How to Start an Argumentative Essay on a Strong Note
The Classical Method of structuring an argument is another common way to organize your points. Originally devised by the Greek philosopher Aristotle (and then later developed by Roman thinkers like Cicero and Quintilian), classical arguments tend to focus on issues of definition and the careful application of evidence. Thus, the underlying assumption of classical argumentation is that, when all parties understand the issue perfectly, the correct course of action will be clear. Claims of fact assert that something can be proved or disapproved with factual evidence. They argue whether something is accurate, valid, or correct and answer questions like: Is it true? Is it real? What happened? Claims have to be debatable and present an assertion. Therefore, a claim of definition for a logical argument cannot comprise a proven fact or statistic alone.For example, you cannot say the earth is flat. Is there evidence to prove that? You might decide to go with; Rock music has led to the increase of violence among teens. Statement of Validity (Understanding):Those parents who support uniforms argue that, when all students wear the same uniform, the students can develop a unified sense of school pride and inclusiveness.
Claim in argumentative writing - Take notes either in the margins of your source (if you are using a photocopy or your own book) or on a separate sheet as you read. Put away that highlighter! Simply highlighting a text is good for memorizing the main ideas in that textit does not encourage critical reading. Part of your goal as a reader should be to put the authors ideas in your own words. Then you can stop thinking of these ideas as facts and start thinking of them as arguments.
First, what is included in the category "drugs"? Is the author talking about illegal drug use, recreational drug use (which might include alcohol and cigarettes), or all uses of medication in general? Second, in what ways are drugs detrimental? Is drug use causing deaths (and is the author equating deaths from overdoses and deaths from drug related violence)? Is drug use changing the moral climate or causing the economy to decline? Finally, what does the author mean by "society"? Is the author referring only to America or to the global population? Does the author make any distinction between the effects on children and adults? There are just too many questions that the claim leaves open. The author could not cover all of the topics listed above, yet the generality of the claim leaves all of these possibilities open to debate. Statement of Contexts: Explore scenarios in which your position has merit. When you explain how your argument is most appropriate for certain contexts, the reader can recognize that you acknowledge the multiple ways to view the complex issue.
Youre staring at a blank document. The cursor is blinking. Your minds been blank for the last thirty minutes. You oscillate between writing and erasing. You look at the watch - your argumentative essay is due in the next 24 hours. Statement of Validity (Understanding):This section discusses how you acknowledge how the other sides points can be valid under certain circumstances. You identify how and why their perspective makes sense in a specific context, but still present your own argument. Conclusion (Peroratio): You should summarize your main points. The conclusion also caters to the readers emotions and values. The use of pathos here makes the reader more inclined to consider your argument. Be consistent with your evidence. Unlike negotiating for the use of your parents car, a college paper is not the place for an all-out blitz of every type of argument. You can often use more than one type of evidence within a paper, but make sure that within each section you are providing the reader with evidence appropriate to each claim.
So, if you start a paragraph or section with a statement like Putting the student seating area closer to the basketball court will raise player performance, do not follow with your evidence on how much more money the university could raise by letting more students go to games for free. Information about how fan support raises player morale, which then results in better play, would be a better follow-up. Your next section could offer clear reasons why undergraduates have as much or more right to attend an undergraduate event as wealthy alumnibut this information would not go in the same section as the fan support stuff. You cannot convince a confused person, so keep things tidy and ordered. Disclaimer: The reference papers provided by serve as model papers for students and are not to be submitted as it is. These papers are intended to be used for research and reference purposes only. Proposition (Propositio): After you provide the reader with contextual knowledge, you are ready to state your claims which relate to the information you have provided previously. This section outlines your major points for the reader. It is important to have an interesting topic and a strong thesis statement when writing essays. The thesis is considered the main claim of an essay.
You can use different types of claims to create possible arguments for the topics you choose to examine. At times, a debatable thesis can have two or more claims. It is better to incorporate various claims to make your essay more compelling and longer. The types of claims include; Statement of Your Position: Students should not be required to wear school uniforms. Mandatory uniforms would forbid choices that allow students to be creative and express themselves through clothing. Refutation (Refuatio): There is some evidence that raising the federal wage might increase the cost of living. However, other evidence contradicts this or suggests that the increase would not be great. Additionally, worries about a cost of living increase must be balanced with the benefits of providing necessary funds to millions of hardworking Americans. So, think of ways to write a strong and engaging introductory paragraph - one that keeps them invested in what you have to say. Dont spend time repeating the assignment specifications or writing definitions as none of these are necessary. There are several reasons this statement is too broad to argue.
How to use argumentative in a sentence
The Rogerian Method(named for, but not developed by, influential American psychotherapist Carl R. Rogers)is a popular method for controversial issues. This strategy seeks to find a common ground between parties by making the audience understand perspectives that stretch beyond (or even run counter to) the writers position. Moreso than other methods, it places an emphasis on reiterating an opponent's argument to his or her satisfaction. The persuasive power of the Rogerian Method lies in its ability to define the terms of the argument in such a way that: You may be surprised to hear that the word argument does not have to be written anywhere in your assignment for it to be an important part of your task. In fact, making an argumentexpressing a point of view on a subject and supporting it with evidenceis often the aim of academic writing. Your instructors may assume that you know this and thus may not explain the importance of arguments in class. In order for your argument to be persuasive, it must use an organizational structure that the audience perceives as both logical and easy to parse. Three argumentative methodstheToulmin Method, Classical Method, and Rogerian Methodgive guidance for how to organize the points in an argument.