In this module we want to make sure there aren't any holes in your arguments. Does everything you are arguing make sense? Is your argument better than the other side's argument? If not, what needs to be done to strengthen it? Do we need more direct evidence (quotes)? Have you overused quotes? Is there enough "you" in your paper? Your evidence (quotes) should strengthen your argument rather than make your argument. Make sure that your own thoughts are expressed throughout the writing. Does your writing convince anyone to adopt your perspective? Make sure to remove "I think" statements. Look at the video below again. Does your argumentative paper contain any logical fallacies? Finally, lets look at our 9 rules for building your arguments. How does your writing stand up to these rules?
Purpose of an argument: to get someone else to adopt your perspective.
It’s great to think something, or believe something...but when presenting an argument you must provide evidence. People care about what you can prove.
You must acknowledge contrasting points of view and the evidence that an opposing side might bring to the table.
You must acknowledge where the other side may have merit, but use your argument and evidence to dissuade a reader from adopting the same perspective. In an argument there are shades of gray you can use to your advantage or the other side will use it against you.
You must use your evidence to refute the other side’s argument.
Understand that the longer someone has had deeply entrenched beliefs, the more difficult it will be to convince them of your argument. You won’t gain anything from an emotionally charged discussion with them. You must use the evidence!
Human emotion will always play a role in how your thoughts are received. Be cognizant of how the information you present will affect the person receiving your argument.
Don’t alienate your audience. If the tone you have constructed in your argument insults or humiliates someone else you have lost the argument before it has begun. While you may get all of your thoughts and perspectives out in a way “louder” than others, if you have insulted or humiliated someone else based on their core beliefs will they ever understand your perspective? Instead, the only people who will listen to you will be the people who have already adopted your point-of-view making your argument irrelevant and defeating your purpose outlined in #1. Again the purpose of an argument is to get someone else to adopt your perspective.
Don’t allow misinformation to advance your cause. This may provide you with a short-termed victory. In time, it will hurt your cause as people won’t know what to believe and their activism on the topic will be lost (I don’t know the truth anymore so I stopped caring at all).
Add your revisions to your already created document:
Argumentative: Boston - 1st Hour
Argumentative: Boston - 2nd Hour
Argumentative: Boston - 6th Hour