15: Forming a Research-Based Argument
- Page ID
- 380595
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- Determine the purpose of an argument
- Distinguish between definition, evaluation, causal, and proposal arguments
- Explain what common questions will need to be answered for each of the above argument types.
- 15.1: Deciding the Purpose of a Research-Based Argument
- This page explains the nature of arguments, highlighting their aim to persuade and the various purposes they serve, including description, evaluation, causation, and proposals. It categorizes research-based essays into four types—definition, evaluation, causal, and proposal—providing examples. The importance of understanding an argument's primary purpose for effective writing structure is emphasized.
- 15.3: Tailoring an Argument to an Audience
- This page emphasizes that effective writing requires collaboration and audience awareness, impacting content and style during the drafting and revising processes. Writers should consider their audience's knowledge, feelings, and relational dynamics while tailoring tone and evidence. Importantly, understanding cultural perspectives, avoiding ethnocentrism, using bias-free language, and addressing oppression are crucial for effective communication with a diverse audience.
- 15.4: Definition Arguments
- This page covers the significance of definition arguments in clarifying terms and concepts, addressing the foundational question, "What is it?" It outlines various strategies for establishing definitions, including stipulative and elaborate definitions, with examples like "cancel culture" and "intersectionality." It emphasizes the importance of audience trust and emotional resonance in shaping perceptions and preventing misunderstandings in debates.
- 15.5: Evaluation Arguments
- This page explores evaluation arguments, highlighting the need to define and justify criteria—moral, aesthetic, or operational—when assessing quality. It underscores the importance of persuading readers of the evaluative judgment and backing it with evidence. The discussion includes ranking criteria in comparative evaluations and how criteria evolve with changing social morals, along with examples of various evaluative frameworks.
- 15.6: Causal Arguments
- This page focuses on causal arguments, which explore the relationship between events and seek to determine their causes. It highlights the significance of differentiating between correlation and causation, recognizing the complexity of proving causality, often requiring robust methods like randomized control trials.
- 15.7: Proposal Arguments
- This page discusses proposal arguments that advocate for specific actions by defining issues, assessing their urgency, and presenting solutions. It highlights key elements such as background information, solution descriptions, implementation methods, project feasibility, and expected benefits. Incorporating these elements strengthens the persuasive power of the proposal, and the section includes practical exercises to enhance comprehension.
