Claims, Evidence, Exceptions and Motions

1. China Debate Education Network: Claims, Evidence, Exceptions and Motions

2. A claim is the main point or the thesis of an argument. Arguers try to convince audiences and adjudicators to accept their claims. Claims are based on or supported by evidence(see next slide) Claims and Evidence

3. Claims are Supported by Evidence

4. Evidence (continued)

5. Sometimes Claims have Exceptions • An exception is a statement that indicates a situation to which the arguer believes the general claim does not apply.

6. Exceptions (Continued) • The arguer needs to have a good reason why the exception is reasonable and does not violate the belief in the claim generally.

7. Claims can Support Further Claims • Evidence can be used to support a claim, which can then be used to support a subsequent claim.

8. Claims Can Support Motions • Evidence can support a claim (or claims), which can then be used to support a motion.

9. Claims Can Support Motions(Continued)

10. Claims Can Be Combined to Support Motions