Identify the argument6 Step2.

Identifying the Argument of an Essay

Step 2: Recognizing Argument Structure

Now that we have a more definite sense of what an argument is, let's explore its structure further. It's important to emphasize that every argument has the same structure:

This claim	BECAUSE OF	those reasons

THIS	BECAUSE OF	THAT
( Conclusion ) (main claim)		( Reasons ) (supporting evidence)

Example 1

Abortion should be allowed BECAUSE a woman has the right to decide what happens in and to her own body.

This

[Abortion should be allowed]

BECAUSE OF

That

[a woman has the right to decide what happens in and to her own body]

Example 2

Smoking should be banned BECAUSE it is harmful to everyone's health.

This

[Smoking should be banned]

BECAUSE OF

That

[it is harmful to everyone's health]