How to Write an Argument

Writing an Argument

The Plan

How to write an argument

Getting people to listen to your side

Writing academically

Citations, bibliography, etc.

Easier than it sounds

Doing research

AKA the fun part

What is an argument?

Argument

A reason or set of reasons given with the aim of persuading others that an action or idea is right or wrong.

Definition of argument in Oxford English Dictionaries. (2013). Oxford Dictionaries Online. Oxford University: Oxford University Press. Retrieved from http://oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/argument?q=argument

Argument

Thoughtful and reasoned out

Based on facts

Citable sources whose own positions are based on research

Arguments are made of research!

Opinion

A view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.

Definition of opinion in Oxford English Dictionaries. (2013). Oxford Dictionaries Online. Oxford University: Oxford University Press. Retrieved from http://oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/opinion?q=opinion

Opinion

Based on your feelings and beliefs

Background, personal bias, etc.

No sources other than your brain

Makes people stop listening to you

Building an argument

Find a bunch of existing positions

AKA “do research”

Present them

Represent multiple sides!

Use them to make your own point

Your point will be: Reasoned

Rational

Based on the research

The Electric CarSide 1:

Research suggests that companies will need to increase the electric car's range and lower its cost before it becomes a good option for drivers. (Rajashekara, 1994).

The Electric CarSide 2:

But Kirsch (2000) shows that the electric car has emerged again and again in history to compete with gasoline engines.

The Electric CarYour position:

Based on these facts, it's clear that there is a continuing strong interest in the electric car. The electric car is a good investment for companies despite the challenges.

Advantages

Persuasive

You've thought about the issue from multiple angles

Addresses other points of view

Makes it easier to address criticism

Makes people respect you

Because you're smart!

Citations and Bibliography

Why?

Show your professor where you got your information

Then they can see what an awesome researcher you are!

Validate your facts

Give credit

Convention

Everyone uses the same style

APA Citation

Kirsch (2000) makes the case that the electric car will succeed because it has succeeded in the past.

OR

The electric car has succeeded in the past and will succeed again in the future. (Kirsch, 2000)

Research Time!

APA Bibliography

Kirsch, D.A. (2000). The Electric car and the burden of history. Rutgers, VT: Rutgers University Press.

Rajashekara, K. (1994). History of Electric Vehicles in General Motors. IEEE transactions on Industry Applications, 30 (4). Retrieved from http://endoc.net/pdf/1958.pdf.

Your Research

Your Paper

Your ResourcesLibrarians

Databases

Get them through the library!

Good ol' fashioned print

Books

Magazines

Microfiche

Please refer to your handouts for some ideas!

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