4.4: Structuring Arguments

Structuring Arguments in Argumentative Critical Thinking, Reading, and Writing

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, the Toulmin Model of Argumentation, and Rogerian Argument, all of which offer robust frameworks for building strong, coherent arguments. By understanding and applying these models, you can enhance your ability to present well-reasoned, persuasive arguments in any context.

Why Argue?

Argumentation isn't always about being "right" or winning. We argue to express opinions and explore new ideas. The goal is to convince an audience that your opinions and ideas are worth consideration and discussion.

When instructors use the word "argument," they refer to defending a certain point of view through writing or speech, usually called a "claim" or a "thesis." This point of view concerns issues without a clear right or wrong answer. Arguments should not merely reflect personal opinions but tackle significant issues such as abortion, capital punishment, stem cell research, or gun control. Unlike descriptive essays or reports that summarize both sides of an issue, an argument must take a stance. For instance, "Stricter gun control laws will likely result in a decrease in gun-related violence" is an argument. This type of assignment is useful because it requires critical thinking and engagement with different perspectives.

Definition: What is an Argument?

An argument in written form is a coherent series of statements designed to present a viewpoint and persuade the reader of its validity. It involves making a claim or thesis, supporting it with evidence and reasoning, and addressing counterarguments to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the topic. The goal is not just to assert an opinion but to provide a structured, logical case that convinces the reader to consider and possibly accept the writer's perspective.

What does this look like?

Billboards, television advertisements, documentaries, political campaign messages, and bumper stickers are often arguments – they are messages trying to convince an audience to take action. However, an academic argument is different; it requires a clear structure and the use of outside evidence.

Academic Arguments

Academic arguments articulate an opinion that is carefully defended with good reasoning and supported by research. Effective argumentation involves finding reliable sources that lend credibility to your position. It’s not enough to say, "capital punishment is wrong because that's the way I feel." Instead, you need to support your claim with:

• Facts
• Statistics
• Quotations from recognized authorities
• Other types of evidence

The goal of an argument is to:

1. Make a claim
2. Support your claim with credible reasoning and evidence
3. Ensure the reader understands your position
4. Have your claim taken seriously

By following these guidelines and understanding the purpose and structure of arguments, you can improve your ability to craft persuasive, well-supported arguments in both academic and everyday contexts.

Theoretical Frameworks

1. Classical Argument Structure
   • Introduction: Present the issue and state your thesis.
   • Narration: Provide background information and context.
   • Confirmation: Offer your main arguments supported by evidence.
   • Refutation: Address counterarguments to strengthen your position.
   • Conclusion: Summarize your arguments and reinforce your thesis.
2. Toulmin Model of Argumentation
   • Claim: The main point or thesis of your argument.
   • Grounds: Evidence and reasons supporting the claim.
   • Warrant: The logical connection between the grounds and the claim.
   • Backing: Additional support for the warrant.
   • Rebuttal: Addressing potential counterarguments.
   • Qualifier: Indicating the strength of the claim (e.g., "most likely," "usually").
3. Rogerian Argument
   • Introduction: Present the issue and acknowledge different perspectives.
   • Context: Describe the contexts in which each perspective is valid.
   • Writer’s Position: State your position and the contexts in which it is valid.
   • Benefits: Explain how understanding both sides can lead to a mutually beneficial outcome.

Image used in previous OER textbook, Writing Unleashed, the non-argumentative one. This has been placed in greyscale for easier printing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Structuring Arguments

"File:How to write an essay.jpg" by Morten Oddvik is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

1. Introduction
   • Clearly state the issue and your thesis.
   • Engage the reader with a compelling opening.
2. Narration
   • Provide necessary background information.
   • Outline the significance of the issue.
3. Confirmation
   • Present your main arguments in a logical order.
   • Support each argument with credible evidence.
4. Refutation
   • Address and refute opposing viewpoints.
   • Use evidence and logical reasoning to demonstrate why counterarguments are less valid.
5. Conclusion
   • Summarize your main points.
   • Reinforce your thesis and leave a lasting impression on the reader.

