Claims, reasons and evidence
Build an argument whose evidence genuinely supports its claim.
Before you begin
- Focused paragraphs
- Fact and opinion
Give each part a distinct role
A claim is the position you want the reader to accept. A reason explains why the claim may be sound. Evidence gives specific support, such as an observation, example or data. The three are related but not interchangeable. Repeating the claim with stronger words does not supply a new reason.
Match the evidence to the size of the claim
A single example can illustrate a possibility but rarely proves a universal rule. Ask whether the evidence addresses the actual reason and whether there are other plausible explanations. When using invented classroom examples, label them as hypothetical. Do not present an imagined number as a real survey result.
Worked example
Build a cautious argument for adding a quiet work area using the hypothetical observation that several students struggle to concentrate near a busy corridor.
Show the worked solution
- Claim: a quiet work area may help students who find corridor noise distracting.
- Reason: reduced interruptions can make sustained reading easier.
- Evidence: the stated hypothetical observation identifies a relevant problem, but does not establish a measured improvement.
The observation supports trying a quiet area and evaluating its effect, rather than promising it will help everyone.
Try it yourself
Which is evidence rather than just a repeated claim?
Common mistakes
- A personal preference can motivate a claim but cannot by itself establish a general fact.
What can you explain now?
Why does one student enjoying online lessons not prove that all students learn better online?
Compare with the explanation
One student's experience is not representative of every learner or a direct measure of learning.
Separate enjoyment from learning and consider sample size, other students and comparison conditions. Narrow the claim to what the evidence supports.
After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.
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Original StudyForA content. AI-assisted checks completed; subject-teacher review is still pending. These lessons are not endorsed by an exam board.
Common Core English language arts standards ↗