Arguments How to Build Them Alfred Snider World
Arguments How to Build Them Alfred Snider, World Debate Institute
• Assertion – The name of the argument • Thesis – Describe the argument briefly • Reasoning – Explain the logic behind the argument • Evidence – Show things in reality that support the argument • Significance – Explain why this argument is important • Result – Explain what this means for the decision in this debate Components
• • A complete thought What the argument is, briefly Rhetorically Snappy This becomes the “name” or “label” in the debate. • Just like in a paragraph ASSERTION
• Explain the argument in one or two sentences • Bring the audience on board with the idea • When they understand the whole, they assemble the parts more effectively THESIS
• Use the logical connections: causation, category • Explain relationships between parts of the argument • Explain “why” things happen • The “why” can be thought of as the warrant REASONING
Explain how the abstract argument operates in reality • Example • Statistics • Narrative • Visualization • Common idea • Famous quotation EVIDENCE
Explain why this argument is important, who cares? • Number • Each one is important • Time frame • Probability • Reversibility • Voluntary or involuntary • Morally required SIGNFICANCE
• What does this mean for the decision? • How does this compare with what else is being said? • Why is this more important than other ideas? RESULT
IF YOU AIM AT NOTHING YOU WILL SURELY HIT IT MAKE ARGUMENTS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE WAY PEOPLE LISTEN MAKE COMPLETE ARGUMENTS, JUDGES WILL NOT DO YOUR WORK SO WHAT?
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