Developing an Argument : Constructing an Argument Louise Livesey Academic Skills Adviser This...

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Developing an Argument : Constructing an Argument Louise Livesey Academic Skills Adviser This workshop will: Revisit what an argument is Suggest ‘types’ of argument that an assignment can be built around Offer strategies to apply evidence and theory into your written work 13 January, 2015 Academic Skills Advice 1

Transcript of Developing an Argument : Constructing an Argument Louise Livesey Academic Skills Adviser This...

Page 1: Developing an Argument : Constructing an Argument Louise Livesey Academic Skills Adviser This workshop will: −Revisit what an argument is −Suggest ‘types’

Developing an Argument : Constructing an Argument

Louise Livesey

Academic Skills Adviser

This workshop will:− Revisit what an argument is− Suggest ‘types’ of argument that an assignment

can be built around− Offer strategies to apply evidence and theory into

your written work

13 January, 2015 Academic Skills Advice1

Page 2: Developing an Argument : Constructing an Argument Louise Livesey Academic Skills Adviser This workshop will: −Revisit what an argument is −Suggest ‘types’

1.Types of arguments to construct

2.Using evidence to support your argument

3.Using theory in your writing

Today’s Plan

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Page 3: Developing an Argument : Constructing an Argument Louise Livesey Academic Skills Adviser This workshop will: −Revisit what an argument is −Suggest ‘types’

• Evidencing is more than one source • Check your reading list• Keep a record

Think, read, write

1.Types of argument to construct

Analysis Critical Thinking

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Page 4: Developing an Argument : Constructing an Argument Louise Livesey Academic Skills Adviser This workshop will: −Revisit what an argument is −Suggest ‘types’

• Agreeing and presenting reliable evidence to support the position taken.

• Rejecting but again using reliable evidence to do this. (A counter-argument with each individual claim in the argument in question is ‘countered’ by another claim).

• Conceding that an existing argument/point of view has merits, but needs to be qualified in certain respects, and stating what these are.

• Proposing a new argument/point of view, or reformulating an existing one, so that the new version makes a better explanation for the situation under discussion.

• Reconciling by bringing a new perspective to bear on the topic.

• Connecting or synthesizing different ideas, so new approaches and arguments/points of view can be brought to bear on the subject.13 January, 2015 Academic Skills Advice4

1.Types of argument to construct

Page 5: Developing an Argument : Constructing an Argument Louise Livesey Academic Skills Adviser This workshop will: −Revisit what an argument is −Suggest ‘types’

Graphic representation of argument: agreement

Waitrose better

Agree

ConvenienceShorter queues

RangeChocolate brands

QualityFresher bread

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1.Types of argument to construct

Page 6: Developing an Argument : Constructing an Argument Louise Livesey Academic Skills Adviser This workshop will: −Revisit what an argument is −Suggest ‘types’

Graphic representation of argument: rejection

Sainsbury's betterReject

Cheaper

Basics cheaper: bread, butter,

milk

Longer opening times

Open earlier and later during

the week

TALKING POINT

Points/beliefs

Evidence

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1.Types of argument to construct

Page 7: Developing an Argument : Constructing an Argument Louise Livesey Academic Skills Adviser This workshop will: −Revisit what an argument is −Suggest ‘types’

Activity 1: Workshops v Instant Advice Study Skills Workshops Instant Action one-to-one

Conceding Can learn from students on different courses

Can only learn from advisor

Not enough personal attention Advisor provides undivided attention to student

Have long time to work through specific problem

Short time to work through more than one problem

Have to wait for when scheduled Can access help without waiting

Proposing new argument Do not deliver study skills as students should have skills already

Reconciling Make a group appointment for longer time with co-students

Connecting or synthesizing Study skills could be delivered in subject sessions at appropriate times

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1.Types of argument to construct

Page 8: Developing an Argument : Constructing an Argument Louise Livesey Academic Skills Adviser This workshop will: −Revisit what an argument is −Suggest ‘types’

