1. Understanding the Argument
Essay Assignment
Due No later than December 12
Powerpoint by Gretchen Starks-Martin
St. Cloud State University, Minnesota

2. Definition of an argument
An argument presents logical reasons
and evidence to support a viewpoint

3. Parts of an Argument
ISSUE - problem or controversy about which people disagree
CLAIM - the position on the issue
SUPPORT - reasons and evidence that the claim is reasonable and should be accepted
REFUTATION - opposing viewpoints

4. 3 Types of Argument
Logical argument—to take a position on an issue based on reason, fact, intellect
Persuasive argument—to take a position on an issue with the goal of having audience change mind and take action
Moral/Ethical argument—to take a position on an issue based on right/wrong; fair/unfairness

5. Types of Claims
CLAIM OF FACT - statement that can be proven or verified by observation or research
“Within ten years, destruction of rain forests will cause hundreds of plant and animal species to become extinct.”

6. Types of Claims
CLAIM OF JUDGMENT - states that one thing or idea is better or more desirable than another.
“Requiring community service in high school will produce more community-aware graduates.”

7. Types of Claims
CLAIM OF POLICY - suggests what should or ought to be done to solve a problem.
“To reduce school violence, more gun and metal detectors should be installed in public schools.”

8. Types of Claims
CLAIM OF CAUSE—to respond to the question, why did it happen?
Car accident; divorce
CLAIM OF INTERPRETATION—attempts to respond to what does the action, words, even data mean
Student’s placement scores

9. The Classical Argument
Introduction
Thesis
Background information
Discussion issue or summary of article
Reasons to support thesis
The Opposing side
Conclusion

10. What is a Position Statement?
The MOST IMPORTANT SENTENCE in your paper
Lets the reader know the main idea of the paper
Answers the question: “What am I trying to prove?”
Not a factual statement, but a claim that has to be proven throughout the paper

11. Offering the Opposing side
Addressing the claims of the opposition is an important component in building a convincing argument.
It demonstrates your credibility as a writer--you have researched multiple sides of the argument and have come to an informed decision.
It shows you have considered other points of view - that other points of view are valid and reasonable.

12. Conclusion
Your conclusion should reemphasize the main points made in your paper.
You may choose to reiterate a call to action or speculate on the future of your topic, when appropriate.
Avoid raising new claims in your conclusion.
Introduction: Tell them what you’re going to tell them
Body: Tell them
Conclusion: Tell them what you told them

13. Types of Support REASON - a general statement that supports a claim.
EVIDENCE - consists of facts, statistics, experiences, comparisons, and examples that show why the claim is valid.
EMOTIONAL APPEALS - ideas that are targeted toward needs or values that readers are likely to care about.

14. Strategies for Reading an Argument
What does the title suggest? Preview!
Who is the author, and what are his or her qualifications?
What is the date of publication?
What do I already know about the issue?
Think Before You Read

15. Strategies for Reading an Argument
Read once for an initial impression.
Read the argument several more times.
Annotate as you read.
Highlight key terms.
Diagram or map to analyze structure.
Read Actively