Classic Argument Activity

So far, you have stated your position (thesis) and given your reasons for taking that position. If you recall, in our grocery scenario, I said that in 30 years, automobiles will be obsolete, and when you asked me why I thought that, I answered because the cost of fuel will be too high.

However, without evidence, my reason is little more than an opinion. And so, rightly, you might wonder why you should accept my opinion rather than anyone else’s. The next thing I’m going to have to do to convince you is to provide some evidence—expert testimony, statistics, examples, etc. If I cannot provide convincing evidence, you may not be persuaded to accept my position.

Subpoints that you write beneath each reason in your outline will be your evidence. Here’s how my outline might look after I add my evidence:

Thesis: In 30 years, automobiles will be obsolete.

I. Because the cost of fuel is too high.

1) 20% rise over last 3 years

2) Average family income in same period rose 13%

3) Expert testimony: Dr. Smith: “Fuel costs will continue to eat into the family budget until the cost to operate a car gets beyond the ability of an average family to pay for—probably in less than 20 years.”

II. Because people are becoming more concerned about the environmental damage done by automobiles.

1) Global warming is caused in part by auto emissions

2) Readers’ Digest survey shows 43% of Americans are concerned about damage to the environment caused by cars and trucks.

3) Sierra Club website: “Automobile manufacture and support (roads, fuel, dumps, etc.) are destroying natural resources almost as fast as logging and burning in the rainforest.”

NOTE TO STUDENTS: I made all this up for the purpose of demonstration; don’t quote me on it!”

First, you might like to brainstorm about possible evidence. Do you already have some information to support your reasons? Do you have an idea where to find some information? What kind of information are you going to need to support your reasons?

Do some research to find evidence to support your thesis and reasons.

Add to your outline at least one piece of evidence for each of your reasons. Post the revised outline. (Copy and paste it into your post rather than attaching the outline.) If you do not have the actual evidence yet, state what kind of evidence you are going to look for and where you will look for it.

ENGL 123 Outline with Evidence (0917)