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Creating an Academic Argument

Anne TorkelsonWriting Consultant

Writing Center

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Housekeeping

• Type your questions in the questions box

• Download the PowerPoint slides (at any point) and view the recording (later):

http://writingcenter.waldenu.edu/415.htm

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Today’s Agenda

• What is academic argument? • What makes a strong, argumentative thesis? • What are some ways to organize a paper? • Writing center tools and resources• Questions

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What Do We Mean When We Say “Argumentative” Paper?

Argument• a reason given in proof

or rebuttal• discourse intended to

persuade• a coherent series of

statements leading from a premise to a conclusion

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Argumentative Writing

Not argumentative:A paper describing to readers what happens physiologically to a person’s brain when that person eats chocolate.

Argumentative:A paper persuading readers that chocolate, in moderation, has health benefits.

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Professional Argument (APA 3.07)

• APA 3.07 states that arguments should be presented “in a professional, noncombative manner” (p.66).

• Arguments are based in facts from research (peer reviewed journals, books, and scholarly websites). Use evidence to persuade your readers.

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Essential Parts of an Argumentative Paper

1. Introduction– Background– Opposing side(s)– Thesis statement

2. Body of Paper– Body paragraphs based in evidence from research– Opposing sides may also be part of the body paragraphs

3. Conclusion

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The Opposing Side(s)

In an argumentative paper, you’ll need to acknowledge that there are other viewpoints and research arguing something different than what you’re arguing.

As a scholarly writer, you want to address the opposing side in a manner that is:-Fair-Respectful-Logical

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When Writing an Argument…

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Introduction

• Begin your introduction with a hook—a sentence or two that catches your readers’ attention and leads in to your topic. – A statistic related to your

topic– A statement of a problem or

popular misconception related to your topic

– A factual statement or a summary of an interesting event related to your topic

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Thesis Statement• Encompasses the main

point(s) of your paper• Acts as road map• Located in the

introduction (usually at or near the end)

• Argumentative– Not a question– Not a topic– Not a fact– Not a statement about the paper’s purpose– Not a statement about what the paper discusses

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Tips for Your Thesis

Ask yourself:- Can someone disagree with it?- Can you base your argument on

scholarly evidence? Or are you relying on opinion, religious belief, or morality?

- Is it narrow enough that you can discuss it with detailed, in-depth evidence?

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Theses Analysis

Gamification: Using game designs and techniques to nongame situations.

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Which is the Strongest Thesis?1. Many companies are using gamification techniques. 2. How are companies using gamification to increase benefit employers and employees?3. This paper will discuss how companies are using gamification techniques to benefit employers and employees.4. This paper will explore the question of how companies are using gamification to benefit employers and employees.5. Gamification in the workplace has several benefits to employers and employees.

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Poll: Which is the Stronger Thesis?

1. With my new knowledge of Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, I am better prepared to address the needs of my students.

2. In this paper, I will discuss what I learned about child development in this course and how I have grown as an early childhood education teacher.

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A Note on Expository Papers

1. With my new knowledge of Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, I am better prepared to address the needs of my students.

2. In this paper, I will discuss what I learned about child development in this course and how I have grown as an early childhood education teacher.

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Paper Organization

• Introduction

• Thesis• Body paragraphs• Conclusion

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Standard Organization

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Comparison and Contrast Papers

• Point format• Block format

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Comparison and Contrast Papers

Assignment: Compare and contrast two health issues found in both the United States and another country. Then, identify a public health program addressing one of the health issues in the United States, and compare and contrast it to a public health program for the same issue in the other country.

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Compare and Contrast: Point Format

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Compare and Contrast: Block Format

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Follow Parallel Construction

X

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Comparison and Contrast Papers: What Format is Best?

Assignment: Compare and contrast two health issues found in the United States with two health issues found in another country. Explain how these issues may be influenced by economic challenges.

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Compare and Contrast: Block Format (example 2)

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Compare and Contrast: Block Format

United States

France

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Refutation Arguments

• Still follow a block format or a point format• Opposing side will be part of the body

paragraphs rather than just in the introduction

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Refutation Arguments: Your Points First

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Refutation Arguments: Opposing Side First

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Refutation Arguments: Point Format

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Refutation Argument in Action

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Transitions

• To compare: as well, similar to, consistent with, likewise, too

• To contrast: on the other hand, however, although, conversely, rather than

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Conclusions: Wrapping Up Your Argument

• Reiterate your thesis and the main points of your paper in light of the evidence you presented

• Answer the so what? question• Keep readers thinking• Look forward to the future—

what needs to happen next?• Provide a sense of closure

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Conclusions: What To Avoid

• State the thesis for first time• Introduce new topics, ideas, or

evidence• End with a body paragraph• Conclude something you haven’t

proven• Conclude beyond the scope of

your argument

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Tips for Argumentative Essays

• Begin by identifying a clear, argumentative thesis• Base your evidence in research• Address the other side(s)• Avoid emotional language• Analyze the evidence using logic and reason• Ask yourself, is this objective? Am I writing as a social

scientist?

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Last Steps

• Check that your evidence still supports your thesis• Check that your conclusion supports your thesis

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Did you know?

Webinar ArchiveWebinar Archive

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Questions

Now: Use the Q&A box on your screen

After the webinar: Email the tutors at writingsupport@waldenu.edu