Argumentive Writing1 Rubina Parveen MSc Nursing. Year II, Semester I Subject: Academic Writing II Faculty: Sir Sardar Bux April 03, 2010

Argumentive Writing2

3 Objectives At the end of this presentation learners will be able to: Define Argumentive Writing. Enlist and describe the elements of the Argumentive Writing. Determine the Principles of Argumentive Writing. Explain the Features of Argumentation. Discuss the What types of things do we argue about? Explore the steps of Argumentive Writing.

Argumentive Writing4 Argumentative Essay Is like a persuasive essay Should present pros and cons of the issue Should contain an argument Should contain evidence or support for the issue (facts, statistics, anecdotal evidence) Should concern a manageable topic Derived from the Bogazici University Writing LabBogazici University Writing Lab

Argumentive Writing5 Elements of Argument Index Thesis Body/CSW Counter Organizing Checklist

Argumentive Writing6 Elements of Argument: Thesis A thesis is a statement that others may agree or disagree with.

Argumentive Writing7 Elements of Argument: Body Claim Support Warrant CLAIM—point you’re trying to prove  What point is the paper trying to make?  What belief or opinion is the author defending?

Argumentive Writing8 Elements of Argument: Body SUPPORT—evidence for the claim  Why should readers believe the claim?  What proof is given? WARRANT—explains how/why the evidence proves the point How are the claim and the evidence related? What does this evidence prove?

Argumentive Writing9 Elements of Argument: Counterargument Establish common ground. Show awareness of both sides. Acknowledge and counter the strongest objection to your arguments.

Argumentive Writing10 Elements of Argument: Counterargument Why establish common ground? Enhance credibility Make it easier for readers to listen by acknowledging their point of view Remind readers that they share values with the writer

Argumentive Writing11 Elements of Argument: Organizing an Argument Weakest to strongest OR Strongest to weakest Weakest to strongest (if you expect audience to agree) Strongest to weakest (if you have to convince audience)

Argumentive Writing12 Elements of Argument: Argument Checklist Introduction Is my thesis arguable? Have I given readers a reason to care?

Argumentive Writing13 Elements of Argument: Argument Checklist Body Have I used Claim-Support- Warrant? Does my evidence really support my argument? Do I acknowledge other views and counterargue? Conclusion Have I summarized my position and why it matters?

Argumentive Writing14 Principles of organizing an argumentative essay Focus Stick to the issue Order. Arrange the essay’s parts in a logical sequence Be complete

Argumentive Writing15 Features of Argumentation Writer Develop your own ETHOS or borrow from established authority Audience Know your audience and be sensitive to their views Text Use the language to make your point, but be careful not to misuse language

Argumentive Writing16 Features of Argumentation: The Writer  Ethos Your own You must look like you know what you’re talking about Educate yourself on the issue(s) before writing Borrow from authority Be sure to give appropriate credit where due

Argumentive Writing17 Features of Argumentation: The Audience Who is your audience? Qualities you should presume of your audience: Assume they are as knowledgeable about your topic as you are. Assume they are aware of common knowledge. Assume they could be fundamentally opposed to your argument and be sensitive to their prejudices – Don’t Alienate Your Audience

Argumentive Writing18 Features of Argumentation: The Text Argue from logic and reason Do NOT base your entire argument on: Emotion Religious Conviction Tradition

Argumentive Writing19 What types of things do we argue about? You cannot argue about facts (gravity, the sum of , etc.) To argue about something, you need an issue that generates some controversy Civic and political issues certainly provide us with ideas, especially as they apply on a local level. Should our town build a new library? National issues………

Argumentive Writing20 Steps of Argumentive Writing Step One: Choose a controversial topic that interests you. Step Two: Do some reading on the topic. Step Three: Write a thesis statement.

Argumentive Writing21 Steps of Argumentive Writing Step Four: Choose three ideas to support your argument. Step Five: Consider the opposing arguments. If you were arguing with your friends, how would they try to prove you were wrong?

Argumentive Writing22 Steps of Argumentive Writing Step Six Organize your ideas into an outline. Paragraph 1 – Introduction includes thesis statement and supporting ideas Paragraph 2 – Opposing argument and your refutation Paragraph 3 – Opposing argument and your refutation Paragraph 4 – Your strongest supporting argument Paragraph 5 – Conclusion includes restatement of thesis and supporting ideas. Make a prediction, a recommendation, or a summary.

Argumentive Writing23 Steps of Argumentive Writing Step Seven Follow your outline and write the essay. Be sure to edit your writing for grammar, spelling, and word choice errors. Good Luck!

Argumentive Writing24 Supporting arguments Arguments need support to be effective You back up your arguments with evidence and explanations This used to refer to print sources (books, magazines, newspapers).

Argumentive Writing25 Reference Bogazici University Writing LabBogazici University Writing Lab. Google.com

Argumentive Writing26 Any Question