Supporting argument

Definition

A supporting argument is a statement or series of statements that provide evidence or reasoning to back up a main idea or claim. These arguments are crucial for building a coherent and persuasive narrative, as they help clarify and validate the main point, reinforcing the overall message being communicated.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Supporting arguments can include data, anecdotes, examples, or logical reasoning to effectively back up the main idea.
2. The strength of a supporting argument directly impacts the persuasiveness of the overall piece of writing.
3. Good supporting arguments should be relevant, credible, and well-organized to enhance clarity and understanding.
4. Each paragraph should ideally contain at least one supporting argument that aligns with the topic sentence for unity.
5. In effective writing, multiple supporting arguments can create a layered understanding of the main claim, making the overall message more compelling.

Review Questions

• How do supporting arguments enhance the clarity and effectiveness of a main idea in writing?
  • Supporting arguments enhance clarity by providing specific evidence and reasoning that directly relate to the main idea. They help the reader understand why the main idea is valid and important, making it easier for them to follow the writer's thought process. By including well-structured supporting arguments, writers can create a more persuasive narrative that engages readers and strengthens their overall message.
• What role do supporting arguments play in maintaining unity within a written piece?
  • Supporting arguments play a vital role in maintaining unity by ensuring that all parts of the text are focused on reinforcing the main idea. Each supporting argument should relate back to the topic sentence of its respective paragraph, helping to create a cohesive flow. When all supporting arguments are aligned with the central claim, it minimizes distractions and keeps readers oriented towards the writer's purpose.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of using multiple types of supporting arguments in strengthening a writer's overall message.
  • Using multiple types of supporting arguments can significantly strengthen a writer's overall message by appealing to different aspects of reasoning and emotion. For instance, combining statistical evidence with personal anecdotes can make an argument more relatable and credible at the same time. This variety not only enriches the narrative but also addresses potential counterarguments, thereby enhancing persuasion and demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

Related terms

evidence: The facts, statistics, or examples used to substantiate a claim within an argument.

thesis statement: A concise summary of the main point or claim of a piece of writing, typically found at the end of the introductory paragraph.

coherence: The logical connections and consistency between ideas within a text, ensuring that the writing flows smoothly and makes sense to the reader.