Analyzing Argument

What is argument (just so we’re clear)? • The author’s argument is his/her POSITION on the issue being discussed What does the author think about what is being discussed?

Where I think I led you astray The argument: the entire thesis of the text. Claims: Reasons why the argument is true Evidence: Quotes, vision, etc. as proof Reasoning: Why the evidence supports the claim 1. A main argument, or thesis, is presented first. 2. Then, different sections are formed with the purpose of supporting the main argument. 3. Within those sections, we find paragraphs which hold the purpose of supporting the sections that support the thesis.

Process to finding an author’s argument First, to find the argument, look at the TITLE of the text. Titles usually indicate the writer’s purpose/position. Some argument writers may state the argument in the title and NOT state it anywhere else. 2. If you can’t find it in the TITLE, look in the INTRODUCTION paragraph (usually near the end). *Note: sophisticated writers sometimes do not state their argument until the end. 3. If you can’t find it in the INTRODUCTION, look in the CONCLUSION paragraph

Step #1: Determine the author’s argument. Follow the steps to find the author’s argument: look at the title, look at the introduction, and, if necessary, look at the conclusion. When you have located the author’s argument, highlight in pink the ONE sentence that gives the author’s position about Lady Diana and her effect on the Queen/British Monarchy. Yes, the title is a good, short version of the argument. However, there is another sentence that one could argue is rewording of the argument.

Step 1 The title: “Diana Saved the Queen” The last sentence of the first paragraph: “Today, though, two decades on, the monarchy is perhaps the most popular institution in British public life — a remarkable restoration that, more than anything, is the lasting legacy of Diana herself.”

What are claims in a larger argument? An author’s ARGUMENT is supported by a 3-4 CLAIMS (REASONS) to prove the argument as true. Claims are the GENERAL reasons WHY or HOW an argument is right/true/deserving of support. Claims are usually conclusions the author has drawn about why or how their argument is correct.

Step #2: Determine the argument’s claims To find a claim, look for the MAIN IDEA SENTENCE of each body paragraph. Main idea sentences can be found at the beginning, middle, or end of each body paragraph OR may be unstated, so it may have to be INFERRED (you may have to put it in your own words rather than copy word-for-word from the text). Ask yourself, “What is this entire paragraph about?” Summarize the content in your own words, and lastly, find the sentence within that paragraph that best matches that summary. This is likely the stated claim of the paragraph. In our texts, each paragraph may not have a claim; rather, it may just be giving background information.

Read the body paragraphs. Follow the steps on your reference sheet to find the CLAIMS that support the author’s ARGUMENT. With a yellow highlighter, find each CLAIM. Remember that main idea sentences can be found at the beginning, middle, or end of the paragraph OR may be unstated--you may have to write it in. If you have to write it in, write it with your pencil/pen and then highlight it.

What is “evidence” in argument writing? Each of the author’s CLAIMS are supported by SEVERAL pieces of EVIDENCE to prove that the claims are logical and true. Evidence = the specific details that support (prove) the claim Reasons and evidence explain why and how the claim is true, and usually consists of quotes or ideas from other scholars, data, or facts.

Step 3: Determine the evidence that supports the author’s claims. To find evidence, look for the supporting details in each paragraph that support the claims (main ideas). The evidence will be facts and statements that further explain the claims.

Step #3: Determine the evidence that supports the claims. Skim through the body paragraphs that you’ve already read, looking for the supporting details for each claim. Highlight in green the sentences in each body paragraph that contain EVIDENCE that supports the claim (yellow). Remember that evidence will be specific, not general