What is the function of a warrant in an argument?

• A. It explains why the evidence justifies the claim.
• B. It restates the claim.
• C. It introduces a new topic.
• D. It lists sources.

Answer: (A)

A warrant is the bridge that explains why the given evidence supports the claim. It’s the rule or assumption the audience shares that connects data to conclusion. For example, if the evidence is “the roads are wet” and the claim is “it has rained,” the warrant is the general principle “wet streets indicate rain.” Warrants can be explicit or implicit, but they must justify the leap from evidence to claim by appealing to a logic or shared belief that makes the data count as support.

That’s why the correct choice describes the warrant as explaining why the evidence justifies the claim. Restating the claim, introducing a new topic, or listing sources don’t perform this linking function.