The Structure of a Classical Argument

What is it to argue ?
thinking critically

reasoning
making choices weighing evidence

Organization in a nutshell:
All argumentative topics have PROs and CONs. Before writing, it is imperative to make a list of these ideas and choose the most suitable ones among them for supporting and refuting.

steps in planning an argumentative essay

1) Query keywords in question 2) Identify key issues 3) Uncover Assumptions 4) Brainstorm both sides 5) Broaden and deepen (Scope and depth) 6) Take a stand 7) Identify 2 strongest arguments, problematise and rebut 8) Thesis statement [Establish relationships or comprehend the broader significance of a topic to arrive at a thesis statement.]
Slides 16 & 17 illustrate how this 8-step plan can be achieved within 10-minute timeframe.

Useful ways to develop your

paragraphs

(a) Provide illustrations/examples of the general points made (b) Draw an analogy to illustrate an abstract idea (c) Use a credible quotation to lend force to the point made (d) Point to a contrast to highlight a point being made (e) Modify/refute a statement/point of view (f) Define a concept to be dealt with (g) Enumerate details (h) Justify a view through a presentation of a set of arguments (i) Rephrase/repeat something in order to give it added emphasis (for conclusion) Therefore, paragraphs fulfil the following functions Classification Comparison Contrast Cause and effect Time Procedure Conclusion

EXAMPLE of a well-crafted Paragraph Clear topic sentence that is adequately elaborated, and a link is made to address the question
Question: The new media is overrated. Do you agree?

The ordinary person who never used to be able to freely express his views to the public has now been given a prominent voice on issues affecting him, society and the rest of the world. It has become so much easier for a person to express what he or she is thinking through the new media with the simple touch of a button. The rising number of people using the new media for such purposes has coined new terms such as citizen journalism and online community. When the AWARE saga broke out in Singapore, online communities were engaged in heated debates on religion and homosexuality in Singapore. The new media was able to provide a platform for these people to express their opinions on these topics easily. The newspaper on the other hand could only provide news and updates on the issue and a moderated forum for people to share their views. The new media would not be overrated in this sense because it has been able to provide people with a more effective platform and communicative tool than what was previously available.

Avoid the pitfalls of arguing by example (one example does not make it true in all circumstances, and should this example no longer hold true, your entire argument collapses) Do not SKIP/JUMP steps in logic when you need to explain how X (event/concept) can lead to Y(outcome)!

How to rebut?
Once you have thought up some counterarguments, consider how you will respond to them. Will you concede that your opponent has a point but explain why your audience should nonetheless accept your argument? Will you reject the counterargument and explain why it is mistaken? Either way, you will want to leave your reader with a sense that your argument is stronger than opposing arguments.

Be sure that your reply is consistent with your original argument. It is usually better to consider one or two serious counterarguments in some depth, rather than to give a long but superficial list of many different counterarguments and replies.
When you are summarizing opposing arguments, be charitable. Present each argument fairly and objectively, rather than trying to make it look foolish. You want to show that you have seriously considered the many sides of the issue and that you are not simply attacking or caricaturing your opponents.

strategies for writing an effective

conclusion

Synthesize, don't summarize. Don't simply repeat things that were in your paper. Instead, show your reader how the points you made and the support and examples you used fit together. Pull it all together. Provide a provocative insight or quotation from the research or reading you did for your topic. Propose a course of action, a solution to an issue, or questions for further study. Point to broader implications.

There are patterns:

Pattern 1:

possible

organization

Thesis statement: your interpretation of

the topic
PRO idea 1 PRO idea 2 CON(s) + Refutation(s) Conclusion

Pattern 2:
Thesis statement: CON(s) + Refutation(s) PRO idea 1 PRO idea 2 Conclusion

Pattern 3:

Thesis statement:
CON idea 1 -----> Refutation

CON idea 2
CON idea 3

----->
----->

Refutation
Refutation

Conclusion

a thesis: a statement that serves as the premise in the argument. the thesis should reveal your point of view on the subject and the problem. Your point of view should be supported with reliable evidence.

