Writing an Argument

Tuesday, April 26, 2011English 370Melissa GunbyWriting an ArgumentWhat is Argument?When most people hear the word argument, they think of a verbal fight, or a heated exchange on a show like ORielly 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.Free WriteLook at the picture on page 144 of your textbookSpend five minutes answering one of the writing prompts in the Focus on Writing box on page 145.Write a clear thesis statementUse words like should, should not, or ought to make your position clear to readers. The federal government should lower the tax on gasolineThe city should not build a new sports stadiumPresent 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.EvidencePresent convincing evidence.Using specific supporting evidence will strengthen your position.

Wait? Evidence? You said we wouldnt 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. Address opposing arguments: You cant write a convincing argument if you dont present the opposite point of view. Try to imagine what your opponents 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.Re-state your point in your conclusionIt 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. Organizing an Argument1 point by point2 - blockLike compare and contrast, you can do a point by point analysis.A your pointB oppositionC youB oppositionD- youB- OppositionYou could also do a block structure, leaving all the opposition components to the end (see paragraph stucture on page 147)Transitional Words for ArgumentAccordinglyAdmittedlyAlthoughBecauseCertainlyConsequentlyDespiteEven soEven thoughFinallyFirstsecondHoweverIn additionIn conclusionIn faceIn summaryMeanwhileNeverthelessNonethelessOf courseOn the one handon the other handSinceThe first reasonanother reasonThereforeThusTo be sureTrulyBe careful with this one. Most people only have two hands, so using it more than twice can be illogical.Practice 11-1Please do this quietly, then we will discuss the answers as a class.Evaluating Arguments:whats 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 youre old enough to vote, youre 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 cant afford to buy a house in Silicon Valley because they spend too much money on new clothes and computer gamesJust a few more If youre not part of the solution, youre 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 wont 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.BrainstormHow many superheroes can you name?PracticeForm into two groupsEach 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.