Download - Writing Argument
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Writing ArgumentsWriting Arguments
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Elements of ArgumentElements of Argument
ThesisThesis
BodyBody
CounterargumentCounterargument OrganizingOrganizing
ChecklistChecklist
Index Thesis Body/CSW Counter Organizing Checklist
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Writing is the act ofsaying . . . listen to
me, see it my way,
change your mind.
Joan Didion
journalist
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To argue:To argue:
Take a stand.Take a stand.
Make your case:Make your case:
present evidencepresent evidence support it with CSWsupport it with CSW
((CClaimlaimSSupportupportWWarrant)arrant)
Acknowledge your opponents viewAcknowledge your opponents view
and counterargue.and counterargue.
Overview
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Fact vs. ThesisFact vs. Thesis
FactFact (not arguable):(not arguable):
Hybrid cars use less gasoline thanHybrid cars use less gasoline than
traditional cars.traditional cars.
TakeaStand
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Fact vs. ThesisFact vs. Thesis
FactFact (not arguable):(not arguable):
Hybrid cars use less gasoline than traditionalHybrid cars use less gasoline than traditional
cars.cars.
ThesisThesis (arguable):(arguable):
The federal government shouldThe federal government should
encourage the development of alternativeencourage the development of alternative
fuels.fuels.
TakeaStand
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Developing a ThesisDeveloping a Thesis
Possible thesisPossible thesis
This paper will describe a VThis paper will describe a V--chip andchip andexamine the uses of the Vexamine the uses of the V--chip inchip inAmericanAmerican--made television sets.made television sets.
Your reaction?Your reaction?
TakeaStand
Yawn.Yawn.WhyshouldI readthis?WhyshouldI readthis?
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Developing a ThesisDeveloping a Thesis
Parents, often too busy to watchParents, often too busy to watchtelevision with their families, can use the Vtelevision with their families, can use the V--chipchipto monitor their childrens viewing habits.to monitor their childrens viewing habits.
TakeaStand
Hmm.Hmm.Andthismatters because.?Andthismatters because.?
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Developing a ThesisDeveloping a Thesis
The most important feature of the family televisionThe most important feature of the family televisionis not the big screen or the remote control: it is theis not the big screen or the remote control: it is theVV--chip, which helps parents monitor what theirchip, which helps parents monitor what their
children watch.children watch.
TakeaStand
SoSothatsthats whatyoure tryingtowhatyoure tryingtoproveanditmatters because itproveanditmatters because it
protects children.protects children.
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Toulmin Arguments: CSWToulmin Arguments: CSW
ClaimClaim
SupportSupport
WarrantWarrant
Index Thesis Body/CSW Counter Organizing Checklist
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Toulmin Arguments:Toulmin Arguments: CCSWSW
CLAIMCLAIMpoint youre trying to provepoint youre trying to prove
What point is the paper trying to make?What point is the paper trying to make?
What belief or opinion is the authorWhat belief or opinion is the author
defending?defending?
Support
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Toulmin Arguments: CToulmin Arguments: CSSWW
SUPPORTSUPPORTevidence for the claimevidence for the claim
Why should readers believe the claim?Why should readers believe the claim? What proof is given?What proof is given?
Support
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Toulmin Arguments: CSToulmin Arguments: CSWW
WARRANTWARRANTexplains how/whyexplains how/why
the evidence proves the pointthe evidence proves the point How are the claim and the evidenceHow are the claim and the evidence
related?related?
What does this evidence prove?What does this evidence prove?
Support
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Example ofToulmin argumentExample ofToulmin argument
ClaimClaimMcDonalds built a fastMcDonalds built a fast--food empire byfood empire by
delivering the same experience in every store,delivering the same experience in every store,
whether its in Albuquerque orAkron.whether its in Albuquerque orAkron.
SupportSupportEach job is broken downEach job is broken downinto routines. For example,into routines. For example,diagrams show exactly where todiagrams show exactly where toplace each pickle on a burger.place each pickle on a burger.
WarrantWarrantThis routinization ensures thatThis routinization ensures thathamburgers are built and served the same wayhamburgers are built and served the same wayat all McDonalds franchises.at all McDonalds franchises.
Wait! Ivehadburgers thatWait! Ivehadburgers thatdidnthaveapickle ineverybite!didnthaveapickle ineverybite!
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Example ofToulmin argumentExample ofToulmin argument
WarrantWarrantThis routinization ensures thatThis routinization ensures thathamburgers are built and served the same wayhamburgers are built and served the same wayat all McDonalds franchises.at all McDonalds franchises.
