ENG 123 Lecture 3: Intermediate Composition Lecture Notes 3
Arguing
Arguing: Thesis
-In a sentence of two, it asserts or states the main point of any argument you want to make
-Assertion of opinion: what is your position on a controversial issue?
-Assertion of policy: What is your understanding of a policy, and what do you think should be done to solve?
-Assertion of cause: what do you think made a subject the way it is?
Make Arguable Assertions
-Reasoned argument is called for when informed people disagree over an issue or remain divided over how best
to solve a problem
-A thesis must be arguable assertion. They should be possibilities or probabilities of certainties
-Should not be a fact verifiable by checking an authoritative reference book, asking an authority, or observing a
fact with your own eyes
-Stating a fact and supporting it with authorities or statistics if a report, not an argument
-Expressions of personal opinions also not arguable assertions
Use clear and precise wording
-The way a thesis is worded is important to its arguability
-The wording of a thesis, especially its key terms, must be clear and precise
-Meaning should be clear, not vague, and /or ambiguous
Qualify the thesis appropriately
-If your case is so strong that your readers will accept your argument without question, state it emphatically and
unconditionally
-If you expect readers to challenge your assumptions or conclusions, qualify your statement
-Expressions like probably, very likely, apparently, it seems, etc.
Reasons and support
-Reasons: they answer the question, "why do you think so?"
-Support those reasons: examples, statistics, authorities, anecdotes, and textual evidence
Use representative examples
-Representative: typical of all the relevant examples you might have chosen
-Consistent with the experience of your readers. Familiar to them and not extreme
-Adequate in number. Numerous enough to be convincing and yet not likely to overwhelm readers.
Statistics
-Up to date
-Relevant
-Accurate
-Reliable sources and cite the sources where they originally appeared if possible
Citing Authorities
-Quoting, paraphrasing or even just referring to respected authorities can add credibility
-Authorities must be authoritative-trustworthy and reputable
-Must be specifically qualified to contribute to the subject you are writing about
-Should have training at respected institutions or have unique real world experiences. Should have a record or
research and publications recognized by other authorities
Anecdotes
-Brief stories about events or experiences
-Relevant: more than an entertaining diversion. Should seem like an irreplaceable contribution to the argument
-Should be well told
-True to life: seems believable, even if its foreign to readers experience s
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Document Summary
In a sentence of two, it asserts or states the main point of any argument you want to make. Reasoned argument is called for when informed people disagree over an issue or remain divided over how best to solve a problem. They should be possibilities or probabilities of certainties. Should not be a fact verifiable by checking an authoritative reference book, asking an authority, or observing a fact with your own eyes. Stating a fact and supporting it with authorities or statistics if a report, not an argument. Expressions of personal opinions also not arguable assertions. The way a thesis is worded is important to its arguability. The wording of a thesis, especially its key terms, must be clear and precise. Meaning should be clear, not vague, and /or ambiguous. If your case is so strong that your readers will accept your argument without question, state it emphatically and unconditionally.
