Lesson overview

Introduction
Argument
Middle years and up
Argument
Argumentation
Claims
Evidence
Reasoning
Critical thinking
Persuasion
Persuasive
Issues
Rebuttal
Assumptions
Backing
Limits
Arguments come in all shapes & sizes, but they are all built from the same eight basic components: issue, claim, reason, evidence, rebuttal, limits, assumptions, & backing. This lesson introduces each of these components and explains their function and relationship. We use a mix of articles, essays, ads, and videos for reference. Students practice writing each component using Balderdash-style arguments.