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Understanding and Writing Academic Arguments

This resource explores the different types of arguments, their purposes, and the techniques used to persuade. It also discusses the importance of evidence and the various styles of argumentation. Suitable for academic writers looking to enhance their argumentative skills.

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Understanding and Writing Academic Arguments

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  1. Understanding and Writing Academic Arguments

  2. “In some ways all language has an argumentative edge that aims to make a point…” (7). • Persuasive writing refers to any type of writing intended to convinceyou. • Arguments are not always combative. There are invitational arguments that invite you to explore new concepts, ideas, or ways of thinking. • Naturally, most arguments are aimed at winning or convincing you to think one way or another.

  3. Purposes of Argument • To Inform: An informational argument might be a stop sign or an ad reminding you that low-fat yogurt is on sale. • To Convince: This style of argument is usually aimed at convincing, rather than conquering. i.e. a report identifying causes of global warming. • To Explore: This type of argument may reflect a personal struggle or inner conflict. i.e. poetry, creative writing, journal writing, etc. • To Make Decisions: These are arguments which aim to make good, sound decisions. i.e. which computer to buy, whether or not to dump your boyfriend, etc.

  4. Academic Arguments • “Not all scholarly arguments are identical, however. Because they reflect the aims and methods of specific disciplines, they can vary in significant ways” (Ede 116). • Review pg. 116 in course textbook

  5. Argumentative Appeals • Ethos is appeal based on the character of the speaker. • Logosis appeal based on logic or reason. • Pathosis appeal based on emotion. • Ad Hominem arguments (from the Latin for “to the man”) are intended to destroy the credibility of your opponent.

  6. Sample Arguments • Ethos: “Since Mr. Smith is a convicted felon, his testimony that his co-worker did not steal the tasty Duncan donut is utterly useless.” • Logos: “The fact that the earth’s temperature has risen 2 degrees in the last decade is evidence of global warming.” • Pathos: “You’ve got to try Macados new ham and cheese sandwich. It’s so good I’ve ordered one every night this week!”

  7. Argumentative Styles • Humor • Sarcasm • Satire • Parody

  8. What Counts as Evidence? • Primary versus Secondary Evidence • Observations • Interviews • Surveys and Questionnaires • Experiments • Personal Experience • Library Sources • Online Sources

  9. Composing an Argument • Take a Stance • Develop an Arguable Claim • Craft Definitions • Match Claims to Definitions • Use Rhetorical Devices (ethos, logos, pathos, visuals) • Offer Evidence • Understand Potential Rebuttals • Analyze Your Own Values & Beliefs • Review pg. 120 The Academic Writer

  10. When crafting an argument, it’s important to know your audience.

  11. Works Cited • Ede, Lisa. The Academic Writer. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s Press, 2011. Print. • Lunsford, Andrea and John Ruszkiewica. Everything’s An Argument. Boston: Bedford St. Martin’s Press, 2007. Print.

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