The thesis should guide in the course of writing

X AVOID simplification of the thesis

For example: (making statement that is well-known, banal or obvious).
The topic: "The Basic healthcare for cats". The oversimplification of the thesis: "Basic healthcare for cats is vital for these animals". The thesis that is too broad:

"Basic health care for cats should comprise several services". (The writer might wind up with the enumeration of the health care services that should be provided, thus making the paper boring to read).

More perfected thesis:

"There is controversy as to whether human medicines are effective in treatment of cats".

is my thesis strong enough?

Do I answer the question? Re-reading the question prompt after constructing a working thesis can help you fix an argument that misses the focus of the question. Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose?If your thesis simply states facts that no one would, or even could, disagree with, it's possible that you are simply providing a summary, rather than making an argument. Is my thesis statement specific enough? Thesis statements that are too vague often do not have a strong argument. If your thesis contains words like "good" or "successful," see if you could be more specific: why is something "good"; what specifically makes something "successful"? Does my thesis pass the "So what?" test? If a reader's first response is, "So what?" then you need to clarify, to forge a relationship, or to connect to a larger issue. Does my thesis pass the "how and why?" test? If a reader's first response is "how?" or "why?" your thesis may be too open-ended and lack guidance for the reader. See what you can add to give the reader a better take on your position right from the beginning.

useful formulae for thesis

statements

If you're not sure whether you have a good thesis statement, see whether you can fit your ideas into one of these basic patterns.

[Something] [does something] because [reason(s)]. Because [reason(s)], [something] [does something]. Although [opposing evidence], [reasons] show [Something] [does something].
EXAMPLES: Restoring old houses is rewarding because it is exciting, relaxing, and satisfying.
WHATS COMMON? >>> ESTABLISH RELATIONSHIPS OR SHOW IMPLICATIONS

Being a teacher is a great profession, because it allows me to work with students and be creative. Learning to play many musical instruments when I was young helped me to become a more intelligent and well-rounded person.

Planning an essay following the 8-step plan [refer slide 4]

EXAMPLE: "Obtaining a degree is a good measure of one's success in life" What are your views? Step 1 Definitions: Obtaining- accquiring Good -Accurate measure - yardstick, criterion Success- Attainment of goals > material well-being, happiness, love in family, spiritual enlightenment, fame, outstanding achievements, altruistic achievements Step 2 Key Issues Life's goals Education Step 3 Assumptions Qualifications would open many doors, options Education, you are more knowledgable to seize, get hold of opportunities Social Status, recognition

planning an essay following the 8-step plan [refer slide 4]

Step 4, Step 5

Agree : Qualification - good career - money

knowledge training KBE - fame, breakthrough - fulfilling/ satisfying Social Status - respected

Disagree: Different goals of life ( Homemaker - happiness, love)

Different talents, not only academic ( Tiger woods in sports, actors/actresses in arts) ( different routes to fame and material well-being) Even in KBE, people can succeed without a degree ( Steve Jobs, Sim Wong Hoo, Elim Chew ( Creative Entrepreneurs) Step 6 Stand: Obtaining a degree is not a good measure of one's success in life. Step 7: 2 strongest arguments on opposing sides : Qualification & KBE ( knowledge-based Economy) Step 8: Thesis Obtaining a degree is not a good measure of one's success in life because life goals are unique to each person and many other types of talents, other than academic excellence are recognised in society.

some transition markers

Purposes---------Appropriate linking words Adding & amplifying information ----Moreover, Furthermore Comparing-----Similarly, Compared to Talking about consequences-----Therefore, Consequently Sequencing information-----Firstly, Next Expressing contrast------However, Nevertheless Concession-----Admittedly, Although Emphasising-----Indeed, Above all Giving examples ----- For instance, As an illustration Restating & defining-----In other words Summarising & generalising----In conclusion, All in all