ARGUMENT

ARGUMENT

A rational discussion where each person supports a point of view

A good argument is NOT an emotional experience

The goal is to determine who has the most solid evidence

As critical readers

Recognize the point the author is making

Decide if the author’s support is relevant

Decide if the author’s support is adequate

ARGUMENT

point

relevance

adequate

What’s your point?

The point is the central aim or claim of the author’s argument.

The point is backed up with support, evidence, details, or reasons.

The support usually answers the questions “why” or “how”.

Practice

Which statement below is the point and which statements are the support?

1. Joggers who risk accidents by running along the roadside will be able to run in the park.

2. A park provides good opportunities for people to meet their neighbors.

3. A large new park will benefit the community.

Answer

Support - Joggers who risk accidents by running along the roadside will be able to run in the park.

Support - A park provides good opportunities for people to meet their neighbors.

Point - A large new park will benefit the community.

Relevance

The support needs to apply to the point.

The support needs to answer the questions “why” and “how”. If not, it may be irrelevant.

PracticeWhich statement in this paragraph is not relevant?

1 When you go to college, you should live off campus. 2 In a rented apartment you can enjoy the privacy and convenience of your own kitchen and bathroom. 3 If you live off campus, getting to and from classes will take more time. 4 However, off-campus apartments give you more living space than a dormitory room for the same price or less. 5 An off-campus apartment is usually quieter than a dorm. 6 It also gives you a better chance to develop a sense of the area in which your college is located.

Answer

1 When you go to college, you should live off campus. 2 In a rented apartment you can enjoy the privacy and convenience of your own kitchen and bathroom. 3 If you live off campus, getting to and from classes will take more time. 4 However, off-campus apartments give you more living space than a dormitory room for the same price or less. 5 An off-campus apartment is usually quieter than a dorm. 6 It also gives you a better chance to develop a sense of the area in which your college is located.

Adequate Support

The support must be substantial enough to prove the point

Make sure the support is not “jumping to conclusions”

The support must be relevant and adequate.

Practice• In one study, fifteen of the thirty women who listened to music during childbirth labor had no need for anesthesia.• Studies indicate that the body produces pain-reducing hormones when a person listens to enjoyable music.• Patients who had suffered a stroke gained lasting benefits after listening for three weeks to recorded music

1) Music can have a role in curing diseases of all types2) Music can be a helpful tool in dealing with some physical problems3) Music should be a resource in every medical office4) Music can also have negative effects on our physical well-being

Which of the following conclusions is best supported by all of the evidence above?

Answer• In one study, fifteen of the thirty women who listened to music during childbirth labor had no need for anesthesia.• Studies indicate that the body produces pain-reducing hormones when a person listens to enjoyable music.• Patients who had suffered a stroke gained lasting benefits after listening for three weeks to recorded music

2) Music can be a helpful tool in dealing with some physical problems

Which of the following conclusions is best supported by all of the evidence above?

Remember!

An argument must Have a point Have relevant support Have adequate support

ARGUMENT

point

relevance

adequate

ARGUMENT