Arguing a Position
Key Features:
A clear and arguable position: a claim with which people can reasonably disagree with.
Must reflect at least one of two points of view.
Necessary background information.
Good reasons.
Convincing supprt for each reason.
Appeals to readers' values.
A trustworthy tone.
Careful consideration of other positions.
A Guide to Arguing:
Choosing a topic:
helps if it interests you right now.
are focused, but not too narrowly.
have some personal connection to your life. (note my avid interest in autism and vaccines)
Don't forget to consider the rhetorical situation:
Purpose
Audience
Stance
Media/Design
Generating ideas and text:
Explore what you already know about the issue.
Do some research.
Explore the issue strategically.
Definition
Classification
Comparison
Process
Reconsider whether the issue can be argued.
Draft a thesis.
Qualify your thesis (in certain circumstances, with certain conditions, with these limitations).
Can it be true in some circumstances?
Can it be true at some times?
Can it be true for some groups or individuals?
Can it be true under certain circumstances?
Come up with good reasons.
Thesis:
Underlying reason (because)
Develop support for your reasons.
Identify other positions.
Acknowledge other positions.
Refute other positions.
Ways of organizing an Argument:
Introduce the issue and provide necessary background.
State your thesis.
Give the first reason, with support.
Give the second reason, with support.
Continue as needed.
Acknowledge and/or refute other arguments.
End with a call to action, a restatement of your thesis, or a statement of implications.
Draft a beginning.
Offer background information.
Define key terms.
Begin with a hook.
Explain the context for your position.
Draft an ending.
Summarize your main points.
Call for action.
Frame your argument by referring to the introduction.
Come up with a title.
Questions to ask as you revise:
Is there sufficient background or context?
Is the thesis clear and appropriately qualified?
Are the reasons plausible?
Is there enough support for these reasons? Is the support appropriate?
Have you cited enough sources and are these sources credible?
Can readers follow the steps in your reasoning?
Have you considered potential objections or other positions?
Are source materials documented carefully and completely, with intext citations and a works cited
section?