Argumentative Writing

Argumentative Writing

Argumentative writing – formal or informal writing aimed at presenting ideas and issues in a fair-minded and rational way, i.e., with sufficient evidence to support your claims, to appeal to the reader’s open mind and judgment

Types of Argument:

Aristotelian – Argument made to confirm a position or hypothesis or to refute an existing point of view. The writer attempts to persuade the reader to a particular point of view. Aristotelian argument uses ethos, pathos, and logos to take an adversarial stance against opposing arguments with the aim of convincing readers to change their beliefs, attitudes, and/or behavior.

Rogerian – Argument made to develop consensus among audience rather than establish the superiority of one position over another. The writer attempts to eliminate conflict between ideas by using neutral language, establishing trust, and including different perspectives. The writer demonstrates understanding of opposing views and advances a conclusion that recognizes the interests of all parties and that identifies the common characteristics, goals, and values that underlie opposed positions.

Purposes of Argument

1. To change people’s points of view or persuade them to accept new points of view

2. To persuade people to take action or change their behavior

Argument accomplishes both purposes by providing a mechanism to evaluate conflicting claims, judge evidence, and clarify our own/others beliefs.

Dimensions of Argumentative Writing

Introduction

1. Should convince your audience of the topic’s importance

2. Should set a context for your argument (who is affected? why is the concern significant? what are the critical issues at odds in the argument?)

3. The thesis –

a. is often the proposition itself

b. it should make clear what you are arguing for

c. it should describe an area of uncertainty about which there are competing arguments

d. it SHOULD NOT be a question (despite what your reading suggests)

The Body - Developing Arguments

1. Consider potential sources of opposition and possible responses

a. Do opponents oversimplify the issue

b. Do opponents fail to consider alternatives, especially yours, fully

c. Do opponents account for evidence effectively/offer adequate evidence

d. Do opponents counter-arguments overwhelm your entire position or do they suggest the need to modify your argument

2. Use all the available means of persuasion

a. Reason

1. Inductive argument

2. Deductive argument

b. Ethics

1. Use evidence transparently and honestly

2. Avoid polemic arguments that suggest you have not carefully reasoned to your conclusion

c. Emotion

1. Avoid manipulative appeals

2. Choose representative examples