Argument EssaysTime to Debate and back up your claim!

“The Pen is Mightier than the Sword.” -Edward Bulwer-Lytton

Quote basically states that words are more powerful and effective than weapons in accomplishing your purpose.

How many times do you find yourself about to start an argument only to realize it’s becoming hostile and going no where?

Why Write It out?The purpose of an Argument Essay is to

generate light more than just create heat …. by exploring what you really think about an issue.

They make us smarter and better able to deal with the problems of the world.

Allow you to enter a public debate and express your thoughts persuasively.

How to startPick a well-defined and carefully qualified

point.

You won’t influence anyone by making a point nobody cares about (i.e. I eat oatmeal in the morning and everybody else should too.)

Strengthened claim: “UPRM should completely ban all sugary items in the cafeteria. According to a recent study in Puerto Rico, eating high amounts of sugar decrease student’s attention and have lowered the overall GPA at UPRM.”

Offer Good Reasons to Support Claim Without Evidence and supporting reasons, a

claim is just an assertion. For instance, A SLOGAN works great for politics

and advertising but it’s not an argument until you can back it up with a paper trail of evidence.

Understand opposing claims You won’t make a strong case until you can

honestly paraphrase. You will seem smarter and more fair when you

acknowledge other reasonable opinions. Be prepared to address less rational claims

calmly, but firmly.

Use Language Strategically – not just words.You need the right words and images to carry a

case forward. There are many ways to make words

memorable – use images to influence readers to choose media for your thoughts to reach different audiences.

“Cars have bumpers, bikers have bones.” You can create images through words (remember how you used descriptions in your narrative essay).

Exploring Purpose & TopicChoose subject you genuinely care

about, not just what the media or someone else describes as controversial.

If you are stumped check out: Yahoo’s Directory list of “Issues and Causes”, browse magazine covers, keep your eyes peeled during your free time.

Got your topic – now what?Learn more about your subject [get a

better handle on your topic – research!]State a preliminary claim – if only for

yourself. Claim is a position you have to defend. You may

likely change initial claim as your explore your topic more fully. Example:

People who oppose gay marriages don’t know what they are talking about.

Qualify your claim to make it reasonableAs you research and learn more, you’ll revise

your topic to reflect challenges you encounter. Will start to include qualifiers such as: some,

most, a few, often, under certain conditions in your thesis:

Example: Many conservative critics who oppose gay marriage unwittingly undermine their own core principles, especially monogamy and honesty.

Examine Your Core AssumptionsClaims must be supported by reasons and

evidence.

Assumptions: are principles and values on which we ground our beliefs and actions.

Expect to spend a paragraph defending any assumptions your readers might find controversial.

Example

CLAIM

Many conservative critics who oppose gay marriage unwittingly undermine their own core principles, especially monogamy and honesty.ASSUMPTION

People should be consistent about their principles. [probably non controversial]

Understand your AudienceConsider and control your ethos.

Ethos: the voice and attitude you choose to give your appeal. (political blogs prove to writers with “snarky ethos”, Gossip mags have hip and trendy voiced writers.)

Control your ethos by adjusting your style, tone, and vocabulary of your argument.

Impressive vocabulary suggests you are smart (or pompous)

Name-dropping suggests you are hip (or pretentious).

Things to consider Consider Race and Ethnicity

When making claims about education, politics, art, or religion remember different lives are lived according to heritage. Be sensitive but not gutless.

Consider gender and sexual orientation Men and women, whether they are straight or gay, don’t

inhabit quite the same world. Watch your assumptions (all men or all women think THIS way)

Consider income and class Not everyone is in the same economical situation as you.

Keep in mind when ridiculing those who don’t want to pay extra tuition expenses towards an out-door pool on campus.

Video Examplehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ln9KFpNFVts&feature=player_popout