1. Academic Arguments Using the Discourse of the Academy Copyright 2012 Lisa McNeilley

2. Difference Between High School and College High School learn content repeat information begin developing ideas College use information form an opinion on a topic support it. evaluate a speech or a literary text. apply a concept to a case study.

3. Using Opinions Your opinions cannot be merely your gut reaction to things. Forming academic claims based on opinions isn’t that hard once you know how it’s done. Pay attention in class to gauge your professor’s expectations. Notice what kinds of comments and questions the professor seems to like and which lead to further probing and correction.

4. Moving from Opinion to Academic Argument Opinion and observation are the basis of an academic argument--hypothesis framed differently. “I think” or “I believe” Become “X is true because…” Be aware of contradictory evidence because almost all academic arguments are based on concepts that can be disputed.

5. Three Parts An opinion framed as a claim using specific, concrete language. A list of evidence to support that claim. An account of contradictory evidence.

6. Opinion The Starting Point I believe that the reason so many students drop out of college is because they are overwhelmed with balancing jobs and school.

7. Claim The First Part Many students drop out of college because they are overwhelmed with balancing jobs and school.

8. Claim with Evidence The Second Part According to Their Whole Lives Ahead of Them, feeling overwhelmed with balancing jobs and school is one of the top reasons students drop out of college.

9. Claim with Evidence, Accounting for Contradictions The Third Part Although the reasons students drop out of college include lack of academic skills and too much partying, according to Their Whole Lives Ahead of Them, feeling overwhelmed with balancing jobs and school is one of the top reasons students drop out of college.

10. Importance of Usage Train your mind to offer proof Persuade more effectively Develop research and observation skills Develop a broader perspective to account for a variety of evidence Understand other points of view and use them to develop your own