"Detail: essay introduction" by Next Nature is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Example \(\PageIndex{1}\)

Practical Application: Current Event Example

Consider the topic of climate change, a pressing global issue. Suppose your assignment is to write an essay arguing for stronger government action on climate change.

1. Introduction
   • Issue: The increasing severity of climate change impacts.
   • Thesis: Governments must implement stronger policies to combat climate change.
2. Narration
   • Background: Summarize recent climate reports and scientific consensus.
   • Significance: Highlight the urgent need for action to prevent catastrophic effects.
3. Confirmation
   • Argument 1: Economic benefits of investing in renewable energy (evidence: job creation statistics, economic growth data).
   • Argument 2: Health benefits of reducing pollution (evidence: studies on air quality and public health).
   • Argument 3: Ethical responsibility to future generations (evidence: ethical frameworks, intergenerational justice theories).
4. Refutation
   • Counterargument: Economic costs of transitioning to renewable energy.
   • Refutation: Long-term economic benefits outweigh short-term costs (evidence: cost-benefit analyses, examples of successful transitions in other countries).
5. Conclusion
   • Summarize: Reiterate the economic, health, and ethical arguments.
   • Reinforce Thesis: Stronger government action is necessary and beneficial.
   • Closing Thought: Emphasize the urgency of addressing climate change for a sustainable future.

"These two #kga6th graders revised and edited each other’s argumentative essays before turning them in. #kgachamps" by buistbunch is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Conclusion

Structuring arguments effectively involves organizing your thoughts clearly and logically, using theoretical frameworks like the Classical structure, Toulmin Model, and Rogerian Argument. By applying critical thinking principles and addressing current events such as climate change, you can construct persuasive and well-reasoned arguments in your academic writing and beyond.

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Attributions

The content above was assisted by ChatGPT in outlining and organizing information. The final material was curated, edited, authored, and arranged through human creativity, originality, and subject expertise of the Coalinga College English Department and the Coalinga College Library Learning Resource Center and is therefore under the CC BY NC SA license when applicable. To see resources on AI and copyright please see the United States Copyright Office 2023 Statement and the following case study on using AI assistance but curating and creating with human originality and creativity.

Images without specific attribution were generated with the assistance of ChatGPT 2024 and are not subject to any copyright restrictions, in accordance with the United States Copyright Office 2023 Statement.

All original source content remix above came from the following open educational resources:

4.4: Structuring Arguments is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

2.4: Argument is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Sybil Priebe, Ronda Marman, & Dana Anderson (North Dakota University System) .

“What is an Argument?” Wikibooks, The Free Textbook Project. Last edited 27 Nov 14. Accessed 10 May 17. https://en.m.wikibooks.org/wiki/Rhet...ition/Argument Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.

“What is an Argument?” Wikibooks, The Free Textbook Project. Last edited 27 Nov 14. Accessed 10 May 17. https://en.m.wikibooks.org/wiki/Rhet...ition/Argument. Text is available under the CC-BY-SA.

“What is an Argument?” Wikibooks, The Free Textbook Project. Last edited 27 Nov 14. Accessed 10 May 17. en.m.wikibooks.org/wiki/Rhet...ition/Argument. Licensed CC-BY-SA.

Questions taken from a longer piece by: Jory, Justin. “A Word About Audience.” Open English at Salt Lake Community College. 01 Aug 2016. https://openenglishatslcc.pressbooks...pter/audience/ Open English @ SLCC by SLCC English Department is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

Taken from a longer piece by: Beatty, Jim. “Counterargument.” Open English at Salt Lake Community College. 01 Aug 2016. https://openenglishatslcc.pressbooks...unterargument/ Open English @ SLCC by SLCC English Department is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

Roberts, Janet M. and Alan T. Kearsley. “Annual Budget Fiscal Year 2014-2015.” Salt Lake City School District. http://www.slcschools.org/department...415-Budget.pdf. Accessed 3 December 2017. Taken from a longer piece by: Beatty, Jim. “Counterargument.” Open English at Salt Lake Community College. 01 Aug 2016. https://openenglishatslcc.pressbooks...unterargument/ Open English @ SLCC by SLCC English Department is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

Example used in previous OER textbook, Writing Unleashed.