A simple argument is just a contention with a single reason for it, OR a contention with a single objection to it. Here are two simple arguments: Examples. The simple argument is the whole structure (reason AND contention). This is another simple argument, made up of an objection to a contention.

An argument by example (also known as argument from example) is an argument in which a claim is supported by providing examples. Arguments from example may be difficult to recognize because they can look like mere illustration.

Argument consists of assertions, reasoning, evidence. To be complete, arguments should have three parts: an assertion, reasoning and evidence (easily remembered with the mnemonic ARE).

Links to Diagramming Online Quizzes with Suggested Solutions First go through the text circling the inference indicators “thus” “therefore” etc. Next identify the main conclusion of the argument and underline it. Then look for the reasons given to support that conclusion and place them in angle (brackets).

Let’s recap our six steps to writing a great argument:

1. Make sure to get the topic or question correct. You get no points for effectively arguing a case you weren’t asked to make.
2. Support your argument with good reason.
3. Use good support for your view.
4. Deal with disagreement.
5. Be clear, yet concise.
6. Write a good essay.

When writing a balanced argument you need to think of reasons for and reasons against your topic. You then need some useful ‘for and against’ words to link the arguments together. Ask the class to watch, listen and make notes as to the reasons for and against people climbing Mount Snowdon.

The first step of evaluating an argument is making an inference connection. The second step is asserting premise acceptability. Two questions to ask first is (1) Is this argument valid and (2) is this argument sound or unsound.

1. Standardization – restating an argument in standard logical form.
2. An argument is said to be in standard logical form when each step in the argument is numbered consecutively, premises are stated above the conclusions they are claimed to support, and justifications are provided for each conclusion in the argument.

An argument map or argument diagram is a visual representation of the structure of an argument. An argument map typically includes the key components of the argument, traditionally called the conclusion and the premises, also called contention and reasons.

“An argument is ‘linked’ when it involves several reasons, each of which is helped by the others to support the conclusion. … But this is deceptive, for the premises together make the conclusion more likely true than each premise considered separately.

One evaluates arguments by assessing their quality, i.e., how good they are as arguments. They might be eloquent as speeches or spine tingling as theater, but that won’t make them good arguments. An argument’s purpose is to compel a listener to believe the conclusion on the basis of the reasons given in support.

When delineating an argument, try to determine the author’s position after the first read of the it. Then, read it more closely to find what the author’s claims are and how they support author’s position. The remaining text should support these claims as evidence.

Argument Definition An argument is the main statement of a poem, an essay, a short story, or a novel, which usually appears as an introduction, or a point on which the writer will develop his work in order to convince his readers. Literature does not merely entertain. It also intends to shape the outlook of readers.

The argument of a passage, sometimes also called the main claim or the thesis, is the author’s point of view about the topic. For example, ‘ninjas are cooler than pirates’ is an argument. An argument is always something that can be argued against – just stating a fact is not an argument.

1 showing reason or sound judgment. 2 having the ability to reason. 3 having modest or moderate expectations; not making unfair demands.

A counter-argument should be expressed thoroughly, fairly and objectively. Do not just write a quick sentence and then immediately rebut it. Give reasons why someone might actually hold that view. A few sentences or even a whole paragraph is not an unreasonable amount of space to give to the counter-argument.

Answer: 1 showing reason or sound judgment. 2 having the ability to reason. 3 having modest or moderate expectations; not making unfair demands.

In argument, evidence refers to facts, documentation or testimony used to strengthen a claim, support an argument or reach a conclusion.

Definition: A strong argument is a non-deductive argument that succeeds in providing probable, but not conclusive, logical support for its conclusion. A weak argument is a non-deductive argument that fails to provide probable support for its conclusion.