Elements of an Argument
Argument = Claim + Reason (Assumption) + Evidences Claim: Mina should do well in college. Reasons: She has worked at her parents’ restaurant for six years. Warrant: Working at a restaurant is a good preparation for college. Backing: Restaurant workers must work under pressure and juggle several tasks at one—skills that are necessary to success in college courses.
Claim: Mina should do well in college. Reasons: She has worked at her parents’ restaurant for six years. Warrant: Working at a restaurant is a good preparation for college. Backing: Restaurant workers must work under pressure and juggle several tasks at one—skills that are necessary to success in college courses.
Claim: First-year students at large universities benefit academically from a job. Reason: (Because) The social contacts they make at work help them feel less isolated on campus. Evidence: 1. A recent poll conducted by the admissions office found that working students have more friends than students who do not work. Evidence: 2. Your ex-roommate developed a network of friends and study partners while working part time in a campus copy shop. Do you agree with this argument? Tell us your counter-argument:
Organizing your argument Title Introduction Body Paragraphs –Constructing Topic Sentences –Building Main Points –Countering the Opposition Conclusion
How do you write an argument that appeals to readers? 1.Draw on shared beliefs and values. 2.Present opposing arguments fairly. Don’t oversimplify. Don’t use hostile language. 3.Consider refuting opposing argument. Question the claim Question the evidence Question the warrants and backing 4.Avoid fallacies of reasoning
A List Of Fallacious Arguments archive.org/skeptic/arguments.html