Your readers willalsobe thinkingYour readers willalsobe thinkingofobjections.ofobjections.
GoodwritersanticipateandanswerGoodwritersanticipateandanswer
readersobjections.readersobjections.
Not inmyexperience!Not inmyexperience!
Counterargumentsareone waytoCounterargumentsareone waytomeetobjections.meetobjections.
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Why a warrant?Why a warrant?
Evidence doesnt speak for itself.Evidence doesnt speak for itself.
Support
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Why a warrant?Why a warrant?
The same fact may be given two differentThe same fact may be given two different
interpretations:interpretations:McDonalds jobs are broken down intoMcDonalds jobs are broken down into
standardized routines.standardized routines.
Jim:Jim: Boring!!!!Boring!!!!Dwight:Dwight: Clearpath to advancementClearpath to advancement
Support
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TiVO: yes!TiVO: yes!
For the last fifteen years, television andFor the last fifteen years, television and
radio advertising has become soradio advertising has become so
overblown, so inoverblown, so in--youryour--face, and so LOUD,face, and so LOUD,
that my senses have revolted.that my senses have revolted.
Support
Thats why I like the TiVo box my fatherThats why I like the TiVo box my father
hashasI can watch and record my favoriteI can watch and record my favorite
shows and zap through the commercials.shows and zap through the commercials.
Heaven.Heaven.Brian EvankovichBrian Evankovich
MagicCityMorningStarMagicCityMorningStar
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TiVO: no!TiVO: no!
. Turner Broadcasting CEO Jaime Kellner. Turner Broadcasting CEO Jaime Kellner
. . . said it best:. . . said it best: Your contract with theYour contract with the
network when you get the show is yourenetwork when you get the show is youre
going to watch the spots. Any time yougoing to watch the spots. Any time you
skip a commercial, youre actually stealingskip a commercial, youre actually stealing
the programming.the programming.
Brian EvankovichBrian EvankovichMagicCityMorningStarMagicCityMorningStar
Support
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TiVO exampleTiVO example
TiVO allows viewers to skip commercialsTiVO allows viewers to skip commercials..
Consumer:Consumer: Heaven!!!!Heaven!!!!TV exec:TV exec: Ill sue!Ill sue!
Support
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Case Study: Hate Speech CodesCase Study: Hate Speech Codes
APennsylvania school district bannedAPennsylvania school district banned
''unwelcome verbal, written orphysical''unwelcome verbal, written orphysical
conduct which offends, denigrates orconduct which offends, denigrates orbelittles an individual.''belittles an individual.''
Support
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Case Study: Hate Speech CodesCase Study: Hate Speech Codes
APennsylvania school district bannedAPennsylvania school district banned
''unwelcome verbal, written orphysical''unwelcome verbal, written orphysical
conduct which offends, denigrates orconduct which offends, denigrates orbelittles an individual.belittles an individual.
PROS? CONS?PROS? CONS?
Support
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What to avoidWhat to avoid
Hate speech codes can prohibit the expressionHate speech codes can prohibit the expressionof hate speech but they can not change theof hate speech but they can not change theattitudes that lead to that expression. The effectattitudes that lead to that expression. The effect
is to send hate underground where it is lessis to send hate underground where it is lesslikely to be challengedlikely to be challenged (Smethers, 1993, p 19).(Smethers, 1993, p 19).In every case where hate speech codes haveIn every case where hate speech codes havebeen challenged, the courts have criticized thebeen challenged, the courts have criticized the
text of the codes for being vague and overbroad.text of the codes for being vague and overbroad.Hate speech codes have been foundHate speech codes have been found
consistently unconstitutional by the courtsconsistently unconstitutional by the courts(Black, 1994, p. 13).(Black, 1994, p. 13).
Support
BackBack--toto--backback
quotations signalquotations signallazywritinglazywriting
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Use CSW for argument body Use CSW for argument body
Claim:Claim: A hate speech code should not beA hate speech code should not beadopted because it would not reduce hate.adopted because it would not reduce hate.
Huh?
Support:Support: Smether (1993) argues thatSmether (1993) argues thatstopping people from saying hateful thingsstopping people from saying hateful thingsdoes nothing to change hateful attitudes.does nothing to change hateful attitudes.
Warrant:Warrant: Paradoxically, hate speechParadoxically, hate speechcodes can actually strengthen prejudicecodes can actually strengthen prejudiceby driving it underground where it escapesby driving it underground where it escapes
challengechallenge..
