HW for 4/25: Strategies and Elements of Scholarly Argument

Argumentative essays are one common mode. One thing I have discussed with you is that analysis essays involve argument, too.

Your essay thesis statements and topic sentences--your main ideas--should all hold a position on the larger subject being written about.

• Read through your thesis and topic sentences. 

• Are your ideas based on the prompt subject matter?  Do your words connect to the prompt in any explicit manner? We hope they do! 

• Do you do more than state an obvious truth or basic fact in your thesis and topic sentences?...

• Does your points risk "taking a side"? 

• Would a college scholar find your ideas to be well-inferred* "opinions"--or, educated "guesses"?  (*infer: to deduce or conclude based on evidence and solid reasoning rather than on from explicit statements)

Below Are Common Elements of A Scholarly Argument (Think of Anytime You Use Sources)

·     Tactful, Courteous Language: 

·      Avoid large, sweeping statements (Everyone, Nobody, All, . . .)

·      Avoid boxing in you, your readership, or those with differing viewpoints into overly general teams/categories.

·      Avoid personal attacks (ad hominem) or bold judgments of anyone you are speaking about! However, one might consider a persuasive way of describing the action of a person/group in regards to TONE

·     Point Out Common Ground: if there is something within the larger argument that you agree with, it is effective to make reader see your open-mindedness.  Discussing in your argument where you agree with others will logically be followed by your contrasting interpretation of what sides agree upon.

·     Acknowledge Differing Viewpoints: start with the different viewpoint and use a change in direction transitional word/phrase (however, while, although, in contrast, …) and then go into your viewpoint.

·      You may also start with the proper transitional phrase and differing viewpoint, insert the comma at the end of that point, and then go into your viewpoint

·     Make Reader Aware of the Merits of Differing Viewpoint: beyond just stating different views, adding some of the positives of that other view will enable you to compare and contrast the positives of the other side with the positives of your side! 

·     Rebut Differing Viewpoints (even published critics/authorities): Many large issues have common arguments made for either side. After acknowledging a differing view, make arguments for why the view is less valid than your own.