english argument essay
Ashrestha1
DevelopingEffectiveArgument_ResearchPaper.pptKEY TERMS IN ARGUMENTATION: REVIEW
Stance –
the position taken toward the issue
I believe all public high schools should require that their
students wear uniforms.
Claim –
the assertion made in an argument;
the “big idea,” main point, or thesis
Because of the benefit to the academic environment, public high
schools should require that their students wear uniforms.
KEY TERMS IN ARGUMENTATION: REVIEW
Reason –
the rationale for a claim
● Students focus on academics rather than appearance.
● Students are no longer judged on how they dress.
● Administrators have more time to focus on important issues
rather than dress code violations.
Evidence/support –
the body of information used to
support claims
● Studies show a seven percent increase in grades at schools where uniforms are mandatory.
● Midtown High School received a TEA rating of Exemplary two years after the implementation of mandatory uniforms.
● According to West Middle School Principal John Smith, uniforms are “the best way to ensure academic success.”
KEY TERMS IN ARGUMENTATION: REVIEW
Counterarguments –
opposing viewpoints
Those who oppose school uniforms suggest that mandatory
uniforms prohibit students from expressing themselves.
Refutation –
proof that the counterargument is incorrect
(The writer’s way of proving that the counterargument
is wrong or invalid.)
However, when students are required to wear uniforms it allows
them to find other more effective and productive ways of
expressing themselves through their academic pursuits
and interests.
STEP 1: CLEARLY IDENTIFY THE ISSUE.
The issue should be:
- Debatable
- Not too broad
- Not too specific
Your research question will help address your issue.
In addressing this issue, what do you need to consider?
STEP 2: DECIDE YOUR STANCE ON THE ISSUE.
Analyze what you know about the issue.
Weigh the pros and cons of both sides of
the situation to determine how you feel about it.
You may need to complete some preliminary research in order to better understand the issue.
Example of a Stance: I believe all public high schools should require that their students wear uniforms.
STEP 3: CREATE A CLAIM.
Your claim should use well-defined terminology and should be limited in scope.
Your claim should not contain:
- Statements of fact
(For example: “The earth is round.”)
- Issues of faith or belief
(Example: We will all be reincarnated after this lifetime.)
- Matters of opinion or personal taste
(Example: Vegetarian food tastes awful.)
Example of a Claim: Because of the benefit to the academic environment, public high schools should require that their students wear uniforms.
STEP 4: PROVIDE STRONG SUPPORT/REASONS.
A reason can usually be linked to a claim with the word because.
CLAIM REASON
Public schools + because + students will
should require focus on
uniforms academics
rather than
appearance.
STEP 4: DEVELOP YOUR REASONS.
To come up with good reasons, state your stance and then answer the question why?
Examples of Reasons:
- Students focus on academics rather than appearance.
- Students are no longer judged on how they dress
- Administrators have more time to focus on important issues rather than dress code violations.
STEP 5: SELECT SPECIFIC, ACCURATE, AND RELEVANT EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT EACH REASON.
Evidence can include:
- Facts
- Statistics
- Examples
- Authorities (experts on the subject)
- Anecdotes (brief stories that act as support)
- Scenarios (hypothetical situations)
- Case studies and observations
- Textual evidence (specifically for literary analysis)
STEP 5: FIND YOUR EVIDENCE FOR EACH REASON.
Find evidence to support each of your reasons.
In many cases, evidence comes from thorough research using reliable sources. It frequently requires proper documentation using MLA format.
Examples of Evidence:
- Studies show a seven percent increase in grades at schools where uniforms are mandatory.
- Midtown High School received a TEA rating of Exemplary two years after the implementation of mandatory uniforms.
- According to West Middle School Principal John Smith, uniforms are “the best way to ensure academic success.”
STEP 6: IDENTIFY ANY APPROPRIATE COUNTERARGUMENTS.
Think about what the opposition might be thinking.
Through research and careful consideration, identify the opposition’s reasons for believing their own viewpoint and how and why they might argue against you.
Example of a Counterargument: Those who oppose school uniforms suggest that mandatory uniforms prohibit students from expressing themselves.
STEP 7: REFUTE THOSE COUNTERARGUMENTS.
Determine how you might dismiss counterarguments with additional argumentation.
Use research and evidence to support your refutation.
Example of a Refutation: However, requiring uniforms allows students to find other more effective and productive ways of expressing themselves through their academic pursuits and interests.
STEP 8: ORGANIZE YOUR EVIDENCE IN A WAY THAT EFFECTIVELY PRESENTS YOUR ARGUMENT (AND REFUTES COUNTERARGUMENTS) TO THE AUDIENCE.
Lead the reader from point to point as you build your case for your argument:
Begin by providing background and stating your thesis.
Next, you may give all the reasons for your argument, followed by discussion of other positions; or your might refute other arguments after each of your reasons.
End with a call to action, a restatement of your thesis, or a statement of implications.
Remember SPEAR!!!
KEEP IN MIND: LOCATE YOUR VOICE IN THE ARGUMENT.
In order to appear credible and reliable, keep yourself out of the argument!
Read the following two statements:
A) I feel that requiring school uniforms is a simple solution for improving our education system.
B) Requiring school uniforms is a simple solution for improving our education system.
Which writer seems more credible and knowledgeable?
STEP 8: ORGANIZE YOUR INFORMATION.
Using the information you have gathered, complete your Outline for an Argumentative Essay handout.
