1. INGL 3231 Prof. Cristal Heffelfinger
Argumentation
INGL 3231
Prof. Cristal Heffelfinger

2. Carefully observe the image above. What does it mean to you
Carefully observe the image above. What does it mean to you? Which character is right? Are there different ways of looking at the same object or scenario? If so, how can a person prove that his/her point is more valid than that of the other? Moreover, how can a person convince another one to believe in and adopt his/her position?

3. What constitutes an argument?
“An argument is a reasoned, logical way of demonstrating that your position, belief, or conclusion is valid” (Rockowitz Writing Center, 2017).

4. Argumentation vs. Exposition
Justifies a claim
Controversial, though not entirely subjective
Provides evidence
Extensive research
Describes and explains a topic/issue
Neutral
Provides evidence
Less research

5. Goals of argumentation
To persuade
Trying to convince others to change their mind
While persuasion may appeal to the audience’s interests and emotions, it should, above all, appeal to reason.*
To defend your position
Stating your case without necessarily persuading others
To attack another position
Arguing against someone else’s claims
*Similarly, opinions and personal experiences may constitute evidence, but facts are considered more appropriate, since they are testable, verifiable, and generalizable. This applies not only to persuasion, but to each of the goals of argumentation.

6. The thesis statement Summary of main argument or position
What?
Summary of main argument or position
Why?
Backbone of essay
“Roadmap” to guide readers
Where?
Near the end of your introduction
When?
After research or deep thinking process
How?*
Debatable
Specific and clear
Original and engaging
Provides brief justification
Establishes relationships
*1. It is crucial for your thesis statement to be debatable or controversial. Otherwise, there would be no point in making a claim that everyone or, at least, the majority accept as true. Hence, starting from your thesis statement, your argumentative essay should not focus on well-known facts or general truths, but rather present evidence to support your position. This entails that there is information that may contradict your arguments. It is important that you acknowledge and prepare for this possibility, in case you need to defend yourself against opposing claims.
2. Avoid open-ended statements and vague/broad terms (e.g., “society,” “culture,” “people”). Instead, use precise language to ensure that your audience understands your point of view. TAKE A POSITION!
3. Don’t just report facts; go further with your analysis. As with any writing genre, you should appeal to your readers’ interest by connecting your thesis to a larger issue. Give them a reason to care, instead of the opportunity to reply: “So what?”
4. Explain the reasoning behind your main argument. Include a comment that helps define your position.
5. Use transitions to link your ideas together. You may employ “cause and effect” conjunctions to this purpose.

7. Examples Original: We must save the whales.
Final: Because our planet's health may depend upon biological diversity, we should save the whales.
(The Center for Writing Studies, 2013)
Original: Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel.
Revised: In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.
Final: Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized” society and go back to nature.
(The Writing Center at UNC-Chapel Hill, 2014)

8. Blog entry #7: Video
Watch the following TED Talk, delivered by Shane Koyczan:

9. Blog entry #7: Instructions
Option 1: Choose a topic or idea presented by the speaker and develop it into your own thesis statement.
Option 2: Pick a controversial subject or opinion relevant to your personal experience, and clearly state your position. Please note that it does not have to be linked to a negative event.
While this talk/poem contains personal references meant to appeal to the audience’s emotions, your thesis should be supported by facts. Follow the steps and definitions outlined as part of this presentation.
Once you have done your initial research, write a 200-word paragraph in which you address your topic, provide background information, highlight its relevance, and state a clear thesis.
Save the “hard” evidence, as it will be useful for your next assignment.

10. References
Baker, J., Brizee, A., & Angeli, E. (2013). Argumentative essays. Retrieved from
Rockowitz Writing Center at Hunter College. (2017). The writing process: Argumentation. Retrieved from
Tardiff, E. & Brizee, A. (2014). Tips and examples for writing thesis statements. Retrieved from
TED. (2013). "To This Day" ... for the bullied and beautiful | Shane Koyczan [YouTube video]. Retrieved from
The Center for Writing Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. (2013). Writing tips: Thesis statements. Retrieved from
The Writing Center at UNC Chapel Hill. (2014). Thesis statements. Retrieved from