Reason — English definition

Defined in 2 courses:

Where it is taught

In use

Each reason answers the question 'why should I accept this?

Opinion & Argument Writing

Each reason is a logical answer to the question 'why should I accept this claim?

Argument Writing: A Defensible Claim

Questions using reason

Problem 1

In an argument, what is the difference between a 'reason' and 'evidence'?
  1. A reason is always longer than evidence
  2. Evidence comes first and reasons come last
  3. They are two words for the same thing
  4. A reason explains WHY the claim is true; evidence is the facts or examples that prove the reason
Answer and explanation

A reason explains WHY the claim is true; evidence is the facts or examples that prove the reason

A reason gives the logic behind the claim, and evidence is the specific proof that shows the reason is real.

Problem 2

A student claims the school library should stay open later and gives the reason that many students have after-school activities. Which piece of evidence is MOST relevant to that reason?
  1. A survey shows most students can't reach the library until after their clubs and sports end at 5 p.m.
  2. The library was built in 1998.
  3. The librarian is very friendly.
  4. The library has over 10,000 books.
Answer and explanation

A survey shows most students can't reach the library until after their clubs and sports end at 5 p.m.

The survey directly supports the reason about after-school activities; the other facts are true but don't prove that students need later hours.

Problem 3

Write a specific, arguable claim about something at your own school, one reason that supports it, and explain why your evidence would need to be relevant to that reason.
Answer and explanation

Example — Claim: Our school should add water-bottle filling stations in the hallways. Reason: the current fountains are crowded and slow, so students don't drink enough during the day. Relevant evidence would need to actually prove that reason — for example, timing how long the line at a fountain gets between classes — rather than an unrelated fact like how many students bring water bottles, which doesn't show the fountains are the problem.

Problem 4

Turn this vague opinion into a strong, arguable claim, then add one reason and one piece of relevant evidence: "Our lunch is bad."
Answer and explanation

Claim: 'Our school should offer at least one hot vegetarian option every day.' Reason: students who don't eat meat currently have few filling choices. Evidence (example): on meat-only days, the salad bar empties early, leaving some students with just a side and a roll.

Claim: 'Our school should offer at least one hot vegetarian option every day.' Reason: students who don't eat meat currently have few filling choices. Evidence (example): on meat-only days, the salad bar empties early, leaving some students with just a side and a roll.

Response criteria

  • Answer the actual question with accurate details.
  • Explain how the evidence or language choice supports the conclusion.
  • State a relevant limit, alternative or justified revision.

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