Use examples… • Which highlight the most significant or far-reaching

implications• To illustrate different aspects of your argument• From a range of sources, e.g. journal articles,

books, and reports • To support general arguments. • Use empirical evidence, i.e. evidence collected via

systematic and rigorous observation• Use maps, diagrams and numerical data (in

appropriate assessments, i.e. not essays but reports and dissertations)

2.Using evidence to support your argument

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Page 9: Developing an Argument : Constructing an Argument Louise Livesey Academic Skills Adviser This workshop will: −Revisit what an argument is −Suggest ‘types’

DO NOT PANIC

3.Using theory in your writing

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Page 10: Developing an Argument : Constructing an Argument Louise Livesey Academic Skills Adviser This workshop will: −Revisit what an argument is −Suggest ‘types’

• Competing theories are not equal – different theories appeal to different kinds of evidence, so different theories are ‘useful’ in different contexts.

• Do not lump together good bits of different theories into one ‘super theory’ as they will contradict each other.

Stand outside to see a theory’sstrengths and weaknesses

4.Using theory in your writing

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Page 11: Developing an Argument : Constructing an Argument Louise Livesey Academic Skills Adviser This workshop will: −Revisit what an argument is −Suggest ‘types’

Summary Undertake critical analysis before you start writing Are clear about your position on the issue (if asked

to choose a stance) Take multiple perspectives – THE BEST ANSWERS

DO THIS: IT IS A MARK WINNER Are clear about your conclusion (if asked to be

definite) Use appropriate empirical or theoretical evidence

to support your points/beliefs ‘Stand outside’ a theory to see its strengths and

weaknesses

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Page 12: Developing an Argument : Constructing an Argument Louise Livesey Academic Skills Adviser This workshop will: −Revisit what an argument is −Suggest ‘types’

Analyse your own work –

be your own critic

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Page 13: Developing an Argument : Constructing an Argument Louise Livesey Academic Skills Adviser This workshop will: −Revisit what an argument is −Suggest ‘types’

ReferencesClip art – spectacles/question

 

Cottrell, S. (2013) The Study Skills Handbook. 4th Ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

 

dogfaceboy (2007) Slick flame stitch. [online] Available at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dogfaceboy/377499363/ [Accessed 21.7.2014]

Redman, P. (2001) Good Essay Writing. 2nd Ed. London: Sage Publications Ltd.

The Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. (2014) Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Bourdieu#Bourdieu.27s_theory_of_class_distinction [Accessed 21.7.2014]

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Page 14: Developing an Argument : Constructing an Argument Louise Livesey Academic Skills Adviser This workshop will: −Revisit what an argument is −Suggest ‘types’

University of Surrey. (2014) Writing Skills. Guildford: University of Surrey. [online] Available at:

http://libweb.surrey.ac.uk/library/skills/writing%20Skills%20Leicester/page_01.htm [Accessed 6.3.2014]

 

Van den Brink-Budgen, R. (2010) Critical Thinking for Students. 4th Ed. Oxford: How To Books Ltd.

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References

Page 15: Developing an Argument : Constructing an Argument Louise Livesey Academic Skills Adviser This workshop will: −Revisit what an argument is −Suggest ‘types’

Academic Skills Advice Service• Where are we? Chesham Building B0.23. Give us

a call or come speak to us Monday- Friday 9am-5pm (closing at 4pm Fridays).

• Who am I? Louise, the dedicated workshop adviser.

• Who can help me with study and writing skills? Lucy and Russell run Instant Study Skills Advice sessions every weekday and Writing Skills Clinics three times a week. You can also access self-help resources on our webpage.

• Who can give me maths advice? Helen and Michael specialise in Maths support for students though clinics and pre-booked appointment.

• How do I get in touch? Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01274 236849

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Page 16: Developing an Argument : Constructing an Argument Louise Livesey Academic Skills Adviser This workshop will: −Revisit what an argument is −Suggest ‘types’

Any questions?

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