The Argument Essay

Kim Miller-Davis

First: What is Argument?

Is it this?

Or this?

In recent years, pop culture has made arguing look like something reasonable people should avoid.

Like this:

And This….

Although sometimes arguing can be entertaining,

Good Arguing has a Higher Purpose.

To Convince

Warning: Don’t Confuse

Argument with Fact or Opinion

A Fact is:

A statement that can be proven or disproven with quick verification and little effort.

The Eifel Tower is located in Paris, France.

An Opinion is:

A statement of personal preference I like chocolate chip cookies.

You cannot argue facts or opinions

Why Not?

Let’s Try:

The Eiffel Tower is not located in Paris, France

You do NOT like chocolate chip cookies!

The previous examples sound ridiculous because there is not any way to reasonably oppose them.

But…. Arguments can be opposed reasonably

Think of an Argument as….

An Academic Opinion

What does that mean?

An Argument is:A reasonable claim that can be backed up with evidence or support.

Unlike facts & opinions, arguments can be reasonably opposed.

Example:Teachers should be held accountable for student

achievement on standardized tests.

It can be reasonably opposed.

Teachers should not be held accountable for student achievement on standardized tests.

You might not agree with the statement, but it fits the

requirement of a reasonable claim that opposes the premise of the

original argument

Let’s ReviewAn Argument:

• Is a reasonable claim• Can be backed up with evidence & support• Has reasonable opposition

The Argumentative Essay:

is structured around the writer’s claim so that all of the written material is designed to persuade the readers that the claim is valid.

There are Four Basic Types of Claims

• Substantiation• Evaluation• Policy• Definition

Substantiation:

Claim of Cause/Effect Video Games cause violent behavior.

Evaluation:

Claim of Judgment

Scuba Diving is the best form of exercise.

Policy:

Claim of Recommendation The school should institute a ban on cell phones.

Definition:

Claim of Category Protesting the President of the United States is an act of treason.

A Good Way to Remember the First Three Categories:

• Substantiation: Contains words similar to “cause” Examples: result of, reason for, effect, etc.

• Evaluation: Contains a judgmental adjectiveExamples: beneficial, superior, inferior, harmful, etc.

• Policy: Contains words like “should” or “should not” Examples: must, must not, need, do not need

Definition Claims

• Contain a linking verbExample Linking Verbs: is, are, was, were, have been, is being

• The linking verb acts as an equals sign Protesting the President=an act of treason

• The claim is an equation with two equal sides• Does not contain judgment words• Typically re-categorizes something—gives it a NEW

definition

Examples of Definition Claims

• Watching television is a form of learning.• Cooking is an art.• Political debates are designed for entertainment.• “Religion is […]an opium of the people”---Karl Marx

All of these statements contain a linking verb that acts as an equals sign, separating the sentence into two equal parts where one side re-categorizes the subject.

Now you try---Name the Claim

Claim 1:

The 9/11 Attacks were not criminal actions;

they were acts of war.

Definition Claim

Claim 2:

The United States should provide aid to the Syrian people.

Policy Claim

Claim 3:

This nation’s fascination with fast food is the reason for our high rates of obesity.

Substantiation Claim

Claim 4:

Returning to College is a good idea for veterans.

Evaluation Claim

WHY do we use argument?To Convince

WHAT is an argument?A reasonable claim backed up with

evidence or support WHICH types exist?

Evaluation, Judgment, Cause/Effect, Definition

Now, let’s talk about--How?

Know Your Audience• Who are they?• What appeals to them?• What information do they know?• What are their possible objections?

Make a Clear & Specific Claim

You should be able to state the basic premise of your argument in a few words

Use Evidence & Explain It

You must use a combination of facts, statistics, and anecdotal examples. You must also explain how that evidence proves your point.

Stay on Track

Don’t get bogged down in details and side tracks. If you get lost, so will your reader.

Use a Combination of Appeals

• Logos=Reason

• Pathos=Emotion

• Ethos=Practicality, Ethics, & Goodwill

Reinforce Your Position

If you do not emphatically remind your reader of your position and its importance & validity, your reader will lose interest.

The Argument Essay:

• Purpose: To prove an argument• An argument is not a fact or opinion• Argument=claim that can be backed up with

evidence and support• Four Types of Claims: Substantiation,

Evaluation, Policy, & Definition