The Elements of Argument

(Formulaic Outline, right?!?)

1. Thesis statement--takes a stand.
2 and 3 (3 and 2!).

• Supporting evidence
• Facts
• Supported Opinions
• "experts"
• Unsupported opinions
• rely heavily on more reasoning/explanation, but worthy

• Refutation of other "sides":  identify, explain, imagine other people--people with possibly different beliefs from you................................... 

• What will or might others think?  

• ...Imagining what others may think or feel is tricky but part of all of our critical thinking and writing development.

4. Conclusion

• Reiterate your writeness...I mean, your rightness...I mean, your stance. We shall talk more about crafting conclusions and what else may show up in them in a later class (see syllabus schedule).

Writing Gestures in Argument/Persuasive Essays

Tactful, Courteous Language:

• Avoid large, sweeping statements (Everyone, Nobody, All, . . .)
• Avoid boxing in you, your readership, or those with differing viewpoints into overly general teams/categories.
• Avoid personal attacks (ad hominem) or bold judgments of anyone you are speaking about!

• However, one might consider a persuasive way of describing the action of a person/group in regards to TONE

Point Out Common Ground: if there is something within the larger argument that you agree with, it is effective to make reader see your open-mindedness.  

• Discussing in your argument where you agree with others will logically be followed by your contrasting interpretation of what sides agree upon.

• Quick Brainstorming:  Write down a couple of ideas that you may share with "the opposition." Specify who this person/group is...

Acknowledge Differing Viewpoints: start with the different viewpoint and use a change in direction transitional word/phrase (however, while, although, in contrast, …) and then go into your viewpoint.

• You may also start with the proper transitional phrase and differing viewpoint, insert the comma at the end of that point, and then go into your viewpoint

Make Reader Aware of the Merits of Differing Viewpoint: beyond just stating different views, adding some of the positives of that other view will enable you to compare and contrast the positives of the other side with the positives of your side! 

Quick Brainstorming:  Write down what you feel is "good" or "right" about "the opposition's" point of views.

Rebut Differing Viewpoints (even published critics/authorities): Many large issues have common arguments made for either side. After acknowledging a differing view, make arguments for why the view is less valid than your own.

• Quick Brainstorming:  Write down what you think "the opposition" is missing or ignoring in their own point(s).