Unit 2: Claims, Evidence, and Reasoning
AP English Language: 52 practice questions with detailed explanations.
Unit Study Guide
Executive Summary
Arguments run on three parts: claims (what the writer asserts), evidence (support), and reasoning (why the evidence proves the claim). Analyzing argument means testing each link.
Claims
A claim is a debatable assertion. Claims of fact (what is true), value (what is good or bad), and policy (what should be done) each need different evidence. A thesis is the central claim; sub-claims support it.
Evidence
Evidence includes facts, statistics, examples, expert testimony, and anecdotes. Good evidence is relevant, sufficient, and credible. Watch for cherry-picked data, outdated sources, and evidence that doesn't actually connect to the claim.
Reasoning (warrants)
The warrant is the often-unstated link between evidence and claim: why THIS evidence proves THAT claim. Expose the warrant to test the logic. Faulty warrants produce logical fallacies.
Line of reasoning
A strong argument builds: claim → evidence → warrant → next claim. Map the line of reasoning to see whether the argument progresses or just repeats.
Exam traps
Evidence is not proof by itself — the warrant does the work. A claim without support is an assertion. Commentary (your explanation) is what earns points, not summary.