English Language Arts
Grade 10
15 min
Choose reasons to support an opinion
Choose reasons to support an opinion
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Differentiate between a debatable opinion, a supporting reason, and the evidence that proves it.
Evaluate the relevance and sufficiency of reasons used to support an opinion in literary and informational texts.
Formulate at least three distinct and compelling reasons to support a complex thesis statement about a work of world literature.
Analyze how an author's choice of reasons strengthens or weakens an argument.
Synthesize information from multiple sources to construct a multi-faceted argument with well-chosen reasons.
Identify and avoid common logical fallacies when selecting reasons for an argument.
Ever lost an argument even when you knew you were right? 🤔 It might be because your reasons weren't as strong as your conviction.
This tutoria...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Opinion (or Claim)A debatable statement that asserts a belief or a truth, which is not a self-evident fact and requires support to be validated.In Sophocles' *Antigone*, Creon's tragic flaw is not just pride, but his rigid adherence to state law over moral law.
ReasonA statement that explains *why* an opinion is valid. It acts as a logical bridge connecting the opinion to the evidence.One reason for this is that Creon repeatedly ignores the counsel of others, including the prophet Tiresias, who represent divine and moral authority.
EvidenceThe specific facts, statistics, quotations, or examples used to prove a reason and, by extension, the main opinion.Tiresias explicitly warns Creon, 'The city is sick because of your counsel... you have dishonored a l...
3
Key Rules & Conventions
The 'So What?' Test
For every reason you choose, ask yourself: 'So what? Why does this matter to my overall opinion?'
Use this test to ensure your reasons have analytical depth and are not just simple observations or facts. If a reason doesn't help explain the significance or implication of your main opinion, it may be weak or irrelevant.
The Rule of Three
Structure your argument around three distinct, yet related, main reasons to support your central opinion.
This classic rhetorical principle helps create a balanced, memorable, and robust framework for a persuasive essay or speech. It forces you to think beyond your first idea and develop a more comprehensive argument.
The Hierarchy of Support
An argument is built in layers: The Opinion is sup...
4 more steps in this tutorial
Sign up free to access the complete tutorial with worked examples and practice.
Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
You are writing a research paper arguing that artificial intelligence poses a significant threat to artistic originality. Source A, a technologist, states that 'AI can analyze thousands of artworks to generate new images in a specific style.' Source B, an art critic, argues that 'True art requires intention, lived experience, and vulnerability, which machines lack.' Which reason best synthesizes these two sources to support your opinion?
A.AI-generated art is a threat because it is a new and rapidly developing technology.
B.AI poses a threat because many artists are worried about losing their jobs to computers.
C.AI art is often visually indistinguishable from human-created art, proving its artistic merit.
D.AI threatens artistic originality because it merely remixes existing human works without the essential components of intention and lived experience.
Challenging
You are formulating an argument for the opinion: 'In Albert Camus's *The Stranger*, Meursault's detachment is not a sign of amorality, but a radical form of honesty in an absurd world.' Which of the following sets of reasons best follows the 'Rule of Three' and avoids being repetitive?
A.1) He is honest about not loving his mother. 2) He is honest about his feelings for Marie. 3) He is honest about his reasons for the shooting.
B.1) His refusal to perform expected social emotions exposes the hypocrisy of societal rituals. 2) His focus on physical, sensory experience represents a commitment to his own truth over abstract moral codes. 3) His final acceptance of the world's 'tender indifference' is the ultimate embrace of an honest, absurd worldview.
C.1) Meursault is a product of French Algerian society. 2) The sun is a major symbol in the novel. 3) The trial scene is a critique of the justice system.
D.1) He doesn't cry at his mother's funeral. 2) He goes to the beach the next day. 3) He shoots a man on the beach.
Challenging
An argument is structured as follows: 'Opinion: The internet has made public discourse more polarized. Reason: Anonymity online encourages people to be more aggressive than they would be in person.' What unstated assumption must be true for this reason to logically support the opinion?
A.The internet was invented in the 20th century.
B.Everyone who uses the internet is anonymous.
C.Increased aggression in communication is a primary cause of political polarization.
D.Face-to-face conversations are always polite and productive.
Want to practice and check your answers?
Sign up to access all questions with instant feedback, explanations, and progress tracking.
Start Practicing Free