Writing an Argument

1. Writing an Argument Tuesday, April 26, 2011 English 370 Melissa Gunby

2. What is Argument? • When most people hear the word argument, they think of a verbal fight, or a heated exchange on a show like O’Rielly Report or some other political talk show. • True argument involves taking a well-thought-out position on a debatable topic – a topic upon which reasonable people may disagree. • In a piece of argumentative writing, the goal is to convince a reader of the strength of the ideas through providing evidence and examining the validity of the opposing ideas.

3. Free Write • Look at the picture on page 144 of your textbook • Spend five minutes answering one of the writing prompts in the “Focus on Writing” box on page 145.

4. Write a clear thesis statement • Use words like should, should not, or ought to make your position clear to readers. • The federal government should lower the tax on gasoline • The city should not build a new sports stadium • Present points that support your thesis statement. • For example, if you are arguing for the cafeteria on campus to stay open later for evening students, you should be prepared to write several topic sentences the support this.

5. Evidence • Present convincing evidence. • Using specific supporting evidence will strengthen your position.

6. Wait? Evidence? You said we wouldn’t have to write a research paper! • I know I did, but you may need to look up some things for this paper. • You can use two types of evidence: • Facts. Facts are pieces of information that can be verified. If you make a point, you should be prepared to support it with a fact – like a statistic, observation, or statement generally accepted as true. • Examples. Examples are a specific illustration of a general statement. To be convincing, an example should be clearly related to the point you are making.

7. Address opposing arguments: You can’t write a convincing argument if you don’t present the opposite point of view. Try to imagine what your opponent’s view might be, and show how they are inaccurate or weak. • For example, writing an argument about gun control will be stronger if you present the opposite views about the 2nd amendment and discredit it.

8. Re-state your point in your conclusion • It is especially important in an argument essay to give your thesis statement again at the end of the essay to remind your reader of the main point/idea you argued throughout.

9. Organizing an Argument 1 – point by point 2 - block Like compare and contrast, you can do a point by point analysis. A – your point B – opposition C – you B – opposition D- you B- Opposition You could also do a block structure, leaving all the opposition components to the end (see paragraph stucture on page 147)

10. Transitional Words for Argument • Accordingly • Admittedly • Although • Because • Certainly • Consequently • Despite • Even so • Even though • Finally • First…second… • However • In addition • In conclusion • In face • In summary • Meanwhile • Nevertheless • Nonetheless • Of course • On the one hand…on the other hand • Since • The first reason…another reason… • Therefore • Thus • To be sure • Truly Be careful with this one. Most people only have two hands, so using it more than twice can be illogical.

11. Practice 11-1 • Please do this quietly, then we will discuss the answers as a class.

12. Evaluating Arguments:what’s wrong with these statements? • My roommate, who is an engineering major, is taking a course called Structures of Tall Buildings. All engineers have to know how to design tall buildings. • If you’re old enough to vote, you’re old enough to drink. Therefore, the drinking age should be lowered to eighteen. • Cable stations that rely on nauseating reality shows, annoying infomercials for useless products, idiotic talk shows, and second-rate movies should have their licenses pulled. • Most young people can’t afford to buy a house in Silicon Valley because they spend too much money on new clothes and computer games

13. Just a few more… • If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem. • Whenever I wash my car, it rains. I have discovered a way to end all droughts — get all the people to wash their cars. • Either learn how to build a Web site or you won’t be able to get a decent job after college. • College professors tend to be sarcastic. Three of my five professors this semester make sarcastic remarks. • Ninety percent of the students oppose a tuition increase; therefore, the board of trustees should not pass the proposed increase.

14. Brainstorm • How many superheroes can you name?

15. Practice • Form into two groups • Each group choose a superhero from the list. • Spend 15 minutes brainstorming about why your superhero is the best. • You should come up with a “thesis statement” and supporting evidence. • When the time is up, you will debate. • After the debate, we will break down the arguments to see whose was stronger.