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How to Write an Argument
The document outlines the essentials of writing an argument, emphasizing the importance of research, citations, and presenting multiple sides to persuade effectively. It distinguishes between a reasoned argument grounded in facts and an opinion based on personal bias, highlighting that credible arguments are supported by valid sources. It provides guidance on building an argument, focusing on the example of electric cars and the need for extensive research and proper citations in academic writing.
How to Write an Argument
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- 2. The Plan How towrite an argument Getting people to listen to your side Writing academically Citations, bibliography, etc. Easier than it sounds Doing research AKA the fun part
- 3. What is anargument?
- 4. Argument A reason orset 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_e nglish/argument?q=argument
- 5. Argument Thoughtful and reasonedout Based on facts Citable sources whose own positions are based on research Arguments are made of research!
- 6. Opinion A view orjudgment 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
- 7. Opinion Based on yourfeelings and beliefs Background, personal bias, etc. No sources other than your brain Makes people stop listening to you
- 8. Building an argument Finda 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
- 9. The Electric Car Side1: 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).
- 10. The Electric Car Side2: But Kirsch (2000) shows that the electric car has emerged again and again in history to compete with gasoline engines.
- 11. The Electric Car Yourposition: 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.
- 13. Advantages Persuasive You've thought aboutthe issue from multiple angles Addresses other points of view Makes it easier to address criticism Makes people respect you Because you're smart!
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- 15. Why? Show your professorwhere 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
- 16. 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)
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- 18. 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.
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- 20. Your Resources Librarians Databases Get themthrough the library! Good ol' fashioned print Books Magazines Microfiche Please refer to your handouts for some ideas!
- 21. About the Internet... Google Webpage popularity contest No accounting for quality Not your friend Wikipedia Anyone can edit Changes constantly Not your friend