What is a Warrant in an Argument?

S2-SA5-0042

Grade Level:

Class 6

NLP, Law, History, Social Sciences, Literature, Journalism, Communication

Definition

What is it?

In an argument, a 'warrant' is the unstated belief or assumption that connects your evidence (or 'data') to your claim. It explains *why* your evidence supports your claim, acting like a bridge between them. Think of it as the 'invisible glue' that holds an argument together.

Simple Example

Quick Example

Imagine your friend says, 'It's going to rain today (Claim) because I saw dark clouds (Evidence).' The unstated warrant is: 'Dark clouds usually mean it's going to rain.' This is the hidden link that makes the argument make sense.

Worked Example

Step-by-Step

Let's say you want to convince your parents to buy you a new cricket bat.

Step 1: Your Claim: 'I should get a new cricket bat.'
---Step 2: Your Evidence: 'My current bat is old and has a crack in it.'
---Step 3: Now, what's the hidden reason that connects your old, cracked bat to needing a new one? This is the warrant.
---Step 4: The Warrant: 'An old, cracked bat is not good for playing cricket and might break completely.'
---Step 5: If your parents agree with this warrant, your argument becomes strong and convincing. If they don't, they might say, 'A small crack is fine, you can still play!'
---Answer: The warrant is the unstated reason: 'An old, cracked bat is not good for playing cricket and might break completely.'

Why It Matters

Understanding warrants helps you build stronger arguments and spot weak ones, which is crucial in subjects like Social Sciences and Literature. It's important for lawyers arguing cases, journalists writing persuasive articles, and even for everyday communication to make your points clear.

Common Mistakes

MISTAKE: Thinking the warrant is the same as the evidence. | CORRECTION: Evidence is a fact or observation; the warrant is the *reason* why that fact matters to your claim.

MISTAKE: Assuming everyone shares the same warrant. | CORRECTION: Always consider if your audience might not agree with your hidden assumption. If not, you might need to state and defend your warrant.

MISTAKE: Not having a warrant at all, making the argument illogical. | CORRECTION: Always check if there's a clear, logical connection (even if unstated) between your evidence and your claim.

Practice Questions

Try It Yourself

QUESTION: My brother says, 'We should order pizza tonight because it's Friday.' What is the most likely unstated warrant? | ANSWER: The most likely warrant is: 'Friday is a good day for a special treat like pizza.'

QUESTION: A student argues, 'I deserve a higher grade on my science project because I spent five hours working on it.' What is the implied warrant that connects the effort to the grade? | ANSWER: The implied warrant is: 'Spending a lot of time and effort on a project should result in a higher grade.'

QUESTION: Your friend says, 'Don't drink that water from the tap; it looks a bit cloudy.' Explain the claim, the evidence, and the unstated warrant in this statement. | ANSWER: Claim: 'Don't drink that water from the tap.' | Evidence: 'It looks a bit cloudy.' | Unstated Warrant: 'Cloudy water is usually unsafe or unhealthy to drink.'

MCQ

Quick Quiz

Which of the following best describes a 'warrant' in an argument?

The main point you are trying to prove.

A piece of factual information or data.

The unstated assumption that links evidence to a claim.

A strong conclusion at the end of an argument.

The Correct Answer Is:

A warrant is the hidden connection or assumption that explains why your evidence supports your claim. Option A is the claim, Option B is the evidence, and Option D is the conclusion.

Real World Connection

In the Real World

When you see an advertisement on TV for a new smartphone, it might show someone easily taking a beautiful photo (Evidence). The claim is 'You should buy this phone.' The unstated warrant is 'A phone that takes beautiful photos is a good phone to buy.' Companies rely on you accepting this hidden connection to convince you.

Key Vocabulary

Key Terms

CLAIM: The main point or argument you are trying to make. | EVIDENCE: The facts, data, or observations that support your claim. | ASSUMPTION: Something taken for granted or accepted as true without proof. | LOGIC: A system of reasoning used to form sound judgments.

What's Next

What to Learn Next

Now that you understand warrants, explore 'Types of Arguments' to see how different warrants are used in various argument structures. This will help you identify and build even more convincing arguments in your school debates and essays!