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Structuring Argument

Structuring Argument. What is Argument?. It is not angry disagreement. It is a search for “Truth.” When we argue, we must weigh conflicting claims make judgments about evidence and methods of investigation state our thoughts clearly, accurately, and honestly

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Structuring Argument

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  1. Structuring Argument

  2. What is Argument? • It is not angry disagreement. • It is a search for “Truth.” • When we argue, we must • weigh conflicting claims • make judgments about evidence and methods of investigation • state our thoughts clearly, accurately, and honestly • consider, respectfully and critically, the ideas of others.

  3. The Rhetorical Situation • Argument is made for a specific purpose for a specific audience in response to a specific context • Purpose is to persuade • Primary audience are those who do not agree with us • Context includes the situation that led to disagreement and quest for “truth”

  4. Anticipating the Opposition • How strong is the opposition? • What arguments might it use against my position? • How can I refute these arguments? • Will I have to concede any points? • Which of my arguments might the opposition try to discredit? • How closely does my reader identify with the opposition? • Can I see any weak links in the opposition's thinking? Hairston, Maxine. A Contemporary Rhetoric. 3rd ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1982.

  5. Organizing the Argument Paper • Introduction • Context/background • Common ground • Claim • My Position • Showing how my side is right • Using evidence • My Opponents’ Position • Showing how they are wrong • Refuting their evidence • Conclusion • Introduction • Context/background • Common ground • Claim • My Opponents’ Position • Showing how they are wrong • Refuting their evidence • My Position • Showing how my side is right • Using evidence • Conclusion

  6. Steps in Refuting Argument • Identify. • Briefly identify the argument you are refuting. Readers need to know what you are talking about, but you don’t want to be make your opponents’ arguments for him. • Explain. • In one sentence, explain your main objection to the argument. • Support. • Support your explanation by clarifying why the argument is weak, or provide your counterargument. • Conclude. • Restate your objection so it sticks with your audience. Tie your refutation to the refutation of your opponent’s position on the controversy

  7. Example Refutation • [Name:] Opponents claim that Dr. Smith's study clearly shows that video games do not lead to violence. [Explain:] However, Dr. Smith’s study is biased. [Support:] According to the 2001 investigation by the Parent's Defense League, his research is entirely funded by the video game industry. [Conclude:] Without more credible evidence to prove a link between video games and violence, there is no reason to ban video games.

  8. Finding Ways to Refute an Argument • Consider each of your opponent’s reasons and evidence and ask the following questions: • What makes this reason relevant? • What makes this reason effective? • What evidence supports this reason? • Is this evidence sufficient? • Is this evidence credible? • Is this evidence accurate? • Refuting arguments

  9. Conceding an Argument • When your opposition makes a valid argument that you can’t refute, acknowledge it. • Claim: Snowmobiles should be banned in the park because they pollute and are noisy. • Example Concession One: • Opponents of a ban argue that a central mission of the park is to provide access to everyone, not just the physically fit. Admittedly, winter access is important, but ordinary people can enjoy the park by means other than snowmobiles….

  10. Another Concession Example While censorship is dangerous to a free society, some of the concerned citizens who are in favor of censorship may have valid points when they object that children should not be exposed to television violence. [This concedes and anticipates an objection in one sentence.] Indeed, often there is too much violence on television [Another concession, a point of agreement.] Perhaps the answer is for all networks to establish the same guidelines of self-censorship [Offer of a partial solution most can agree on.] If the networks were more responsible and tried to avoid material that is in poor taste, governmental officials, religious groups, and concerned parents might not feel the need to be involved in their decisions at all. http://www.rscc.cc.tn.us/owl&writingcenter/OWL/Argumentation.html

  11. Words that Concede • Although • Even though • While • Indeed • Granted • To be sure • Admittedly • It is true that

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