STYLE:  ARGUMENTATION WRITING

Argumentation Defined

Argumentation is another method of rhetorically organizing material.  It refers to any type of
writing whose aim is to persuade a reader.  It requires more time and skill than any other type
of writing.  A successful argumentation will also utilize other forms of writing such as description,
definition, etc.  It seldom can be successful as any only type of writing.  Arguments occur when
there is a legitimate difference of opinion on the subject; in other words, you have to have two
different sides of a subject to argue.  If everyone agrees, there is no argument.  Argumentation
attempts to  successfully  sway the reader by employing techniques and strategies designed
to appeal to the logic or emotion of a reader.  There are two kinds of arguments:
persuasive and logical.

Persuasive arguments appeal to the reader's emotions or thoughts, either consciously or
subconsciously in an attempt to sway the reader.  As an example, many stores try to convince
consumers to buy their products by counting on patriotism when advertising a Fourth of July sale.
Another method of conveying an effective persuasive argument is to use a well known athlete
or star to be a spokesperson for the product.  Like the person = buy/use the product.

On the other hand, a logical argument appeals to the mind as a rational method of thinking.
An illustration of this is when a statement is given and then supported by evidence.  The statement
"There appears to be an increase of violence in schools" would be followed by evidence to support
that statement, i.e. Littleton, Colorado and Pearl, Mississippi, for example.   In fact,  readers
are most likely to be swayed with logical argument, in the long run, rather than persuasive.

Do's and Don'ts of Argumentation

1.  State the thesis clearly

Again, a clear thesis statement should be made in paragraph one of the writing.  It should clearly
state the topic being argued and the writer's stand on the topic.  The writer's stand should be
made firmly, and not half-heartedly.  Stating, "I think," "I feel," or "It seems to me"
are not firm statements.

2.  Credentials and Evidence

The writer should  offer his/her credentials  for offering an opinion on the subject.  Then, various
examples of evidence,  facts, statistics, and supporting quotes, should be offered as support.
The evidence should be obtained from logical, experienced, expert sources and not just taken
from anywhere.  In an argument, the source of the evidence is as important as the evidence itself.

3.  Logical reasoning should be the basis of the argument

Logical reasoning should be the foundation of the argument.  Care should be taken by the writer
to avoid using persuasive means as they will, ultimately, not hold up over time as well as logical
thinking does.

4.  Appeal to the reader's self-interest

Reader's are more likely to believe an argument if they think something is in it for them.
Appeal to the reader's interest  and the reader will both follow and be attracted to believe
in the argument being put forth.  Most readers want to  agree with well supported arguments,
but self-interest is always an issue.
 

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  CLUES FOR ARGUMENTATION

• What are the writer's credentials for writing on the subject?  Are they listed/referred to?
• What experience has the writer had in this field?
• Are facts and statistics apparent as a form of evidence throughout the article?
• Are other sources listed in agreement with  the author's data?
• Does the writer support his/her writing with up-to-date relevant and related examples?
• Is the argument logical or emotional?  Has the writer attempted to be objective?

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          Last updated:  July, 2003
          Patricia A. Hutchins
           http://www.delta.edu/pahutchi/argumentation.html