POSITION ARGUMENT CHAPTER 12 Academic Argument IS NOT Not Debate

What is Argument  Readers have expectations  A claim that is interesting  A claim makes them want to find out more about what you have to say  At least one good reason that makes your claim worth taking seriously  Some evidence that the good reason or reasons are valid  Some acknowledgment of the opposing views and limitations of the claim

Components of Position Argument  What exactly is my issue?  Subject needs to be narrowed and clear!  Who are the stakeholders?  Who is affected and how?  What do I need to know?  Informative paper  What are the causes or effects leading to your refocused topic?

Components of Position Argument  What exactly is my stand on the issue?  Have one!  What are the reasons for my position?  Give several  Where can I find evidence?  Examples, stats, testimony  Who disagrees with my position?  Acknowledging opposing views and limitations

Understand how it works  Definition arguments – Many arguments are about definition  Something = Something BECAUSE Criteria A, Criteria B, Criteria C  Free speech  Art  Pornography  Hate crimes

Rebuttal Arguments  Take the opposite position  Challenge the criteria someone has presented  Opposing claim is wrong BECAUSE bad reason 1, bad reason 2

Keys to Position Arguments  Understand your goal – not immediately change minds  Persuade  Convince readers a reasonable person can hold this view  Not winners or losers  Create dialogue

Keys to Position Arguments  Be sensitive to the context  Rely on careful definitions  Use quality sources  Create credibility  Cultivate a sense of humor and a distinctive voice  Argue responsibly  Opinions can change minds  Don’t just have one – earn one!

Activity  Read 290  Make a cluster diagram with post its ON THE BOARD, WRITE THE GROUP ANSWERS TO THE FOLLOWING:  Evaluate – was it a good position paper (what criteria are you using)?  Ask  1. What needs definition  2. What are causes and/or effect concerned here  3. What is the position  4. What are the multiple positions that could be taken

Activity  Read 306  Make a cluster diagram with post its ON THE BOARD, WRITE THE GROUP ANSWERS TO THE FOLLOWING:  Evaluate – was it a good position paper (what criteria are you using)?  Ask  1. What needs definition – are key concepts?  2. What are causes and/or effect concerned here  3. What is the position  4. What are the multiple positions that could be taken

Steps  Find an issue within your topic (312)  Analyze the assignment using the rubric  Make a list of possible directions you could take Local Regional National Global  Analyze the needs of your potential readers

Steps  Develop reasons and a thesis (316)  Take a definite position  Develop reasons  Support your reasons  Write a working thesis (arguable, feasible, specific with a plan, interesting) Not “Over 60% of Americans play video games on a regular basis Use “Video games are valuable because they improve children’s visual attentions skills, their literacy skills, and their computer literacy skills

Steps  Write a draft (32)  Introduce the issue  Think about how readers will view you, the writer  If you argue from a definition, set out the criteria  Avoid fallacies (14-15)  Anticipate and address opposing viewpoints  Make counterarguments if necessary  Conclude with strength  Choose an interesting title

Off Track/On Track  I believe that Americans have the best medical care in the world.  It is obvious from watching television news that violent crime is on the rise.  On one of the most trusted indicators of health – life expectancy at birth – in 2005 the US ranks 48 th in the world.  While violent crime remains the staple of local news, FBI statistics show a 24% drop in violent crimes in the US between 1995 and Off TrackOn Track

Revise, revise, revise  Does your position argument fulfill the assignment?  Is your claim arguable and focused?  Are your reasons adequate?  Are your reasons supported with evidence?  Is your organization effective?  Is the writing project visually effective?  Edit, Edit, Edit!!!!

Read and Review  Read 326 in a group  What is thesis?  What is simple bubble?  Grade it using the rubric and put it up on the board