HW 6/28

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  • Conventional forms of an argument in a certain discipline is to persuade other researchers into doing their own studies or apply the information to a preexisting problem
  • A successful argument includes a claim on a disputed/contested topic and then using reliable evidence to back it up
  • When choosing a topic for a research paper it is important to ask, is the issue contested? Is the issue something you are invested in? Is it limited enough in terms of amount of actual research?
  • A thesis statement contains, the topic and the claim made on the topic
  • When starting a paper have a working thesis that can be subject to change as more research is done
  • It is important to consider the other sides arguments and the concerns they may have with your side
  • Consider the intended audience when forming an argument and choose the best tone, style, and diction from there
  • From the audience consider how much background knowledge they may have on the subject
  • When forming an argument find as much common ground as possible to keep both sides engaged (Rogerian argument)
  • Classical form of argument is based on that humans are naturally open minded and predictable
  • Important things to do in an argument, know more on the topic then the audience, define the terms used to support the argument, and use evidence effectively
  • For evidence distinguish between fact and opinion, find expert knowledge, have caution when using personal or anecdotal experience (not the main support of the argument)
  • Logos used to appeal to reason, logic is used to lay out the argument as to why the claim is true or the most logical point of view
  • Ethos to appeal more trustworthy to the audience
  • Pathos to appeal to people emotions to persuade them
  • Arguments can be analyzed by the Toulmin method, a trickle-down method; data, claim, warrants, backing, qualifiers, rebuttals
  • Fallacy is an error in reasoning, fallacies of relevance add unrelated evidence, fallacy of ambiguity has unclear terms/hard to understand evidence
  • Concede: give credence to an opposing viewpoint
  • Refute: examine an alternative viewpoint and explain why it is incorrect or not the best
  • Be sure to proof read the essay when finished

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