An argument can be a heated exchange between two people.

Writing Effective Arguments

What are Arguments?

Arguments
An argument makes a claim and offers reasons and evidence in support of the claim.
An argument can be a heated exchange between two people.
An effective argument is logical and well thought- out

The Basic Parts of an Argument
The 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 writer’s view on the subject.
Ex. The death penalty is never right.
Ex. The death penalty is always right.
Ex. The death penalty is the right choice under certain circumstances.

Types of Claims
The claim is essentially the thesis statement in an argument essay.
A claim of fact can be proved or verified.
Ex. Global warming has already taken a toll on the environment.
A claim of value focuses on showing how one thing or idea is better or more desirable than other things or ideas. (issues involving questions of right vs. wrong or acceptable vs. unacceptable)
Ex. Doctor- assisted suicides are inhumane.
Ex. Abortions should be illegal in all states.

Types of Claims Cont’d
Ex. Doctor- assisted suicide is a violation of the Hippocratic oath and therefore should not be legalized.
Claim of policy offers one or more solutions to a problem. Often the verbs, should, must, or ought appear in the statement of claim.
Ex. The motion picture industry must accept greater responsibility for the consequences of violent films.

The Support
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 writer’s view on an issue is reasonable or correct.
Each reason must be supported by evidence or emotional appeals.

Evidence & Appeals
Evidence usually consists of facts, statistics, and expert opinion.
Examples and observations from personal opinion can also serve as evidence.
Emotional appeals evoke the needs or values that readers care deeply about.
Appealing to needs, including physiological needs( food, , health, shelter, safety, sex) and psychological needs( a sense of belonging or accomplishment, self- esteem)
Appealing to values- a value is a principle or quality that is judged to be important, worthwhile, or desirable, such as freedom, justice, loyalty, friendship, etc.)

Presenting the opposing side of your argument is a great way to build credibility in your argument. Be careful, to

Refutation is also called the rebuttal, recognizes and argues against opposing viewpoints
By including the refutation in the argument, you anticipate the potential objection and build into your argument the reasons that the objection is not valid.

Rebuttal
The refutation involves finding a weakness in the opponents argument either by casting doubt on the opponent’s reasons by questioning the accuracy, relevancy, and sufficiency of evidence.
Ex. Your position= Schools should reopen during the fall even during the pandemic.
Counter argument= Opponents may argue that students’ safety will be at risk.
Your rebuttal= However, children face greater dangers at home without supervision, such as starting accidental fires.

Rebuttal Cont’d

In a refutation a writer may acknowledge or accommodate an opposing view.
To acknowledge an opposing view is to merely state what it is.
To accommodate an opposing view, one may note that the view has merit and find a way of addressing it.
Accommodate Strategy
Ex. Your position= Schools should reopen during the fall even during the pandemic.
Counter argument= Opponents may argue that students’ safety will be at risk.
Your rebuttal= However, children face greater dangers at home without supervision, such as starting accidental fires.