Adding a Leaf

When adding a new leaf to a topic, you must provide four types of information. Type, Claim, Details and Sources.

Type (mandatory)

Select Pro if your argument substantiates the parent argument, Con if it refutes the parent argument, and Comment if it does not take a position. Recommended uses of the Comment type are:

• Adding a strucural connection between different but related debates
• Clarifying a complex argument or one that has changed over time
• Providing background and context on an issue

Claim (mandatory)

The Claim is a single-sentence declaration that clearly states the argument. If it needs to be more than one sentence, it should probably be two different leaves. The Claim is the statement that appears in the graphic of the tree, and the reader should be able to understand the position without further details or clarification. Ideally, the claim is a direct quote from the sources (more on choosing quotes), but clarity takes precendence over verbatim recitation.

Details (optional)

Details should be used to provide additional insight and background on an argument. Ideally, the Details are direct quotes from the sources (more on choosing quotes), although original contributions that make the statement more cohesive are encouraged. The Details section can be used to provide evidence to support an argument, but “read about evidence placement”http:// to determine if your evidence would be more at home in a separate, supporting leaf.

Sources (mandatory)

Sources are one of the most important features of Policy Tree. You will notice that sources are collected in strict detail. A future version of Policy Tree will use an argument’s sources to determine how widespread it is. Only one source is required to post an argument, but you are encouraged to update arguments with new sources as you discover them. To add a new source:

• Select the media type of the source. (If your source was used for another leaf in this topic, select “Existing Source in this Branch” to quickly add it)
• Check to see if the name of your source is listed in the “Name” dropdown. If not, type it into the “Other field to the right.”
• Complete the remaining fields.
• To add additional sources, save the leaf and click “edit leaf” from the main window. You may only add one leaf at a time.