Strategies For Writing Essays With Arguments |
The Fundamentals |
| 1. Introductory remarks and general definition of an argument |
| 2. The purpose of an argument: the definition of the thesis |
| 3. The importance of a thoroughly argued thesis (TAT) |
| 4. The importance of opposing arguments |
| 5. Two sources of opposing arguments |
| 6. The idea of closure to an argument |
| 7. Two types of opposing arguments |
| 8. Special problems in a thoroughly argued thesis |
| 9. What arguments are made of |
| Types of Essays |
| 1. The criteria used for determining a typology of essays |
| 2. Essays considering only one view |
| 3. Essays considering more than one view |
| 4. Additional considerations |
| The Strategies |
| 1. Be fair to your opponent(s) |
| 2. Concede some points to your opponent(s) |
| 3. Do not ignore obvious objections to your thesis |
| 4. Do not be a "know-it-all" |
| 5. Do not reduce arguments to opinions |
| 6. Use connecting words |
| 7. Be aware of the impact of ad hominem arguments |
| 8. Use questions carefully |
| 9. Use illustrative examples |
| 10. Make sure your conclusion rings true |
| 11. Develop your arguments fully and with the reader in mind |
| 12. General definitions must be acceptable to the reader |
| 13. Narrow focus by saying what will and will not be discussed |
| 14. Show that your opponent's position is extreme |
| 15. Include similar conclusions from independent sources |
| 16. Distinguish proper from improper uses of strategies |
| 17. Limit facts to relevant ones |
| 18. Anticipate your opponent's objections as best you can |
| 19. Be convinced of your own conclusion |
| 20. Know what your opponent has said, implied, or might say |
| 21. Show parallels between yours and another's argument |
| 22. Claims not safely assumed acceptable must be argued for |
| 23. Be critical of all basic assumptions |
| 24. Be precise in your thinking and writing |
| 25. Consult primary sources over secondary ones |
| 26. Do not get sidetracked by side issues (stay focused) |
| |
| |