Two Types of Argument

1
Two Types of Argument

• 1. Arguing a Position
• 2. Arguing a Solution

2
Position Arguments
3
Arguing a Position

• Personal Aim--to justify your view
• Primary Aim--to persuade readers to adopt your
  view
• To Be Convincing
• Present logical reasons backed by solid evidence
• Must share basic values and assumptions with
  readers
• Must understand oppositions mindset
• Must separate opinion from fact

4
Types of Appeals

• Appeal to Logic by making a sound, well-reasoned,
  and well-supported argument.
• Appeal to Emotions by helping reader to
  understand writers concerns.
• Appeal to Ethical sense by establishing the
  writers credibility and by basing it on common
  principles and values.

5
Basic Features

• A well-defined issue
• First, establish the issue then define it
  establishing the exact argument you intent to
  make regarding that issue.

6
Basic Features

• A Clear Position
• Your position should be stated clearly and
  emphatically.
• This will be your thesis statement.
• This lets the reader know exactly where you (the
  author) stands on the issue.

7
Basic Features

• A Convincing Argument
• You must use convincing evidence from reliable
  sources.
• You must explain the significance of each piece
  of evidence..

8
Basic Features

• Anticipate the Oppositions views
• What is the opposition's main concerns?
• What evidence do you have to suggest that the
  oppositions fears are unfounded.
• Be prepared with evidence to prove your side is
  correct and the other side is incorrect.

9
Basic Features

• Appropriate Tone
• Find an appropriate tone for conveying your
  message.
• Do not let the emotional quality of the topic
  overrule your judgment and your ability to
  discuss it calmly and effectively.

10
Solution Arguments
11
Proposing a Solution

• Personal aim--to solve a problem using your own
  solution
• Primary Aim--to get others to believe and back
  your proposal
• To be convincing
• You need to establish for the reader the severity
  of the problem.
• You need to prove that other solutions have not
  or cannot work.
• Your evidence and resources must be particularly
  convincing because you are asking the reader to
  do something.

12
Basic Features

• A Well-Define Problem
• Before presenting a solution, you must establish
  the severity of the problem.
• It is important that the this part of your paper
  is convincing because if the reader does not
  believe the problem either exists or is
  important, then why should the said reader buy
  into your solution.
• Remember Solution Arguments often require the
  reader to give something up. Before the reader
  gives anything, the reader is going to want to
  know that results will follow.

13
Basic Features

• Proposed Solution
• Once the problem is established, the solution
  must follow.
• Announcing the solution is the thesis of your
  essay.

14
Basic Features

• Convincing Argument
• Main purpose of proposal arguments is to convince
  everyone that you have the answer.
• Must establish
• The proposed solution will work.
• It is feasible and realistic.
• If steps are involved, you have listed the steps
  in the order they must occur.
• That your solution is better than other solutions.

15
Basic Features

• Anticipate the Opposition
• It stands up against oppositions main concerns.
• It is better than alternate solutions.

16
Basic Features

• Reasonable Tone
• Writes, once again, must use a reasonable tone to
  avoid being confrontational.