• Contradiction• Opinion• Yelling• Expression of

emotion

AN ARGUMENT IS…“a connected series of statements intended to establish a proposition”

A selection of evidence used to support a thesis, or main point.

• The main point than an author or speaker is trying to make.

• A thesis is not a fact; it could be true or false. It is something the author or speaker must try to prove.

• To be an argument, the thesis must be supported by evidence.

How to make a good argument

Just remember

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Find information that is proven and does not rely on someone’s likes or dislikes.Facts “stand the test of time” and can be repeated.

Eg: “It is a fact heavier objects will fall faster than lighter objects.”

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• Examples help support the facts

• Examples help understand concepts that may be abstract

Eg: “I will drop this sack of cement and feather at the same time; the sack will hit the ground first.”

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Ask yourself who wrote this information?

Look for credible publications such as magazines, newspapers, books, websites.

Look for authors with expertise (eg: scientists discussing science, lawyers discussing the law).

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• Think about the other side of the argument

• What will their main ideas be?

• Prepare to defend your side and to question other perspectives