36 What is Argument?
What Is an Argument?
An argument is a reasoned opinion supported and explained by evidence. When you use argument, you take a position on an issue, and you try to prove or defend your position. Using effective argument strategies can help you convince somebody that your point of view is a valid one.
Argument is both a writing pattern and a purpose for writing. In fact, it is one of the most common aims, or purposes, in most college and work-related writing. In most of your college and work-related writing, your purpose is to persuade the reader that your ideas are compelling and legitimate.
To argue in writing is to advance knowledge and ideas in a positive way.
The Argumentative Essay
When you write an argumentative essay, remember four key points.
- Consider your readers. What do your readers already know about the topic? Will they be likely to agree or disagree with you? Do they have specific concerns? Consider what kind of evidence would be most effective with your audience.
- Know your purposes. In argument writing, your main purpose is to persuade the reader to agree with you. Your specific purpose is more focused. You may want the reader to take action, you may want to support a viewpoint, you may want to counter somebody else’s argument, or you may want to offer a solution to a problem. Ask yourself what your specific purpose is.
- Take a strong position, and provide persuasive evidence. Your thesis statement and your topic sentences should clearly show your point of view. Then back up your point of view with a combination of facts, statistics, examples, and informed opinions.
- Show that you are trustworthy. Respect your readers by making a serious argument. If you are condescending, or if you try to joke about the topic, your readers may be less inclined to accept your argument. You can also help your readers have more respect for your ideas when you choose a topic that you know something about. For example, if you have been in the military or know people in the military, you might be able to make a very convincing argument about the lack of proper equipment for soldiers.
