Two Types of Argument 1.Arguing a Position 2.Arguing a Solution

Position Arguments

Arguing a Position Personal Aim--to justify your view Primary Aim--to persuade readers to adopt your view To Be Convincing Present logical reasons backed by solid evidence Must share basic values and assumptions with readers Must understand oppositions’ mindset Must separate opinion from fact

Types of Appeals Appeal to Logic by making a sound, well-reasoned, and well-supported argument. Appeal to Emotions by helping reader to understand writer’s concerns. Appeal to Ethical sense by establishing the writer’s credibility and by basing it on common principles and values.

Basic Features A well-defined issue First, establish the issue then define it establishing the exact argument you intent to make regarding that issue.

Basic Features A Clear Position Your position should be stated clearly and emphatically. This will be your thesis statement. This lets the reader know exactly where you (the author) stands on the issue.

Basic Features A Convincing Argument You must use convincing evidence from reliable sources. You must explain the significance of each piece of evidence..

Basic Features Anticipate the Opposition’s views What is the opposition's main concerns? What evidence do you have to suggest that the opposition’s fears are unfounded. Be prepared with evidence to prove your side is correct and the other side is incorrect.

Basic Features Appropriate Tone Find an appropriate tone for conveying your message. Do not let the emotional quality of the topic overrule your judgment and your ability to discuss it calmly and effectively.

Solution Arguments

Proposing a Solution Personal aim--to solve a problem using your own solution Primary Aim--to get others to believe and back your proposal To be convincing: You need to establish for the reader the severity of the problem. You need to prove that other solutions have not or cannot work. Your evidence and resources must be particularly convincing because you are asking the reader to do something.

Basic Features A Well-Define Problem Before presenting a solution, you must establish the severity of the problem. It is important that the this part of your paper is convincing because if the reader does not believe the problem either exists or is important, then why should the said reader buy into your solution. Remember: Solution Arguments often require the reader to give something up. Before the reader gives anything, the reader is going to want to know that results will follow.

Basic Features Proposed Solution Once the problem is established, the solution must follow. Announcing the solution is the thesis of your essay.

Basic Features Convincing Argument Main purpose of proposal arguments is to convince everyone that you have the answer. Must establish: The proposed solution will work. It is feasible and realistic. If steps are involved, you have listed the steps in the order they must occur. That your solution is better than other solutions.

Basic Features Anticipate the Opposition It stands up against opposition’s main concerns. It is better than alternate solutions.

Basic Features Reasonable Tone Writes, once again, must use a reasonable tone to avoid being confrontational.