Elements of an Argument Argument Claim Reason Assumption

Elements of an Argument

Argument = Claim + Reason (Assumption) + Evidences • Claim: Mina should do well in college. • Reasons: She has worked at her parents’ restaurant for six years. • Warrant: Working at a restaurant is a good preparation for college. • Backing: Restaurant workers must work under pressure and juggle several tasks at one—skills that are necessary to success in college courses.

Claim: Mina should do well in college. Reasons: She has worked at her parents’ restaurant for six years. • Warrant: Working at a restaurant is a good preparation for college. • Backing: Restaurant workers must work under pressure and juggle several tasks at one—skills that are necessary to success in college courses.

• Claim: First-year students at large universities benefit academically from a job. • Reason: (Because) The social contacts they make at work help them feel less isolated on campus. • Evidence: 1. A recent poll conducted by the admissions office found that working students have more friends than students who do not work. • Evidence: 2. Your ex-roommate developed a network of friends and study partners while working part time in a campus copy shop. Do you agree with this argument? Tell us your counter-argument:

Organizing your argument • Title • Introduction • Body Paragraphs – Constructing Topic Sentences – Building Main Points – Countering the Opposition • Conclusion

How do you write an argument that appeals to readers? 1. Draw on shared beliefs and values. 2. Present opposing arguments fairly. ① Don’t oversimplify. ② Don’t use hostile language. 3. Consider refuting opposing argument. ① Question the claim ② Question the evidence ③ Question the warrants and backing 4. Avoid fallacies of reasoning

A List Of Fallacious Arguments • http: //www. don-lindsayarchive. org/skeptic/arguments. html