Introduction to the Academic Argument
Basic Organization
Introduction
- Gain audience attention & engagement
- Provide context (background on issue)
- Establish writer’s credibility
- Make central claim (thesis)
Body
- Reasons in support of the claim
- Evidence to support reasons
- Analysis and discussion of evidence
Conclusion
- Summary of the argument
- Points out significant implications of this issue
- Makes clear what the writer wants the audience to think, feel, or do
The Goal of Argument
Begins as a Response to an Issue or Problem
Enter and Contribute to the "Conversation"
Academic Argument: Characteristic Features
Persuades others to change their position or perspective and perhaps even move them to action in your conclusion.
- Standard Edited English
- Clear and recognizable patterns of organization
- Logical relationships between ideas
- Claims are stated explicitly and appropriately supported
- Ideas are clearly and directly expressed
- Addresses the responses of others
- Documentation of sources using the appropriate citation style
Rhetorical Definition
ARGUMENT refers to ANY WAY that human beings express themselves to try to achieve a certain purpose
Appealing to Ethos
How can you create and maintain credibility and good character throughout your argument?
Careful Research and Documentation
Personal background and experience
Establishing Common Ground
Demonstrating fairness by representing other positions accurately
How can you appeal to your audience’s sense of logic?
How can you appeal to your audience's emotions in an appropriate way?
Include appropriate reasons and evidence to support your claim
Images
Facts and statistics
Surveys and questionnaires
Word Choice
Observations and experiments
Interviews
Examples
Testimony
Personal Experience
Common Ground
Charts, images, other visuals