Argument Essays

Argument EssaysPurposeIntellectual debate about arguable topicPersuasive writingInvolve critical thinking (truth-seeking) in a multi-system constructRequires evidence and reasoning from multiple systemsMust judge worth of competing answers

2Arguments Need LogicInductive reasoningGo from specifics/small groups to general ideas/overall populationNorthern, a community college, caters to a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds. Therefore, all community colleges cater to various backgrounds.Deductive reasoningGo from general/major premise to minor/specific premiseAll men are mortal. Socrates is a man. Socrates is mortal.Arguments Need a ClaimLast sentence in intro (also called thesis)Should or should not statementSomething writer wants audience to accept as trueCould include limitations (exceptionsgeneral or specific)How to Build an ArgumentDeductive argumentsIdentify major and minor premise and how you can explainPremises must be trueConclusion from premises presents main idea, or claim, writer will makeInductive argumentsPrewrite specific examples and facts throughout body to support the general conclusion you draw from those specifics

SupportEvidence (Premises)FactsStatsObservationsStatement of fact (generally accepted as true)ExamplesStories or other illustrations

Read criticallyPut material in your own words to determine agenda and validity

CoherencyLogical OrderPrewrite ideas, choose points to focus onDecide if your argument will go from general to specific evidence or from specific evidence to general conclusionEnd on strongest evidence

StructureInductive ArgumentIntroductionAttention Getteroverview topic why the topic is importantThesisIdentify the topicClearly state POVFirst point for or against something (specifics)Examples, facts, and expert opinions

Second point for or against something (specifics)Examples, facts, and expert opinions Third point for or against something (specifics)Examples, facts, and expert opinion Opposing point with refutation of pointConclusion

StructureDeductive ArgumentIntroductionAttention GetterThesis (should/should not statement)State the major premise(s) and explainReview generalization, describing what you mean by that statementi.e., define what is meant by men and mortal in all men are mortalOffer minor premise (a specific) and explain itOffer evidence to support minor premise Focus on facts, examples, and expert opinionIdentify and refute oppositionConclusion

Last Support ParagraphPresentation & Refutation of OppositionIn last body paragraphBriefly explain the stand of the opposition Focus mostly on rebuttal of that pointDo not make personal attacks here (no mean wording, like stupid, ridiculous, etc.)Refutation ParagraphMakes paragraph stronger by acknowledging and reasonably arguing against oppositionBy addressing opposition, dispose of a reason audience might have to disagreeShows you have thought through a lot of the issuesTips for ArgumentIf you are allowed to choose your topic, pick something that You become an expert onIs a well-defined, controversial issueUnderstand what the issues are and what is at stakeTake a clear position on your argument Qualifying statements with I believe or I think weaken the strength of your argument.

Tips for ArgumentBe reasonable. Acknowledge other points of viewMake concessions (so-and-so has a good point to the contrary) yet remain firm in your point of viewArguments are not merely opinionsback up with solid support

Logical FallaciesThings to AvoidSlippery SlopeIf government refuses people the right to live unhealthy lives and to not buy health care, the government will refuse us other rights (like right to bare arms).Hasty GeneralizationThe first day of class was boring, so this class on the whole will be boring.

Logical FallaciesThings to AvoidCausal RelationshipI drank a bottle of water. Later, I became sick. The bottle of water made me sick.Genetic FallacyVolkswagon Beetles were created by Nazis. That car is evil!

Logical FallaciesThings to AvoidCircular ArgumentThe health care bill is a bad bill because it offers bad options.Either/orEither we stop using cars or we destroy the earth.

Logical FallaciesThings to AvoidAd Hominem (attack the person rather than argument)This is a bad bill because President Obama is stupid. This bill should be passed because Republicans are against it, and Republicans are morons.

Logical FallaciesThings to AvoidAd populum (positive/negative emotional appeal rather than focus on argument)Continue to buy cars, or else the terrorists win.Red herringThis bill is proof that socialism is taking over America.Logical FallaciesThings to AvoidStraw man (assuming opposition has worst possible motive, oversimplifying argument and attacking the hollowness of argument; misleading representation of opposition)In response to criminal justice reform to protect wrongfully accused: So youre saying that you want to free all of the criminals and leave people even more threatened.Logical FallaciesThings to AvoidMoral equivalence (minor misdeeds are equated with atrocities)Those who pass this bill are in cohort with the antichrist and will bring about Armageddon. Republicans are devils for opposing this bill.

Soft Thinking vs. Hard ThinkingDid you see the cover of OK!? Jennifer Aniston is pregnant. Im so happy for her!Did you see the cover of OK!? The magazine claims Jennifer Aniston is pregnant again, but they have made this claim many times with it turning out to be false. She probably isnt pregnant.

Im going to try this new shake thats out that will help me lost 10 inches in 48 hours! The ad says it works for movie stars. This ad claims that this shake will help me lose 40 pounds in one week. That does not sound healthy, so Im going to do some research first.

JournalRewrite 1 or 2 sections of the fallacies in the sample essay The Right to Other Choices to be more balanced while still maintaining the point of view of the author.