4: Developing Arguments
- Page ID
- 257551
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- 4.1: Introduction to Argument Development
- A strong argument is built on a foundation of clear logic, sound evidence, and persuasive rhetoric. We will explore the importance of being wrong, as recognizing and learning from our mistakes is a crucial part of developing robust arguments. Understanding rhetorical appeals—ethos, pathos, and logos—will help you engage your audience ethically, emotionally, and logically.
- 4.2: Crafting a Thesis Statement for Argumentative Writing
- While many of you might have learned how to craft a thesis statement in a general English class, this section will focus on how to refine that skill specifically for argumentative writing. Crafting a compelling thesis statement is crucial as it forms the foundation of your argument, guiding the direction and focus of your essay. In this section, we will tie in the elements we’ve covered so far—fallacies, biases, logical reasoning...
- 4.3: Gathering and Evaluating Evidence
- In the world of critical thinking, argumentative reading, and writing, gathering and evaluating evidence is a foundational skill. This process involves systematically collecting credible information to support your thesis and rigorously assessing the quality and relevance of this evidence. By approaching evidence with a critical mindset, you can ensure that your arguments are well-supported and persuasive.
- 4.4: Structuring Arguments
- Structuring arguments effectively is essential for clarity and persuasiveness in both academic writing and everyday communication. This section provides a concise guide to organizing your arguments, drawing on key theoretical frameworks and critical thinking principles, with a practical example to illustrate these concepts. We will explore classical argument structure
- 4.5: Addressing Counterarguments and Rebuttals
- Effectively addressing counterarguments and crafting rebuttals is crucial for constructing strong, persuasive arguments. This process not only strengthens your position but also demonstrates social-emotional intelligence by showing respect for differing viewpoints. This section provides a succinct guide to addressing counterarguments and rebuttals, incorporating theoretical insights and practical applications with a current event example.
- 4.6: Enhancing Argumentative Writing
- In developing strong arguments, it is essential to master the foundational skills of crafting a clear and specific thesis statement, gathering and evaluating credible evidence, and structuring arguments logically. Engaging with counterarguments and formulating effective rebuttals are crucial for demonstrating a thorough understanding of the topic and strengthening your position.
- 4.7: End of Chapter Wrap-Up
- We explored the process of gathering and evaluating evidence, highlighting the importance of using credible sources to support your thesis. This step involves not only finding relevant information but also critically assessing its quality and relevance to your argument. Properly integrating this evidence strengthens the overall persuasiveness of your writing. The chapter also covered the structure of arguments, outlining how to organize your ideas logically and coherently
- 4.8: Further Readings in Developing Arguments (Optional)
- If you feel you need to dive more deeply into these concepts, here are some recommended Academic Senate for California Community College Open Educational Resources Initiative (ASCCC OERI) links as well as some Libretext Chapters from other authors that will take you to other books on these topics in more detail. Remember these are optional readings, you do not have to look at, but if you'd like a more detailed explanation here is a list.