Modes of Discourse Argument

Argument The word argument probably brings to mind a verbal disagreement of the sort that nearly everyone has participated in. Such disputes are satisfying when you convert someone to your point of view. More often, though, verbal arguments are inconclusive and frustrating because you might fail to make your position understood or may believe that your opponent has been stubborn and unreasonable. Because verbal arguments generally arise spontaneously, they cannot be thoughtfully planned or researched. Also known as argumentation, written arguments share common goals with spoken ones: they attempt to convince a reader to agree with a particular point of view, to make a particular decision, or to pursue a particular course of action.

Argument Written arguments, however, involve the presentation of well-chosen evidence and the artful control of language. Writers of arguments must imagine their probable audience and predict the sorts of objections that may be raised. Writers must choose in advance a specific, sufficiently detailed thesis or proposition.

Argument Most people who specialize in the study of arguments identify two essential categories — persuasion and logic. Persuasive appeals are directed at readers’ emotions, at their subconscious, even at their biases and prejudices. These appeals involve diction, slanting, figurative language, analogy, rhythmic patterns of speech, and the establishment of a tone that will encourage a positive response. Persuasion very often attempts to get the audience to take action. Examples of persuasive argument are found in the exaggerated claims of advertisers and the speech making of political and social activists.

Argument Logical appeals, on the other hand, are directed primarily at the audience’s intellectual faculties, understanding, and knowledge. Such appeals depend on the reasoned movement from assertion to evidence to conclusion and on an almost mathematical system of proof and counterproof. Logical argument, unlike persuasion, does not normally impel its audience to action. Logical argument is commonly found in scientific or philosophical articles, legal decisions, and technical proposals.

Argument Take a Stand Even though you will chose a topic, gather information about it, and establish a thesis statement or proposition, you need to take a stand — to fully commit yourself to your beliefs and ideas about the issue before you. Your writing will show if you attempt to work with a thesis that you have not clearly thought through or are confused about or if you take a position you do not fully believe in or care about. With a strong stand, you can argue vigorously and convincingly. The following five steps will remind you of some key features of arguments and help you sequence your activities as you research and write.

Writing an Argument Determine the Thesis or Proposition Decide on a topic that interests you and that has some significant differences of opinion or some points that you have questions about. The more specific you make your thesis or proposition, the more directed your research can become and the more focused your ultimate argument will be. Don’t hesitate to modify or even reject an initial thesis as your research warrants. A thesis can be placed anywhere in an argument, but while learning to write arguments, you should place the statement of your controlling idea (thesis) near the beginning of your composition. Explain the importance of the thesis, and make clear to your reader that you share a common concern or interest in this issue. State your central assertion directly in your first or second paragraph so that your reader will have no doubt or confusion about your position.

Writing an Argument 2. Take Account of Your Audience In no other type of writing is the question of audience more important than in argumentation. The tone you establish, the type of diction you choose, the kinds of evidence you select, and the organizational pattern you follow can influence your audience to trust you and believe your assertions. If you judge the nature of your audience accurately, respect its knowledge of the subject, and correctly envision whether it is likely to be hostile, neutral, complacent, or receptive, you will be able to tailor the various aspects of your argument appropriately.

Writing an Argument 3. Gather the Necessary Supporting Evidence For each point of your argument, be sure to provide appropriate and sufficient evidence — verifiable facts and statistics, illustrative examples and narratives, or quotations from authorities. Don’t overwhelm your reader with evidence, but don’t skimp either. Demonstrate your command of the topic and control of the thesis by choosing carefully from all the evidence at your disposal.

Writing an Argument 4. Avoid Faulty Reasoning Have someone read your argument for errors in judgment and for faulty reasoning. Sometimes others can see easily what you can’t see because you are so intimately tied to your assertion. These errors are typically called logical fallacies. 5. Conclude Forcefully In the conclusion of your essay, be sure to restate your position in new language, at least briefly. Besides persuading your reader to accept your point of view, you may also want to encourage some specific course of action. Above all, your conclusion should not introduce new information that may surprise your reader. It should seem to follow naturally, almost seamlessly, from the series of points that you have carefully

Argument Model Essay Read the model essay entitled, “Shame is Worth a Try”, focusing on his argument. When finished reading, answer the following questions in your notes: How convincing is Kahan’s argument? What is the strongest part of his argument? Explain. What is the weakest part? Explain.

Your Turn Write a response in which you argue your position on the issue of using public shaming as a punishment. Please focus on the following question as you develop your position: Is public shaming appropriate for some or all offenses that would otherwise result in a short jail term? Explain. Support your argument (three paragraph minimum ~ 6-8 sentences per paragraph) with evidence from Kahan’s essay and your own experiences/observations. You may find it helpful to review your journal response for this selection.