What Should You Do When Developing Your Argument?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Develop your argument by considering the evidence and drawing your own conclusion . If you are considering a range of opinions, try to group them together under different headings. Look at the strengths and weaknesses of the different sets of evidence and present these clearly and in a critical way.

What does it mean to develop an argument?

When you develop your argument, you are confirming your own position , building your case. Use empirical evidence—facts and statistics—to support your claims. Appeal to your audience’s rational and logical thinking. Argue your case from the authority of your evidence and research.

How do you develop an argument?

  1. Deconstruct the question. ...
  2. Map a tentative stance on the topic. ...
  3. Find and review preliminary evidence. ...
  4. Revise your stance. ...
  5. Formulate an argument statement and identify main points. ...
  6. Note counter arguments for your main points. ...
  7. Write up your argument.

What should be done first in developing and supporting an argument?

First, you need to chose your position . When you are researching a topic, you will probably come across a range of positions, sometimes extremely opposed to each other. You will then have to evaluate each position and decide why one is more valid than another.

What makes good arguments?

A good argument is an argument that is either valid or strong, and with plausible premises that are true, do not beg the question, and are relevant to the conclusion . ... “The conclusion of this argument is true, so some or all the premises are true.”

How do you develop your arguments in the body of your essay?

  1. Develop a thesis statement. This will outline your premises and the conclusion you will draw. ...
  2. Link the points in your argument. ...
  3. Include evidence. ...
  4. Consider counterarguments. ...
  5. Create a strong conclusion.

What are the steps of the argument process?

  1. Clarification of meaning.
  2. Identification of conclusion {stated and unstated}.
  3. Portrayal of structure.
  4. Formulation of unstated assumptions {missing premises}: ...
  5. Criticism of. ...
  6. Introduction of other relevant arguments.
  7. Overall evaluation of argument in light of 1 through 6.

What makes a strong and valid argument?

Definition: A strong argument is a non-deductive argument that succeeds in providing probable, but not conclusive, logical support for its conclusion . A weak argument is a non-deductive argument that fails to provide probable support for its conclusion.

How do you analyze an issue and develop an argument?

  1. How does it make you feel?
  2. What is the purpose?
  3. What is the message?
  4. Who is the intended audience?
  5. What are the main points?
  6. What evidence supports the main points?
  7. What is the quality of that evidence?

What is a good example of an argument?

For example, the subject of an argument might be, “ The internet is a good invention .” Then, we support this contention with logical reasons, such as “It is a source of endless information,” and “It is a hub of entertainment,” and so on. In the end, we conclude the argument by giving our verdict.

What are arguments in an essay?

In academic writing, an argument is usually a main idea , often called a “claim” or “thesis statement,” backed up with evidence that supports the idea. ... If your papers do not have a main point, they cannot be arguing for anything.

How do you argue in an argumentative essay?

  1. Present the issue. Introduce the problem and explain why it should be addressed.
  2. Summarize the opposing arguments. State their points and discuss situations in which their points can be valid. ...
  3. State your points. ...
  4. State the benefits of adopting your points.

What are the five elements of an effective argument?

  • Claim;
  • Reason;
  • Evidence;
  • Warrant;
  • Acknowledgement and Response.

What I have learned about argumentative essay?

A well-written argumentative essay has a clear, narrowly-tailored thesis that is supported by each subsequent paragraph. Students master the importance of staying on topic , of compellingly supporting their arguments and of sticking to a thesis that they can defend in the allotted space.

How do you structure a good argument?

  1. Consider the situation. ...
  2. Clarify your thinking. ...
  3. Construct a claim. ...
  4. Collect evidence. ...
  5. Consider key objections. ...
  6. Craft your argument. ...
  7. Confirm your main point.

How do you organize an argument?

  1. Pre-Write/Outline. ...
  2. Make sure you begin each paragraph with a topic sentence. ...
  3. Make sure every topic sentence (and therefore, every paragraph) relates directly back to your thesis statement. ...
  4. Use effective transitions between paragraphs. ...
  5. Re-read your paper!

How do you present an argument?

  1. Topical Strategy. A topical strategy is one way to present your material. ...
  2. Chronological Order. A second method is to structure your argument in chronological order, or order of sequence of time. ...
  3. Strongest-Weakest.

What ideas and issues would I argue for?

  • Can the death penalty be effective? ...
  • Can smoking be prevented by making tobacco illegal? ...
  • Are girls too “mean” in their friendship? ...
  • Is competition really good? ...
  • Is buying a lottery ticket a good idea?
  • Is religion the cause of war?
  • Is fashion really important?

How do you defend an argument?

  1. Argue the point, not the person. Someone states their opinion and it makes your blood curdle. ...
  2. Use data and research as much as you can. ...
  3. Don’t put words in your opponent’s mouth. ...
  4. Don’t go on a tangent. ...
  5. Stay positive, polite, and professional.

How do arguments help us think critically?

A crucial part of critical thinking is to identify, construct, and evaluate arguments . ... To give an argument is to provide a set of premises as reasons for accepting the conclusion. To give an argument is not necessarily to attack or criticize someone. Arguments can also be used to support other people’s viewpoints.

How do you identify an argument?

  1. Understand the Context: Is someone trying to convince you of something?
  2. Identify the Conclusion: What are they trying to convince you?
  3. Identify the Reasons: Why do they think you should believe them?

How do you explicate an argument?

To explicate the argument is simply to clearly identify the premises and the conclusion , by writing down declarative sentences that express them.

Why do we use argument in everyday life?

Argument helps us learn to clarify our thoughts and articulate them honestly and accurately and to consider the ideas of others in a respectful and critical manner. The purpose of argument is to change people’s points of view or to persuade people to a particular action or behavior.

What are the 7 elements of an argument?

Information is used, but it is organized based on these major components of an argument: claim, reason, evidence, counter-claim, and rebuttal .

How do you write and against arguments?

Make a list of the points for and against. Remember that the key to writing a good balanced essay is to include as many arguments you disagree with as those you agree with . They should be noted impartially although in your conclusion you can say why you find one side more convincing than the other. 2.

What is argumentative essay and examples?

An argumentative essay expresses an extended argument for a particular thesis statement . The author takes a clearly defined stance on their subject and builds up an evidence-based case for it. Argumentative essays are by far the most common type of essay to write at university.

How do you write an argumentative essay example?

The basic formula is this: Introductory Paragraph – containing a hook and thesis statement. Body Paragraphs – containing at least three striking arguments and one rebuttal to the opposing side. Conclusion – summarizing the main points and leaving a lasting mark on readers’ minds.

Amira Khan
Author
Amira Khan
Amira Khan is a philosopher and scholar of religion with a Ph.D. in philosophy and theology. Amira's expertise includes the history of philosophy and religion, ethics, and the philosophy of science. She is passionate about helping readers navigate complex philosophical and religious concepts in a clear and accessible way.