Argumentation Concepts

7/31/2019 Argumentation Concepts

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ArgumentationConcepts


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Elements of a Formal

Argument what distinguishes a formal argument

from informal is its level of formality andconventions about the way an argumentshould be conducted and the types ofevidence that will convince an audience


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there are 5 elements of an argument,

for both written and spoken contexts

1. A Clear Statement of Position sometimes called a thesis statement or

claim the most essential part of an argument

text because everything that is includedin the text must refer back to it or

support it in some way


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2. Introduction

important in setting up readersexpectations without turning them off the beginning of an argument text is

where the reader makes many

judgement about you and the topic your goal is to answer the questions that

might appear in your audiences mind particularly why a reader should

continue reading or listening


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3. Evidence or Proof

the bulk of an argumentative text isconcerned with proving to the audiencethat a writers argument is convincing,founded in fact, logical and able to stand

up to opposing opinions eg. of types of proof: surveys, case

studies, statistics, interviews, popular

magazines


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4. Conclusions

conclusions to argument essays mustfulfil certain functions:

- summarise the logic of the argumentso that the point seems indisputable

or

- present the next step


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5. Citations

part of convincing your readers that youare an ethical arguer is the properdocumentation of any and all informationthat is not your own

this includes facts and figures,paraphrases, opinions and quotes youhave discovered through other sources


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Framing a Thesis

many arguments fail because the

writer/speaker and his/her audience seethe issue differently issues can be easily misinterpreted,

hence must carefully limit your issue and

define all terms good theses respond to a question, issue,

controversy problem the best way to develop a thesis is to

think first about the problem


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What is a Thesis

Statement? an assertion or claim about your topic,

something you claim to be true a topic along makes no claim; it merely

defines an area to be covered

thesis statement = specific topic + yourassertion /claim


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A thesis statement must:

(a) contain an arguable point must not simply make an observation but

must assert a point that is arguable

(b) control the entire argument determines what you are required to say

and what you cannot say

the thesis is like a contract between you

and your reader


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if you introduce ideas that the reader is

not prepared for, you have violated thecontract

(c) provide a structure for your argument

either directly or indirectly suggest toyour audience

Documents

Argumentation Concepts