Sample · Chapter 1 · Grades 3–5
Claims, Reasons, and Arguments
From Think Smart, Argue Fair — how Super Thinkers turn wishes into arguments.
An argument is not a fight
When most people say “argument,” they mean a fight — two people yelling at each other. But in this book, “argument” means something completely different and much more useful.
An argument is a claim plus a reason.
That’s it! A claim is what you think. A reason is why you think it.
Example: “We should have a longer recess because exercise helps our brains focus better in class.”
The claim is: We should have a longer recess. The reason is: Exercise helps our brains focus. Without the reason, it’s just a wish. Add the reason, and now you have an argument — something other people can think about, agree with, or disagree with.
Try it
Take this wish and turn it into an argument: “I want a class pet.” Write: We should have a class pet because ________________.
Claims and reasons
Golden rule
CLAIM + BECAUSE + REASON = ARGUMENT
A claim is what you think. A reason is why you think it. The word because connects them.
“Dogs make great pets.” — That’s a claim.
“Dogs are loyal, friendly, and help people feel less lonely.” — That’s a reason.
“Dogs make great pets because they are loyal, friendly, and help people feel less lonely.” — That’s an argument!
Try to spot claims and reasons in everyday life. When a friend says “That movie is great,” ask: “Why is it great?” When they give a reason, they’ve made an argument.
Try it
For each sentence, write C (claim) or R (reason):
- The school cafeteria should serve more fruit. ____
- Fruit has vitamins that help us grow strong. ____
- Reading is better than watching TV. ____
- Books let you imagine things no TV show can show you. ____
Hidden reasons
Sometimes people don’t say all their reasons out loud. These are called hidden reasons (or hidden assumptions).
For example: “You should eat the fish — it’s been sitting out for a while.” Nobody said the fish is unsafe, but that’s the hidden reason behind the suggestion.
Part of being a Super Thinker is learning to spot hidden reasons. Ask yourself: “What would I have to believe for this argument to make sense?”
Someone says: “We should get a new playground because ours is old.” Hidden reason: old things need to be replaced. But is that always true? Your grandma’s favourite chair is old and still great!
What someone said vs. what they meant
Words can be confusing. As a Super Thinker, you need to be a fair listener.
Rule 1: Don’t take things too literally. If a frustrated friend says “I could eat a whole elephant,” they mean they’re very hungry!
Rule 2: Don’t make someone’s words mean more than they said. If your friend says “Most cats are friendly,” they haven’t said all cats are friendly.
The kind way to listen is called the principle of charity: always try to understand what someone meant in the nicest, most reasonable way possible before you argue back.
Steel-manning: the Super Thinker’s secret weapon
Most people listen to an argument just long enough to find a weakness to attack. That’s related to a “straw man” (a sneaky trick you’ll learn later).
Super Thinkers do the opposite. Before arguing back, they try to find the best, strongest version of the other person’s idea. This is called steel-manning.
Steel-manning shows respect, builds trust, and makes you think more clearly. You might discover their idea is better than you thought — and change your mind! Even if you still disagree, people will trust you more. Your own argument becomes stronger because you’ve tested it against the best version of the other side.
Try it
Think of something you disagree with — maybe a school rule you don’t like. Now write the best argument for why that rule exists. What is the strongest reason the adults might have for it?
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