
| Ad | “Our detergent removes stains in one wash. Try it today.” | Not an argument (as stated) | It’s a claim plus a call to action, but no explicit reason is offered that supports “Try it today.” Add a reason to make it an argument (e.g., “because it saves time”). |
| Ad | “Switch to Plan B because it costs less per month and includes more data.” | Argument | Conclusion: switch to Plan B. Reasons: lower cost; more data. |
| News commentary | “The mayor’s proposal will likely fail. Several council members have already said they won’t support it.” | Argument | Conclusion: proposal will likely fail. Reason: council members won’t support it. |
| News commentary | “The city raised parking fees last year. This year, downtown foot traffic is down.” | Not an argument (as stated) | Two facts placed side by side; no explicit claim that one supports the other. It could be a hint at a causal argument, but it isn’t stated. |
| Disagreement | “That policy is unfair.” “No it isn’t.” | Not an argument | Contradiction without reasons. No support is provided. |
| Explanation | “The app crashed because the server was overloaded.” | Not an argument (typically) | Explains why a crash happened (assuming the crash is accepted). It’s not trying to prove the crash occurred. |
Try it yourself: justify the label
Take any two-sentence snippet you heard today (a coworker’s comment, a headline, a product pitch). Write:
- Label: Argument / Not an argument
- Conclusion (if any): ________
- Reason(s) (if any): ________
- Why it fits: Does it attempt to support the conclusion?
Quick Practice: Rewrite a Non-Argument into an Argument
Below are non-arguments. Your task is to turn each into an argument by adding (1) at least one reason and (2) a clear conclusion.
Step-by-step method
- Pick a conclusion (what you want the listener to believe or do).
- Add a reason that supports that conclusion.
- Make the support explicit using a cue word like “because,” “so,” or “therefore.”
- Check: If the reason were true, would it make the conclusion more believable?
Practice set A (convert these)
- “This restaurant is popular.”
- “Remote work is the future.”
- “That movie was disappointing.”
Sample rewrites (one possible answer each)
Non-argument: “This restaurant is popular.”
Argument rewrite: “We should book a table in advance because this restaurant is popular and usually has a long wait.”
Non-argument: “Remote work is the future.”
Argument rewrite: “Remote work will become more common because many companies can cut office costs and still hire talent from anywhere.”
Non-argument: “That movie was disappointing.”
Argument rewrite: “That movie was disappointing because the plot had major holes and the ending didn’t resolve the main conflict.”
Practice set B (make the conclusion explicit)
Each item below contains information, but the conclusion is missing or unclear. Rewrite it into a clear argument.
- “The roads are icy this morning.”
- “The product has a 4.8 rating from 10,000 reviews.”
- “Two key players are injured.”
One way to rewrite (examples)
- “The roads are icy this morning, so you should drive slower and leave extra time.”
- “The product has a 4.8 rating from 10,000 reviews, so it’s a reliable choice.”
- “Two key players are injured, so the team is less likely to win tonight.”
