Z Y X Constructing Evaluation and Definition Arguments Basic Structure of Thesis: X is Y because Z Ex/ The senate proposal on immigration offers amnesty because it gives immediate citizenship to illegal aliens. In San Diego County, for example, border fencing remains a critical part of our continuing effort to address the problems commonly associated with illegal immigration. Because… Ex/ Proposed fence along the US-Mexico border is a critical part of our effort to address the problems associated with illegal immigration because it has reduced the traffic of illegal narcotics and dangerous criminals into the US.

Criteria-Match Argument All definition and evaluation arguments attempt to fit particular items into categories by matching qualities in these items to the categories’ criteria. Two questions: 1. What does something have to be in order to fit into the category? 2. How can I show that the item has the qualities necessary to fit into this category?

Criteria-Match Argument Note: Not all criteria must be matched to the item in order for an argument to be effective. Criteria necessary for things to be part of a solution to the problems of illegal immigration: 1.Keep illegal drugs out of the US 2.Keep those who traffic in illegal drugs--and all other criminals--out of the country, thereby reducing crime 3.Keep foreign nationals from evading the proper path to citizenship and legal work in the US 4.Provide a fair and expedient process to allow deserving foreign nationals into the US job market Solution to problems of illegal immi- gration. Note: Those promoting increased border security and reforms to immigration law obviously favor a wider range of criteria for any solution to be considered a solution to the problems of illegal immigration.

Criteria-Match Argument The sine qua non…. Sometimes, you will encounter situations in which one criterion and only one must be proven in order to make an evaluation or definition argument. For instance, in order to prove that someone is a murderer, you must prove that this person has committed at least one murder. Regardless of all other criteria, without this one, you have no argument. This criterion is the sine qua non (translated from Latin, the “without which, nothing”) of your category, and it deserves much attention. (Ex/ regardless of all other criteria, if a fence can reduce the number of illegal criminals from entering the country, then we can call it a solution to the problems of illegal immigration.) Of course, you can invent a sine qua non argument by claiming-- convincingly--that all other criteria about which people are bickering do not matter without consideration of a particular factor.

Criteria-Match Argument Process for inventing evaluation and definition arguments: 1.Decide upon your item and the category in which you want to fit that item 2. Decide upon the criteria necessary for inclusion in that category--try to overinvent here 3. Decide which criteria will be most convincing to your audience, and which must be illustrated in order for them to believe your argument 4. Find ways to match the most convincing criteria to your item