Argumentation (1)
Page 1: First Steps Before You Start Writing
Page 2: Pre-Writing Steps
Why is pre-writing important?
Steps include:
Assess the writing situation
Consider your audience
Choose your topic
Conduct research
Develop a thesis
Plan your essay
Page 3: Assessing the Writing Situation
Page 4: Key Considerations
Subject: What is the essay about?
Purpose: Why are you writing?
Audience: Who will read it?
Available Sources: What information can you use?
Assignment Requirements: Length, documentation styles, deadlines.
If guidelines aren't clear, ask: "What is my goal?"
Page 5: Audience Considerations
Who will be reading your essay?
What background information does your audience need to grasp your ideas?
Page 6: Planning Your Essay
Selecting a Topic
Engaging in Prelim Reading
Narrowing Focus to a Subtopic
Identifying the Research Problem
Formulating Specific Research Questions
Page 7: Research Problem Formulation
Stage of exploration: Understanding your topic
Research should include various perspectives and complexities associated with your topic.
Page 8: Importance of Preliminary Research
Solid research is critical for formulating and investigating your topic.
Page 9: Creating a Research Question
Purpose: Determine the assignment's goal.
Choose Topic: Prefer topics of interest; check for given lists.
Preliminary Research: Familiarize yourself with recent and influential sources.
Narrow Down Topic: Focus on a specific issue rather than a broad overview.
Page 10: Example Research Problem and Question
Problem: Teachers' inability to identify and guide gifted children.
Question: What practical techniques can aid teachers in identifying gifted children?
Page 11: Choosing a Controversial Topic
A debatable topic enhances argumentative potential.
Page 12: Understanding Debatable vs Non-Debatable Statements
Debatable Statements: Arguments that are open to agreement/disagreement.
Non-Debatable Statements: Facts typically agreed upon by everyone.
Page 13: Examples of Statements
Debatable: "Solar energy is the best way to meet Australia's energy needs."
Non-Debatable: "Coal and oil were the primary energy sources in Australia in the 20th century."
Page 14: Factual vs Debatable Claims
Factual Statement: "First-year students are not required to buy a meal plan."
Debatable Claim: "First-year students should be required to buy a meal plan."
Page 15: Identifying Topics for Argumentative Essays
Topics:
University education should be free.
Legalizing gay marriage.
High school teachers need higher salaries.
Page 16: Claims Assessment
Questions about these claims:
Poland's pollution efforts should focus on cars.
Smoking is harmful.
Page 17: Activity 1 - Claims Recognition
Write debatable and non-debatable claims about given topics.
Page 18: Narrowing Topics
Explore subtopics, issues, and debates within broader themes.
Page 19: Examples of Topic Narrowing
Examples of narrowing:
From Terrorism to Counter Terrorism Intelligence post September 11.
Page 20: Activity 2 - Topic Narrowing in Pairs
Narrow down broad topics like Obesity and Drug Use.
Page 21: Activity 3 - Formulating Research Questions
Relate questions to narrowed topics.
Page 22: Class Sharing
Share narrowed topics and research questions.
Page 23: Finalizing Your Topic
Elements:
Broad Topic
Narrowed Topic
Research Question
Page 24: Argumentative Writing Overview
Page 25: Understanding the Argumentative Essay
Genres involve:
Topic investigation.
Evidence collection and evaluation.
Concise position establishment.
Page 26: Activity 4 - Thesis Statement Evaluation
Analyze given thesis statements for pros and cons.
Page 27: Everyday Example of Argumentation
Bob and Suzy's movie discussion highlights claims and counterclaims.
Page 28: Persuasion vs Argumentation
Persuasion: The act of convincing others.
Argumentation: Establishing a claim with logical support.
Page 29: Elements of Argumentation
Argument/Claim: A clear stance supported by evidence.
Page 30: Counterarguments Explained
Understanding opposing claims and how to address them.
Page 31: Refutation Importance
Disproving opposing arguments is crucial for validating your argument.
Page 32: Addressing Counterarguments
Demonstrating consideration of multiple viewpoints enhances credibility.
Page 33: Counterargument Example Structure
Example against smoking on campus demonstrates acknowledging opposition.
Page 34: Further Counterargument Example
Discourse on animal testing highlights alternative perspectives.
Page 35: Defining Thesis Statement
What constitutes a robust thesis?
Page 36: Development of Argumentative Thesis
Need to clearly articulate your stance.
Page 37: Thesis Placement and Standards
Usually placed in the opening paragraph and can be reiterated.
Page 38: Testing Claim Debatability
If it can generate an antithesis, it's debatable.
Page 39: Sample Thesis Statement
Example: Advocating for remote work opportunities for better productivity.
Page 40: Thesis Statement Considerations
Avoid personal opinions without evidence backing.
Page 41: Clarity in Thesis Statements
Avoid vagueness; use precise wording for clarity.
Page 42: Characteristics of Effective Thesis Statements
Purposes, positions, and appropriate lengths.
Page 43: Example of a Weak Thesis
Weak thesis based on a broad topic needs revision.
Page 44: Stronger Working Thesis
Revision examples to enhance strength and clarity.
Page 45: Thesis Structure
Structure thesis with a claim, reasons, and clarifications.
Page 46: Testing Your Thesis Statement
Use questions to narrow down your focus.
Page 47: Incorporating Signal Words
Signals that indicate opinion and arguments in your thesis.
Page 48: Thesis Supporting Details
A thesis may preview arguments or indicate reasons.
Page 49: Hedging in Thesis Statements
Using hedging words to limit unsupported statements.
Page 50: Different Types of Thesis Statements
Simple vs. stronger thesis examples.
Page 51: Activity 5 on Thesis Stakes
Practice writing supportive and opposing thesis statements.
Page 52: Activity 6 - Thesis Formulation
Engage in format-based thesis activities related to research questions.
Page 53: Revising Your Thesis
Methods for refining thesis statements through evidence reflection.
Page 54: Activity 6 Sharing
Peer review thesis statements and reflect on key questions.
Page 55: Evaluating Thesis from Peers
Determine effectiveness and clarity of shared thesis statements.
Page 56: Common Thesis Problems
Page 57: Problem 1 - Statement of Fact
Example of a factual thesis and conversion into a debatable one.
Page 58: Problem 2 - Thesis as Question
Turn questions into declarative thesis statements.
Page 59: Problem 3 - Thesis Being Too Broad
Importance of focusing on specific areas within a topic.
Page 60: Problem 4 - Thesis Being Too Narrow
Advice on presenting more argumentative questions.
Page 61: Problem 5 - Vague Thesis
Strengthening vague theses with precise language.
Page 62: Cited Sources
Kirszner, L. G., & Mandell, S. R. (2001). The Holt Handbook.
Marius, R. (1985). A writer's companion.