What Is an Argument?

Prepare

As you prepare to write your first discussion this week, take a few moments to do the following:

• Read “An Introduction to Argument.”
• Read the sample essay, “Flag Burning.”
• Review the grading rubric for this discussion.
  

Reflect

Before drafting your initial post, take time to reflect on the idea of argument in an academic setting. Think about your own natural communication style and your typical behavior in an argument. Are you typically calm and logical when making an argument? Do you tend to appeal to emotion? Do you often get frustrated when trying to prove your point? Think critically about your personal communication style and its effectiveness in an academic setting.

Write (due Thursday, Day 3)

In 200 to 300 words, describe argument in your own words. Include the roles of the four basic elements of an argument in your description. Give an example of an argument you have experienced and identify the claims, evidence, counterargument, and rebuttal used.

• If you cannot think of an example from your own life, you may analyze the persuasive student paper, Flag Burning, from the Ashford Writing Center instead. You must identify claims, evidence, counterarguments, and rebuttals present in the student paper.
• Be sure to include any questions or confusion you have regarding rhetoric, argument, and the Classic/Rogerian styles.

Respond to Peers (due Monday, Day 7)

In 125 to 200 words each, respond to at least two classmates. In each response, address your classmate’s questions and concerns with information from class and your own research or web search. Then, analyze your classmate’s description of argument and provide additional information or share examples of the basic elements of an argument.