Which
means?
Support
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Find the CSWFind the CSW
A hate speech code should not be adopted atA hate speech code should not be adopted atMU because it will be struck down by the courtMU because it will be struck down by the court
system.system. In every case where hate speechIn every case where hate speechcodes have been challenged, the courts havecodes have been challenged, the courts havecriticized the text of the codes for being vaguecriticized the text of the codes for being vagueand overbroad. Hate speech codes have beenand overbroad. Hate speech codes have beenfound consistently unconstitutional by the courtsfound consistently unconstitutional by the courts(Black, 1994, p. 13).(Black, 1994, p. 13). Adopting a hate speechAdopting a hate speechcode that will be thrown out of court is a waste ofcode that will be thrown out of court is a waste oftime and money.time and money.
Support
C
S
W
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Supply the C and WSupply the C and W
Claim:Claim:
Supporting Material:Supporting Material: The music industry slappedThe music industry slapped[Princeton student Daniel Peng] with a lawsuit seeking[Princeton student Daniel Peng] with a lawsuit seekingpotentially billions of dollars in damages for distributingpotentially billions of dollars in damages for distributingcopyrighted works. His site was shut down and his lifecopyrighted works. His site was shut down and his lifethrown into chaos.thrown into chaos.
Warrant:Warrant:
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Supply the C and WSupply the C and W
Claim:Claim: Commercials are the best/worstCommercials are the best/worst
entertainment on TV.entertainment on TV.
Supporting Material:Supporting Material:
Warrant:Warrant:
Support
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Concede and CounterargueConcede and Counterargue
Establish common ground.Establish common ground.
Show awareness of both sides.Show awareness of both sides.
Acknowledge and counter the strongestAcknowledge and counter the strongestobjection to your arguments.objection to your arguments.
Index Thesis Body/CSW Counter Organizing Checklist
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Concede and CounterargueConcede and Counterargue
Why establish common ground?Why establish common ground?
CCounterounter
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Concede and CounterargueConcede and Counterargue
Why establish common ground?Why establish common ground?
Enhance credibilityEnhance credibility
Make it easier for readers to listenMake it easier for readers to listen
by acknowledging theirpoint of viewby acknowledging theirpoint of view Remind readers that they share valuesRemind readers that they share values
with the writerwith the writer
CCounterounter
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Counterargument in ActionCounterargument in Action
Son:Son: I dont need a helmet when skateboarding.I dont need a helmet when skateboarding.
PU:PU: OK, if you write a paperproving its safe.OK, if you write a paperproving its safe.
CCounterounter
Evidence favors the Parental Unit:Evidence favors the Parental Unit: 50,000 skateboarders visit ER each year50,000 skateboarders visit ER each year
1,500 have serious, even fatal head injuries1,500 have serious, even fatal head injuries
Most seriously injured werent wearing helmetsMost seriously injured werent wearing helmets
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Summarize, then CounterSummarize, then Counter
Glenn Reynolds argues that a heavilyGlenn Reynolds argues that a heavilyarmed citizenry benefits society.armed citizenry benefits society.
This claim rests on very fragileThis claim rests on very fragile
evidenceevidence, as Prof. Philip J. Cookand I, as Prof. Philip J. Cookand Idemonstrated in a 2003 study.demonstrated in a 2003 study.
Jens LudwigJens Ludwigprofessor ofpublic policy, Georgetown University,professor ofpublic policy, Georgetown University,in Letter to the Editor,in Letter to the Editor, NY TimesNY Times
Counter
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Yes, butHere s whyYes, butHere s why
Glenn Reynolds argues that a heavily armedGlenn Reynolds argues that a heavily armedcitizenry benefits society.citizenry benefits society.
The evidence [he] cites is selectiveThe evidence [he] cites is selective..
[He] doesnt mention the only well[He] doesnt mention the only well--controlledcontrolledstudy linking firearm prevalence to burglary,study linking firearm prevalence to burglary,which found that counties with higher rates ofwhich found that counties with higher rates ofhousehold gun ownership have higher, nothousehold gun ownership have higher, notlower, burglary rates.lower, burglary rates.
