Making an Argument

An argument takes a stand on an issue. It seeks to persuade an audience of a point of view in much the same

way that a lawyer argues a case in a court of law. It is NOT a description or a summary.

"

This is an argument: “Costco fries are superior to those of McDonald’s.

This is not an argument: "In this paper, I will describe how Costco’s fries taste good and are a great value for the price.

can you tell the difference?

“Costco fries are superior to those of McDonald’s.

Have I convinced you?Do you agree with me? Why or why not?What are ways you can convince people that your argument/opinion is valid? How do you go beyond “because I think so”??

Think back to the advertising strategiesFacts - can be proven.Expert opinions or quotationsDefinitions - statement of meaning of word or phraseStatistics - offer scientific supportExamples - powerful illustrationsAnecdote - incident, storyEmotional appeals - to provide support for reasons, carefully chosen loaded words, carrying positive or negative connotations, sway readers' emotions - but remember to use logic, because a carefully reasoned argument will be strengthened by an emotional appeal.

“Costco fries are superior to those of McDonald’s because at Costco you get better value for your money, you get healthier fries, and you get a far more flavourful experience without copious amounts of salt.

Now have I convinced you?Have I at least given you something to think about?

Writing a Persuasive EssayWhere to begin?

When you are given a prompt, what do you do before you begin to write the essay?

For example, if I say you need to write an essay on the topic “Clothing”, what would you do?

Where to begin?

1. Understand the prompt2. Create pro/con chart to decide on position3. Write your thesis4. Decide on evidence5. Create an outline

Introduction Write a thesis (a position that you will argue using evidence) Decide on reasons and the evidence you will use to support

each reason Counterargument: What and where? Conclusion Strategy

6. Write the essay!

Writing a Persuasive Thesis

A thesis:Is your blueprint for writing:Helps you determine your focus and clarify your ideas.Provides a "hook" on which you can "hang" your topic sentences.Can (and should) be revised as you further refine your evidence and arguments. New evidence often requires you to change your thesis.Gives your paper a unified structure and point.Serves as a "map" to follow through your paper.Keeps the reader focused on your argument.Signals to the reader your main points.Engages the reader in your argument.

Writing a Persuasive Thesis

A persuasive thesis statement should have two parts:

A suggestion/ evidence

recommendation +

(What people (Why people

“should” do) do this)

Persuasive Thesis: Suggestion/Recommendation

The suggestion or recommendation is more than praise or whining which is often the point of an opinion.

“I hate eight o’clock classes!”

Instead, suggest what should be changed (The recommendation is what you are convincing people to do, so do not use “I think”): “Schools should begin their first period classes

later in the morning…”

Persuasive Thesis: Evidence

After writing your suggestion, include evidence to prove your point.

“Schools should begin their first period classes later in the morning…”

Because?

“…in order to increase student attendance and academic performance.”

Persuasive Thesis: Finished

Can you identify the two parts of the thesis below?

Even though some people believe it's a right to carry firearms, handguns should be outlawed because it's too easy for criminals to get handguns and too many innocent people are dying from accidental shootings.

http://www.ozline.com/electraguide/example.php

Persuasive Essay Outline Introduction Counterargument Reason #1

+ specific evidence to support reason #1 Reason #2

+ specific evidence to support reason #2 Reason #3

+ specific evidence to support reason #3 Conclusion

Counterargument

Your essay should focus on your main point – the thesis– and your evidence.

To counter-argue is to consider a possible argument against your thesis.

A good persuasive essay will openly consider alternatives and then, through logic and evidence, prove why those alternatives are faulty or incorrect.

Where does the counterargument belong?

In one of these 4 locations:

1) In its own paragraph just after the introduction.2) In the intro, before you state your thesis3) Within a paragraph that relates to the counterargument4) In its own paragraph just before the conclusion

Writing a Counterargument

A complete counterargument should have two parts:

Counterargument + Response to Counterargument

(How and why might (How would you

someone disagree argue against the with you? ) person who disagrees

with you?)

Example

Although some might argue that vending machines in schools are filled with snacks that are unhealthy and should be removed, the schools could stock the machines with snacks that are healthy. Instead of removing snack options, the schools could instead provide nutrient-packed food that would help students maintain energy and develop healthy eating habits.

Writing the Introduction The introduction should be designed to attract the reader's attention and

give them an idea of the essay's focus. Begin with an attention grabber or hook – such as:

Startling informationThis information must be true and verifiable, and it doesn't need to be totally new to your readers. It could simply be a pertinent fact that explicitly illustrates the point you wish to make. If you use a piece of startling information, follow it with a sentence or two of elaboration.

AnecdoteAn anecdote is a story that illustrates a point. Be sure your anecdote is short, to the point, and relevant to your topic. This can be a very effective opener for your essay, but use it carefully.

DialogueAn appropriate dialogue does not have to identify the speakers, but the reader must understand the point you are trying to convey. Use only two or three exchanges between speakers to make your point. Follow dialogue with a sentence or two of elaboration.

Writing the Introduction

Summary InformationA few sentences explaining your topic in general terms can lead the reader gently to your thesis. Each sentence should become gradually more specific, until you reach your thesis.

If the attention grabber was only a sentence or two, add one or two more sentences that will lead the reader from your opening to your thesis statement.

Finish the paragraph with your thesis statement.

The Main Body : It is now time to put all of your thoughts together and

start proving your thesis. Each paragraph you write will include a thought, idea or proof for your thesis.

Each paragraph should contain the following elements: i) A topic sentence which reveals the controlling idea or

proof. ii) Supporting evidence related to the topic sentence. iii) Explanation for how your evidence relates to your

topic sentence and thesis. iv) A smooth transition to your next paragraph.

The Conclusion: Time to bring the argument home!

The conclusion brings closure to the reader, summing up your points or providing a final perspective on your topic.

All the conclusion needs is three or four strong sentences which do not need to follow any set formula. Simply review the main points (being careful not to restate them exactly) or briefly describe your feelings about the topic. Even an anecdote can end your essay in a useful way.

it should never introduce new ideas or things not discussed in the body of the paper!