Argument
Argument
When we are asked to argue a point or idea, the text we create is an Argument. In an Argument, the purpose is to gather together as many ideas or pieces of evidence you can to support one side of a debate or question. Examples of arguments include:
Does homework actually help students learn?
Should students be forced to wear a school uniform?
Does the government do enough to help young people find a job?
Structure of an Argument
Structure of an Argument
An effective Argument has three components:
Introduce the topic or question of the Argument
Provide strong evidence presented in a logical order
Dispute any possible counter-arguments and re-state your strongest point (your teacher may or may not ask for this)
What does an Argument look like?
What does an Argument look like?
In the example below an argument is being presented for Australians to take greater care of the environment
Introduce the topic or question of the Argument- Blue Text
Provide strong evidence presented in a logical order - Green Text
Dispute any possible counter-arguments and re-state your strongest point - Red Text
Every Australian must take responsibility for the care of the environment. In the past greed and ignorance contributed to its degradation. However in current times, no one can claim that they are unaware of how our poor treatment is damaging the environment. We must act now to prevent permanent damage to the environment.
Australia is one of the world's highest producers of waste per person. The average household in Australia creates the equivalent volume of a lounge room of waste per year, according to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA). While it is easy to suggest "they" do something, it is every individual who should look to their own habits.
The easiest way to solve the problem of excess waste is to avoid making so much in the first place. This means that a consumer must think about how much packaging there is around every product bought. Is it all necessary? This is step one in everyone starting to care for the environment.
Another way of making a difference to excess waste is to improve recycling. As much as possible items should be re-used in the home and if they cannot be used should be recycled by the nearest recycling centre.
Fixing the environment starts with people as individuals. While many may complain that the government is not doing enough, there are plenty of opportunities for people to help the environment in their everyday lives. The first of these is reducing the waste we generate and secondly, we must ensure that all waste we cannot re-use ourselves is appropriately recycled.
CHECKLIST for Success
Have I:
Provided a clear and strong introduction to let my audience know what my argument is about?
Created a strong argument with multiple points that uses evidence to back up my claims?
Considered the most logical order for the points of my argument?
Addressed a possible counter argument (if the teacher has asked for one)?
Page updated
Report abuse