Matthew MillerMatthew Millerdeputy director, Harvard Injury Control Research Centerdeputy director, Harvard Injury Control Research Center
Counter
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To rebut or refute:To rebut or refute:
Prove that opponents logic is faultyProve that opponents logic is faulty
Show that their evidence doesnt reallyShow that their evidence doesnt really
prove the claimprove the claim Attack the warrantAttack the warrant
CCounterounter
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To refute:To refute:
It has been arguedIt has been argued thatthat
children who attend daycare at an earlychildren who attend daycare at an early
age miss out on important early learningage miss out on important early learning
that occurs in parentthat occurs in parent--child interactions.child interactions. InIn
reality.reality.
Counter
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To refute:To refute:
Many people believeMany people believeThe truth isThe truth is
Some maintain thatSome maintain thatThe evidence doesThe evidence does
not support this claim.not support this claim.
Counter
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To refute:To refute:
Dr. Evans, whoDr. Evans, who claimedclaimed to be a Fellow ofto be a Fellow of
the American College of Emergencythe American College of Emergency
Physicians and a member of the AMA,Physicians and a member of the AMA,
has not been a Fellow ofACEP sincehas not been a Fellow ofACEP since
1984.1984. His last year of membership in AMAHis last year of membership in AMA
was in 1990was in 199010 years before his10 years before his
testimonytestimony..
Counter
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To refute:To refute:
A 2002 study in theA 2002 study in the American JournalofAmerican Journalof
ClinicalNutritionClinicalNutrition found that chocolate hadfound that chocolate had
health benefits, like antioxidants andhealth benefits, like antioxidants and
flavinoids.flavinoids.
The study had only 23 subjects.The study had only 23 subjects.
Funding came from the American CocoaFunding came from the American Cocoa
Research Institute.Research Institute.
Counter
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To refute:To refute:
Fruits are a better source of antioxidants.Fruits are a better source of antioxidants.
Unfortunately for chocolate lovers,Unfortunately for chocolate lovers,chocolates high content of stearic acidchocolates high content of stearic acid
puts it in the same category of risk ofputs it in the same category of risk ofcoronary disease as milk and butter.coronary disease as milk and butter.
Chocolate is a terrific food, but it isnt aChocolate is a terrific food, but it isnt a
health food.health food. Dr. Jay CohenDr. Jay Cohen
Counter
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Concede what you can t rebutConcede what you can t rebut
A 1980 study by A. V. Harrell and P. W.A 1980 study by A. V. Harrell and P. W.
Wirtz found that, among those studentsWirtz found that, among those students
who worked at least 25 hours per weekwho worked at least 25 hours per week
while in school, their unemployment ratewhile in school, their unemployment rate
four years later wasfour years later was halfhalfthat of those whothat of those who
did not work.did not work.
Counter
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Concede what you can t rebutConcede what you can t rebut
A 1980 study by A. V. Harrell and P. W. WirtzA 1980 study by A. V. Harrell and P. W. Wirtz
found that, among those students who worked atfound that, among those students who worked at
least 25 hours per week while in school, theirleast 25 hours per week while in school, their
unemployment rate four years later was half thatunemployment rate four years later was half thatof those who did not work.of those who did not work. This is anThis is an
impressive statistic.impressive statistic. Itmustbeseen,Itmustbeseen,though, together withthe findingthough, together withthe finding that many . . .that many . . .
drop out and are gobbled up in the world of lowdrop out and are gobbled up in the world of low--skill jobs.skill jobs. (see St.Martins Guide, p. 360, 10)(see St.Martin s Guide, p. 360, 10)
Counter
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Concede what you can t rebutConcede what you can t rebut
Ernest Evans (2005) concedes that
terroristic violence is so horrible that
people tend to instinctively believe that
terrorists are both sociopathic and
irrational (p. 1). However, he believes
that most terrorists are rational people
with tactical goals.
Counter
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Why counterargue?Why counterargue?
Conceding that an opposing point is validConceding that an opposing point is valid
and then building upon it to further one'sand then building upon it to further one's
own claim allows a writer to make theown claim allows a writer to make the
audience feel appreciated without givingaudience feel appreciated without giving
up her or his own position.up her or his own position.Terms in a Toulmin Argument
http://www.winthrop.edu/wcenter/wcenter/toulmin.htm
Counter
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Where do I counterargue?Where do I counterargue?
You may choose toYou may choose to
build each of your main points as abuild each of your main points as a
contrast to oppositional claims.contrast to oppositional claims. offer a counterargument after you haveoffer a counterargument after you have
articulated your main claims.articulated your main claims.Organizing YourArgument
Purdue University Writing Lab
Index Thesis Body/CSW Counter Organizing Checklist
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Counter Strategy 1Counter Strategy 1
Introduction
CON
PROfirst argument
CON
PROsecond argument
CON
PROthird argument
Conclusion
Counter
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Counter Strategy 1Counter Strategy 1ExampleExample
Thesis: Snowmobiles should be banned inYellowstone National Park.
