1. Reading and Writing Arguments
Chapter 12 –
Reading and Writing Arguments
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© Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

2. © 2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Opening Activity
Professional- and college-based arguments can differ from the ones you encounter in everyday life. Reflect on and discuss the following:
Think of an argument you have had (or have witnessed taking place) with someone you know.
Now, think of an argument you may have read about in a college or professional writing.
How are those arguments alike and different? What is unique about the arguments in college or professional writing?
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Learning Outcomes
By the time you finish reading and studying this chapter, you should be able to:
LO1 Understand arguments.
LO2 Read and respond to an argument.
LO3 Plan an argument.
LO4 Write the first draft.
LO5 Revise the writing.
LO6 Edit the writing.
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© Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
© Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

4. Understanding Arguments
You will encounter common types of arguments, such as:
Opinion pieces written by the editors of newspapers or other periodicals
Editorials
Opinion pieces written by someone other than editors; they may appear as blog entries or on a periodical’s “Opinion’s” page
Personal Commentaries
Writings that define a problem and convince readers of a solution or set of solutions that can solve the problem
Problem-Solution Writing
Short statements presenting an opinion on a subject
Position Papers
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5. Reading and Responding to Arguments
When you read an argument text, separate facts from opinions:
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6. Reading and Responding to Arguments
Analyze the parts of an argument, which consist of:
A Main Claim
(or thesis statement
Supporting Claims
Evidence
A Counterargument
A Call to Action
(or response)
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Planning an Argument
After you have selected a topic, you need to state a preliminary position.
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Planning an Argument
Once you have a preliminary position:
1. Refine it
2. Gather details
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9. Writing the First Draft
Follow these writing tips when writing your argument paragraph:
In the opening
Lead up to your claim, if necessary, by providing reasonable background.
Make your claim firmly but respectfully.
In the middle
Give the reader plenty of reasons to adopt your claim.
Use valid research to back up your position.
Politely and convincingly address any counter-claims.
In the closing
Restate your position in light of the reasons you provided.
If appropriate, give the reader a call to action.
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Revising the Writing
Avoid logical fallacies, which are false assertions that weaken your argument.
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Editing the Writing
When edit your writing, check for capitalization errors.
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Editing the Writing
If your paragraph contains numbers or statistics, follow these three basic rules:
Numbers from one to one hundred are written as words, i.e., two, seven, and twenty-five.
Numbers 101 and greater are usually written as numerals, i.e. 1,489 and 103.
Numerals or Words
They are used for the following forms: decimals, percentages, pages, chapters, addresses, dates, telephone numbers, identification numbers, and statistics, i.e., 13.1, 2.4 feet, 20 percent and Highway 41.
Numerals Only
Use words to express numbers that begin a sentence, i.e., “Thirteen players suffered from food poisoning.”
Words Only
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13. Editing the Writing
Use an editing checklist (Figure 12.6) to help you edit your writing for style and correctness.
Add an attention-getting title. Try one of the following strategies:
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Closing Activity
Use what you have learned about writing arguments to create an opinion piece for an issue currently being discussed in various media sources.
1. Follow the guidelines for what to include in the opening, middle and closing of your opinion.
2. Use the editing checklist in Figure 12.6 to help you edit your writing for style and correctness.
3. Share your opinion piece with a classmate.
4. Does your opinion piece include all of the elements of a well-written argument?
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