Components of an Argument

Argument vs. Persuasion Uses factual evidence Makes counterarguments and concessions Uses logos to make arguments Does preliminary research by comparing texts to establish a claim Formal language with denotative meanings of words Claims based on opinion May never address the other side Uses pathos and ethos May or may not include research, but if so, it is to support own claim Uses jargon, connotative language /propaganda

Components of an argument Context: Give the reader the information they need to understand the issue and why it is an issue. Position Statement/ Thesis statement: This is an arguable statement about the topic, stating the side you are on and your arguments for that side Arguments/Claims. The point you are arguing Data: Facts, stats, testimony to back up the argument Warrant: Explanation of how the data prove your argument. Make the connection for the reader.

4. Counterargument: “yeah, but” Concession: Acknowledging the other side ( Yeah) Sentence stem: “Some may say that…..” Rebuttal: Refuting their arguments by supplying data to go against them. ( But) Data to prove the other side wrong. You must do research on opposing side of the argument Warrant to explain how data proves your side. 5. Solutions: Giving your solutions to the issue. 6. Call to action: Urge the other side to do something to make a change.

Audience In argumentation ( as well as persuasion) audience matters. The amount of context and the data you use will depend on the audience. Quality of data matters. Your position statement must be arguable, implying that there is an opposing side (someone who won’t agree with you and you need to win over to your side) You must anticipate their knowledge of the subject, the information that they will need to understand your points and the counter arguments they bring up. ( Context)

Before Constructing your argument…. Consider the situation for the context What is the topic you are addressing Who is your audience? What will their opinions and concerns be about the topic? What action do you want your audience to take? Clarify your thinking What exactly are you trying to prove? Knowing your audience, what are the most RELEVANT arguments? What kind of proof do you have to back your point?

3. Construct your position statement/thesis statement Although some may say that_______________ is (A) _______________ , ______________ is ___________ (B) ( A) ( C) Because of ___________, __________ and _______. (D) A= topic, B= opposing opinion C= what you’re trying to prove D= your three arguments/claims

4. Collect Evidence: LOGOS: Logic Fact Examples Definitions Comparisons States Experiences Expert opinions Quotes * AVOID LOGICAL FALLOCIES

5. Develop counter arguments Point out the weakens in arguments on the other side You need data to prove why their argument is weak.

6. Constructing your argument Choose the BEST data from your research. Best: Which ones prove your argument AND the other side will have a hard time countering with their own strong data. You will always have more than you will use.