Chapter 8 Arguments of fact

facts People don’t‘ ordinarily argue factual matters that are settled or agreed upon Facts become arguments when They’re controversial in themselves They’re used to challenge or change people’s beliefs

facts Need arguments that correct or challenge beliefs and assumptions that are widely held within a society on the basis of inadequate info. Address broad questions about the history or myths that societies want to believe about themselves Do the facts we believe today reflect the perspectives and prejudices of earlier times or ideologies?

facts Broaden readers’ perspectives Add new dimensions Flesh out or correct what’s narrowly or mistakenly reported

Characterizing factual arguments Tend to be driven by perceptions and evidence Explore questions of what if? Or how come? Hypothesis Uncover evidence that reaches well beyond casual observations

Developing a factual argument Identify an Issue Something that could or should be of interest to readers Look for apparent contradictions or tensions in local or national communities Be careful not to argue matters that pose no challenge to you or your audiences

Researching your hypothesis How and where to research depend on your subject Choose the best sources for your subject Go to primary sources whenever you can Create your own primary research

Refining your claim May have to refine your hypothesis as you learn more about your subject. As research advances, you may need to use more qualifiers (some, few, many, most, etc.) Important to set your claim into context that helps explain it to other who may find it hostile

Deciding which evidence to use Make choices about what evidence to draw from and be prepared to defend those choices Biggest impact with little space: Present your best evidence as powerfully as possible. Can make a factual case with just a few examples: 3 or 4 Going on for too long may make it seem uninteresting or poitless

Presenting evidence Goal is to educate and persuade your audience so be careful how you present your evidence

Considering design & visuals Consider how visual design can enhance the evidence you have Charts, tables, pictures, graphs, etc. Don’t want the reader to otherwise image what you are communicating

Key features to factual arguments Describe a situation that leads you to raise question about a given fact Make a claim that addresses the status of the facts as they’re known. Offer substantial and authoritative evidence to support your claims.