1. A Good Argument
Uses clear reasoning and reliable evidence to explain and support a point of view on a topic
Uses constructive, positive strategies to persuade readers to accept an opinion
Respectfully and fairly considers different perspectives on the topic
Avoids attacking people who hold other opinions

2. Argument Components Debatable topic Identified purpose and audience
Precise thesis
Supporting evidence
Counterarguments
Logical structure

3. Debatable Topic
People can hold different opinions on the topic and support those opinions with evidence.
There’s no one answer.
It is not a matter of personal feelings, taste, or preference.
Debatability can change.
Some topics are just considered fact – there’s no longer any debate about them.
Other topics that used to be considered fact are now debatable because of new studies and evidence.

4. Audience Members of the general academic community
Members of our class
Members of a community that you’d like to reach
Who you write for will shape the choices you make about what to say and how to say it.

5. Purpose Arguments commonly seek to persuade readers to
accept a value judgment
adopt a certain policy or course of action
accept an new interpretation of an issue or facts
seriously consider a new point of view on an issue

6. Thesis
States, precisely and specifically, your opinion about your topic
Usually stated in one sentence and placed at the end of the introductory paragraph
Reflects the complexity of your topic and avoids making an oversimplified claim
Reflects your awareness of the complicated conditions or circumstances surrounding your topic

7. Supporting Evidence Primary Sources personal experience
surveys or interviews
examples from current events
original art or literature
“Allegory of the Cave”
The Matrix
Secondary Sources
published statistics
published studies
expert analysis or opinion
interpretive essays
a critique of “Allegory of the Cave”
a review of The Matrix

8. Use of Counterarguments
acknowledges other points of view on the topic
shows that you are fair, informed, and respectful of other perspectives
allows you to anticipate objections of your readers
allows you to make a concession if someone who disagrees with you has a good point.
usually occurs near the beginning or end of your paper

9. Logical Structure Deductive argument Inductive argument
Toulmin reasoning
Emotional appeal

10. Deductive Argument Major Premise Killing innocent people is wrong.
General principle, law,
or assumption
Major Premise
Killing innocent people is wrong.
Minor Premise
Acts of war kill innocent people.
Conclusion
Acts of war are wrong.
Specific situation
Implied Result

11. Inductive Argument
research
data
This strategy begins with an accumulation of evidence
examples
statistics
Interpretation
Then analyzes and interprets the evidence
Then creates a claim (hypothesis) based on that evidence
Hypothesis

12. Toulmin Reasoning Warrant Claim Data assumptions, analysis,
thesis
Data
facts, research,
statistics, examples
Warrant
assumptions, analysis,
reasoning, logic

13. Data Claim CO2 is one of the main greenhouse gases
Greenhouse gases trap heat inside the earth’s atmosphere
The earth’s average temperature has increased by 1 degree F since the 1890s and is expected to keep rising
Claim
In order to slow the rate of global warming, the United States should reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 10%.

14. Warrant
Increases in the average earth’s temperature are potentially dangerous and should be prevented
Levels of carbon dioxide produced by humans are in part responsible for the temperature increase
The U.S. needs to be responsible to the rest of the world in its production of CO2

15. Emotional Appeals Benefits Drawbacks Pull readers into your paper
Help readers find a personal connection to the topic
Help readers remember your essay in a meaningful way
Drawbacks
Might seem too subjective to some readers
Sometimes used as a substitute for reasoning and logic
May rely on prejudices and preconceptions -- yours or your readers’