Arguing+for+a+Position

Chapter 13: Writing for a Position Writing an academic argument is different than having a debate. An argument is “cooler in emotion and more elaborate in detail than oral debate.” (Faigley 292). “so convenient a thing it is to be a rational creature, since it enables us to find or make a reason for every thing one has a mind to do.” (Ben Franklin qtd. in Faigley 293). When you are trying to argue a position you must have reasons and “convince your audience that your reasons are //good reasons.//” (293). What is the difference between arguing in words and arguing in writing? What do you need to do differently writing your argument?  1. You have to be more specific about what you are claiming  2. You have to connect with the values you hold in common with your readers  3. You have to anticipate what questions and objections your readers might have (Faigley 293). Components of position arguments  1. Define the issue  2. State your opinion: You may want to state your thesis in the opening paragraph to let readers know your position immediately. If your issue is unfamiliar, you may want to find out more before you state your position. In any case, you should take a definite position on the issue.  3. Find one or more reasons: Write as many because-clauses as you can think of. Use the ones that are most convincing.  4. Provide evidence: In support of your reasons, provide evidence—in the form of examples, statistics, and testimony of experts—that the reasons are valid. When the issue is unfamiliar, more evidence than usual is required.  5. Acknowledge opposing views and limitations of the claim: If everyone thinks the same way, then there is no need to write a position argument. Anticipate what objections might be made to your position. You can answer possible objections in two ways: that the objections are not valid or that the objections have some validity but your argument is stronger. Keys to position arguments  1. Understand your goal: to invite a response that creates a dialog  2. Be sensitive to the context: what is going on in society? How does this affect your position?  3. Rely on careful definitions: if readers accept your definitions, they are more likely to agree with your position.  4. Use quality sources: recent sources are critical for current topics  5. Create credibility: writing reveals a person's character (think of the stories you read for the literature analysis). Be honest and sincere  6. Cultivate a sense of humor and a distinctive voice: Humor is a legitimate tool of argument, especially when the stakes are high and tempers are flaring  7. Argue responsibly: When you begin an argument by stating “in my opinion,” you are NOT arguing responsibly. Readers assume that if you make a claim in writing, you believe that claim. More important, it is rarely just your opinion. Most beliefs and assumptions are shared by many people. When other members of your community share your opinion, your readers should consider your position seriously.  8. Provide visuals if needed: Images can supply relevant examples for some issues. If you have statistical data to present, consider including a table or chart.