“Everything’s an Argument” How to Prepare for a Research Paper

Definition of “argument” Any text—written, spoken or visual—that expresses a point of view. A reasoned, logical way of demonstrating that the writer’s position, belief, or conclusion is valid. This requires considering multiple viewpoints. Source: Lundsford, Andrea A. Everything’s An Argument. Boston: Beford/St. Martin’s Press. 2010. Print. Common Core State Standards, Appendix A, pages 22-26.

Your “thesis” The opinion on your topic, written as a statement, is your “position,” which you must support. It is a statement with which a reasonable person could disagree. Compare: “Prolonged drought will affect food production and therefore prices” with “Political bickering is the driving force behind increased food prices” (fact vs. opinion) Synonyms for “position” include thesis, claim, stance, argument, or conclusion.

Types of arguments Arguments of facts (Provide information that can be easily verified. They pivot on what is “factual.”) Arguments of value (Address a shared belief about the “goodness” of something, how X meets/does not meet certain criteria.) Arguments of policy (Recommend or evaluate a course of action) Source: Shea, Renee and Lawrence Scanlon. The Language of Composition. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s Press. 2007. Print.

Sample thesis--fact Malaria is a disease society can eliminate. A young child’s developing brain can take advantage of several windows of opportunity for growth if it is nurtured at the right time.

Sample thesis--value Immunization is the most effective way to stop the spread of communicable diseases. Children who attend preschool are better prepared for formal academics.

Sample thesis--policy The World Health Organization should increased the use of NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) in their immunization programs. The state legislature should fund universal preschool programs.

Purposes of Arguments Arguments to inform (tell audience something exists) Arguments to convince (not win over opponents, but help the reader understand/believe the writer’s stance) Arguments to persuade (motivate the audience to take action; it’s stronger than “convince”) Arguments to explore (the writer wants to think out loud on paper about the topic) Arguments to make decisions

“Occasions” for arguments Past: (using evidence and testimony of past events, past actions/decisions, and/or cause-effect) EX: character analysis, court cases, evaluations/reviews Future: (they rely on the past but focus on what could or should happen; it’s educated guessing or proposing) Present: (arguments about values, widely held beliefs) EX: graduation speeches, sermons, eulogies, public addresses

Expository writing strategies used in arguments (within a paragraph) Description Narration Compare-Contrast Cause-Effect Definition Classification Division Process