CON It may be hard to imagine that 1,100
snowmobiles a day could cause an airpollutionproblem in a park the size of Connecticut, butthey can.
PROThe airpollution at park entrances has
already become so bad that . . . park rangershave been forced to wear respirators.
CCounterounter
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Counter Strategy 2Counter Strategy 2
PRO: Snowmobiles pollute.
PRO: Snowmobiles are noisy.
PRO: Snowmobiles are costly to policeand park funds are limited.
CON: Opponents of a ban say. . .
but
Counter
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Counter Strategy 2Counter Strategy 2ExampleExample
PROPROpollutionpollution
PROPROnoise bannoise ban
PROPROcostcost
CONCONOpponents of a ban argue that a centralOpponents of a ban argue that a centralmission of the park is to provide access [to all,mission of the park is to provide access [to all,not just the physically fit].not just the physically fit]. Admittedly,Admittedly, winterwinteraccess is important,access is important, butbut ordinary people canordinary people can
enjoy the park by means other thanenjoy the park by means other thansnowmobiles.snowmobiles.
CCounterounter
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Words for counterargumentsWords for counterarguments
Language to show youre aware of opposingLanguage to show youre aware of opposing
opinionsopinions
http://www.eslplanet.com/teachertools/arguewhttp://www.eslplanet.com/teachertools/argueweb/2bothsds.htmeb/2bothsds.htm -- langsumlangsum
Model papers:Model papers:
http://wordhttp://word--crafter.net/CompII/argument.htmlcrafter.net/CompII/argument.html
Counter
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Organizing an ArgumentOrganizing an Argument
Weakest toWeakest to strongeststrongest OROR
StrongestStrongest to weakestto weakest
Index Thesis Body/CSW Counter Organizing Checklist
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Organizing an ArgumentOrganizing an Argument
Weakest toWeakest to strongeststrongest
(if you expect audience to agree)(if you expect audience to agree)StrongestStrongest to weakestto weakest
(if you have to convince audience)(if you have to convince audience)
Counter
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Adding CounterargumentsAdding Counterarguments
Con; Pro; Pro; ProCon; Pro; Pro; Pro
Pro; Pro; Pro; ConPro; Pro; Pro; ConConConPro; ConPro; ConPro; ConPro; ConProPro
Counter
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Adding Other SectionsAdding Other Sections
IntroductionIntroduction
(Background)(Background)
BodyBody
ConCon; Pro; Pro; Pro; Pro; Pro; Pro Pro; Pro; Pro;Pro; Pro; Pro; ConCon
ConConPro;Pro; ConConPro;Pro; ConConProPro
(Solution; predictions about future.(Solution; predictions about future.))
ConclusionConclusion
Counter
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Specialized StructuresSpecialized Structures
The SetUp/Reject ModelThe SetUp/Reject Modelhttp://atc.bentley.edu/courses/resources/lweinstein/24-1setupl.htm
The Comparison ModelThe Comparison Model
http://atc.bentley.edu/courses/resources/lweinstein/24-1compare.htm
Hybrids (combinations)Hybrids (combinations)http://atc.bentley.edu/courses/resources/lweinstein/24-1hybrids.htm
Counter
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Argument ChecklistArgument Checklist
IntroductionIntroduction
Is my thesis arguable?Is my thesis arguable?
Have I given readers a reason to care?Have I given readers a reason to care?
BodyBody Have I used ClaimHave I used Claim--SupportSupport--Warrant?Warrant?
Does my evidence really support my argument?Does my evidence really support my argument?
Do I acknowledge other views and counterargue?Do I acknowledge other views and counterargue?
ConclusionConclusion
Have I summarized my position and why it matters?Have I summarized my position and why it matters?
Summary
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Further ResourcesFurther Resources
Chapter 11 (thesis statement & blueprint)Chapter 11 (thesis statement & blueprint)
Chapter 23 (supporting evidence)Chapter 23 (supporting evidence)
infotrac.thomsonlearning.com/infowrite/critical.html (fallacies)
bedfordstmartins.com/
online/cite6.html (integrating quotations)
www.wordwww.word--crafter.net/CompIIcrafter.net/CompII (argument)(argument)