Developing an Argument : Constructing an Argument Louise Livesey Academic Skills Adviser This workshop will: −Revisit what an argument is −Suggest ‘types’ of argument that an assignment can be built around −Offer strategies to apply evidence and theory into your written work 13 January, 2015Academic Skills Advice1

1.Types of arguments to construct 2.Using evidence to support your argument 3.Using theory in your writing Today’s Plan 13 January, 2015Academic Skills Advice2

Evidencing is more than one source Check your reading list Keep a record Think, read, write 1.Types of argument to construct Analysis Critical Thinking 13 January, 2015Academic Skills Advice3

Agreeing and presenting reliable evidence to support the position taken. Rejecting but again using reliable evidence to do this. (A counter- argument with each individual claim in the argument in question is ‘countered’ by another claim). Conceding that an existing argument/point of view has merits, but needs to be qualified in certain respects, and stating what these are. Proposing a new argument/point of view, or reformulating an existing one, so that the new version makes a better explanation for the situation under discussion. Reconciling by bringing a new perspective to bear on the topic. Connecting or synthesizing different ideas, so new approaches and arguments/points of view can be brought to bear on the subject. 13 January, 2015Academic Skills Advice4 1.Types of argument to construct

Graphic representation of argument: agreement Waitrose better Agree Convenience Shorter queues Range Chocolate brands Quality Fresher bread 13 January, 2015Academic Skills Advice5 1.Types of argument to construct

Graphic representation of argument: rejection Sainsbury's better Reject Cheaper Basics cheaper: bread, butter, milk Longer opening times Open earlier and later during the week Points/ beliefs Evidence 13 January, 2015Academic Skills Advice6 1.Types of argument to construct

Activity 1: Workshops v Instant Advice Study Skills WorkshopsInstant Action one-to-one ConcedingCan learn from students on different courses Can only learn from advisor Not enough personal attentionAdvisor provides undivided attention to student Have long time to work through specific problem Short time to work through more than one problem Have to wait for when scheduledCan access help without waiting Proposing new argumentDo not deliver study skills as students should have skills already ReconcilingMake a group appointment for longer time with co-students Connecting or synthesizingStudy skills could be delivered in subject sessions at appropriate times 13 January, 2015Academic Skills Advice7 1.Types of argument to construct

Use examples… Which highlight the most significant or far-reaching implications To illustrate different aspects of your argument From a range of sources, e.g. journal articles, books, and reports To support general arguments. Use empirical evidence, i.e. evidence collected via systematic and rigorous observation Use maps, diagrams and numerical data (in appropriate assessments, i.e. not essays but reports and dissertations) 2.Using evidence to support your argument 13 January, 2015Academic Skills Advice8

DO NOT PANIC 3.Using theory in your writing 13 January, 2015Academic Skills Advice9

Competing theories are not equal – different theories appeal to different kinds of evidence, so different theories are ‘useful’ in different contexts. Do not lump together good bits of different theories into one ‘super theory’ as they will contradict each other. Stand outside to see a theory’s strengths and weaknesses 4.Using theory in your writing 13 January, 2015Academic Skills Advice10

Summary Undertake critical analysis before you start writing Are clear about your position on the issue (if asked to choose a stance) Take multiple perspectives – THE BEST ANSWERS DO THIS: IT IS A MARK WINNER Are clear about your conclusion (if asked to be definite) Use appropriate empirical or theoretical evidence to support your points/beliefs ‘Stand outside’ a theory to see its strengths and weaknesses 13 January, 2015Academic Skills Advice11

Analyse your own work – be your own critic 13 January, 2015Academic Skills Advice12

References Clip art – spectacles/question Cottrell, S. (2013) The Study Skills Handbook. 4 th Ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. dogfaceboy (2007) Slick flame stitch. [online] Available at: [Accessed ] Redman, P. (2001) Good Essay Writing. 2 nd Ed. London: Sage Publications Ltd. The Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. (2014) Available at: class_distinction [Accessed ] class_distinction 13 January, 2015Academic Skills Advice13

University of Surrey. (2014) Writing Skills. Guildford: University of Surrey. [online] Available at: page_01.htmhttp://libweb.surrey.ac.uk/library/skills/writing%20Skills%20Leicester/ page_01.htm [Accessed ] Van den Brink-Budgen, R. (2010) Critical Thinking for Students. 4th Ed. Oxford: How To Books Ltd. 13 January, 2015 Academic Skills Advice 14 References

Academic Skills Advice Service Where are we? Chesham Building B0.23. Give us a call or come speak to us Monday- Friday 9am-5pm (closing at 4pm Fridays). Who am I? Louise, the dedicated workshop adviser. Who can help me with study and writing skills? Lucy and Russell run Instant Study Skills Advice sessions every weekday and Writing Skills Clinics three times a week. You can also access self-help resources on our webpage.webpage Who can give me maths advice? Helen and Michael specialise in Maths support for students though clinics and pre-booked appointment. How do I get in touch? academic- Telephone: academic- 13 January, 2015Academic Skills Advice15

Any questions? 13 January, 2015Academic Skills Advice16