Argument Developing(1)

8/12/2019 Argument Developing(1)

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Are you writing an argument?

An argument involves

the process ofestablishing a claim andthen proving it with theuse of logical reasoning,

examples, and research.


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Steps in the Process

Choose a topic you can explore.

Study the issues critically.

Pick a side.

Make a claim (thesis statement).

Make a case for the defense of your position.

Consider the opposing viewpoints by either a)

refuting them or b) qualifying your own argument.

Test your argument for fairness/effectiveness.


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Writing Clearly for Arts & Science

Three main principles of good writing are

1. Clarity

2. Conciseness3. Forcefulness

When you are out to describe the truth,

leave elegance to the tailor. Albert Einstein


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Organizing Your Paper

Title

Introduction Establishing Context

Stating Claim (Thesisstatement)

Body Paragraphs Constructing Topic

Sentences

Building Main Points

Providing CounterArguments

Conclusion


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Why is organization important inbuilding an argument?

Guides an audience throughyour reasoning process

Offers a clear explanation ofeach argued point

Demonstrates the credibilityof the writer


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Structuring an Argument

Make a claim.Anticipate objections from your

audience.

Counter those objections by supportingyour claim with solid reasons andevidence.

Submit a conclusion derived from theevidence.


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Title--why do you need one?

Introduces the topic of

discussion to theaudience

Generates readerinterest in the argument


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Thinking about Titles

Avoid titles that are toogeneral or lack character

Pick up on words orexamples offered in the

body or conclusion of thepaper


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Considering Titles

Imagine you just wrote a paper offeringsolutions to the problem of road rage.

Which do you consider to be

the most effective title?Road Rage

Cant Drive 55

Road Rage: Curing Our Highway Epidemic


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Effective Ways to Begin an Introduction

personal anecdote

example (real or hypothetical)

question

quotation

shocking statistics

striking image

brief summary of the background


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What is a thesis statement?

The MOST IMPORTANTSENTENCE in your paper

Lets the reader know the main

idea of the paper Not a factual statement, but aclaimthat has to be proventhroughout the paper

Answers the question: Whatam I trying to prove?


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Thesis Statements in Argument Essays

Everything in the essay should relate to thethesis statement.

Construct a series of arguments which willconvince the reader of the truth and validityof your position as stated in the thesis.

Use your thesis statement as the startingpoint for a plan or outline of your essay.


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3 Kinds of Thesis Statements

Analytical thesis statements:- Electronic invasion of privacy endangers American families.

Argumentative thesis statements:- Internet users should never send personal information, such as

credit card numbers, social security numbers, or even homeaddresses, through the internet.

Explanatory thesis statements:-Privacy problems on the internet are inevitable because of the

technical format, human nature, and the realities of contemporarylife.


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Which thesis statement is the most effective foran argumentabout the need for V-chips in

television sets?

Parents, often too busy to watch television shows withtheir families, can monitor their childrens viewinghabits with the aid of the V-chip.

To help parents monitor their childrens viewing habits,the V-chip should be a required feature for televisionsets sold in the U.S.

This paper will describe a V-chip and examine the usesof the V-chip in American-made television sets.


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How Can You Tell a Strong ThesisStatement?

A strong thesis takes some sort ofstand.

A strong thesis justifies the discussionin the rest of your essay.

A strong thesis expresses one mainidea.


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Body Paragraphs andTopic Sentences

Body paragraphs build upon theclaims made in the introductoryparagraph(s).

Use topic sentences to illustratethe main idea of each paragraph.

Give a brief explanation of thehistory or recent developments inyour topic within the early bodyparagraphs.


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Body Paragraphs

Paragraphs may be ordered inseveral ways, depending upon

the topic and purpose of yourargument:

General to specific information

Most important point to least

important point Weakest claim to strongest claim

(emphatic)


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Offering a Counterargument

Addressing the claims of theopposition is an importantcomponent in building a

convincing argument. It demonstrates your

credibility as a writer--youhave researched multiple

sides of the argument andhave come to an informeddecision.


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Offering a Counterargument

Counterarguments may belocated at various locations

within your body paragraphs.

You may choose to:

build each of your main points

as a contrast to oppositionalclaims.

offer a counterargument afteryou have articulated your mainclaims.


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Counterarguing effectively

Consider your audience when

you offer your counter-arguments.

Conceding to some of your

oppositions concerns candemonstrate respect for theiropinions.

Remain tactful yet firm.

Using rude or deprecatinglanguage can cause youraudience to reject your positionwithout carefully considering

your claims.


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Incorporating research into the bodyparagraphs

Researched material canaid you in proving theclaims of your argumentand disproving

oppositional claims. Be sure to use your

research to support theclaims made in your topic

sentences--make yourresearch work to proveyour argument!


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Conclusion -- The Big Finale

Your conclusion shouldreemphasize the mainpoints made in your paper.

You may choose toreiterate a call to action orspeculate on the future ofyour topic, whenappropriate.

Avoid raising new claims inyour conclusion.


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Remember:A well-organized paper is essential!

Title Introduction

Establishing Context

Stating Claim (Thesis

statement) Body Paragraphs

Constructing TopicSentences

Building Main Points Providing Counter

Arguments

Conclusion


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Credits

Presentation by Carole Chapman, Ivy Tech Community College

Adapted from a presentation by the

Purdue University Writing Lab

Argument Developing(1)

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