Argument- Overview

The Language of Argument

Make a Claim    

A claim is a statement that is arguable. This must be supported by:

• Data or evidence
• Facts
• Examples
• Statistics
• Evidence

Evidence must be valid. Conclusion reached must follow logically from premise or preceding statements:

1. The Premise (a statement)
2. Argument  1.      Sub argument(s)
3. Conclusion
4. Premise 2
5. Argument 2

Analysis of facts

• Direct observation
• Personal experience
• Anecdotal material
• Findings in a report
• Statistics
• Research/findings from experts in a field
• Quotations from reliable sources

Persuasion

• Evidence and reasoning must be presented in persuasive manner
• Try to convince reader at all times

Facts & Opinion

A fact is something that really exists or occurs. Facts – should be verified – need to examine the evidence.

Opinion is a judgment or a belief – need to test by examining the evidence and testing what inferences can be drawn from it

Example: All planets in the solar system are round. – Fact. As the planets in the solar system are round, the earth must be a round. – Inference. All planets in the solar system are wonderful. – Opinion

Remember

• Don’t jump to conclusions
• Don’t make sweeping or extravagant claims
• Don’t take the disputed point for granted
• Don’t ignore the issue
• Don’t offer only two possible answers. An argument is rarely ‘black and white’. There may be alternative possibilities.