ENGL 104 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Thesis Statement
Chapter 20: Reading Arguments
An argument makes a claim and offers reasons and evidence in
support of the claim. An effective argument must clearly state
an issue, a claim, and support. In many cases an argument also
recognizes or argues against opposing viewpoints, in which case
it includes a refutation. Like most types of essays an argument
should end with a conclusion that sums up the main points and
provides a memorable closing statement or idea.
An argument is concerned with an issue—a controversy, a
problem, or an idea about which people hold different points of
view. The claim is the point the writer tries to prove, usually
the ite’s ie o the issue. The laim often appears as part
of the thesis statement in an argument essay. In some essays
however, the claim is iplied athe tha stated dietly (I do’t
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recommend this approach for academic persuasive essays
unless specifically requested by your instructor).
The support consists of the ideas and information intended to
convince readers that the claim is sound or believable. Three
common types of support are reasons, evidence, and emotional
appeals.
A reason is a general statement that backs up a claim. It
explains why the ite’s ie on an issue is reasonable or
correct. However, reasons alone are not sufficient support for
an argument. Each reason must be supported by evidence and
often by emotional appeals.
In an argument, evidence usually consists of facts, statistics,
and expert opinions. Examples and observations from personal
experience can also serve as evidence. See examples on p 518.
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Document Summary
An argument makes a claim and offers reasons and evidence in support of the claim. An effective argument must clearly state an issue, a claim, and support. In many cases an argument also recognizes or argues against opposing viewpoints, in which case it includes a refutation. Like most types of essays an argument should end with a conclusion that sums up the main points and provides a memorable closing statement or idea. An argument is concerned with an issue a controversy, a problem, or an idea about which people hold different points of view. The claim is the point the writer tries to prove, usually the (cid:449)(cid:396)ite(cid:396)"s (cid:448)ie(cid:449) o(cid:374) the issue. The (cid:272)laim often appears as part of the thesis statement in an argument essay. In some essays however, the claim is i(cid:373)plied (cid:396)athe(cid:396) tha(cid:374) stated di(cid:396)e(cid:272)tly (i do(cid:374)"t recommend this approach for academic persuasive essays unless specifically requested by your instructor).