Strengthen your reasoning abilitiesConstruct persuasive argumentsYour goal is to get readers to believe, change or act

What is an argument?A reason (or chain of reasons) used to support a claim

Arrange in logical sequence

Support with evidence

Building an argument: Step 1Prepare your argument:Identify your purpose (Take a position? Call to action? Offer solution?)

Building an argument: Step 1Prepare your argument:Use reasoning, linking ideas in logical sequence

Gather solid evidence

Building an argument: Step 2State your claim

Assert that something is true, has value, or should be done

Building an argument: Step 3Support your claim

Support each point with solid evidence

Building an argument: Step 4Engage the oppositionMake concessions

Develop rebuttals

Use appropriate appeals

Making a claimArguments center on a claim, a key point you wish to explain, defend.It’s clearly arguableIt’s defendableIt’s understandable

Making a claimDistinguish claims from facts and opinions

Making a claimDistinguish claims from facts and opinionsClaim: The film version of The Fellowship of the Rings captures the spirit of Tolkien’s novel.

Develop a supportable claimAvoid claims that are obvious, trivial, or unsupportable

Use qualifiersBalance confidence

with common sense

Develop a supportable claimGather evidence

AnecdotesStatisticsTestsGraphicsAnalogiesExpert testimonyExamples

Engage the oppositionMake concessionsBy acknowledging opposition’s valid points, you build credibility

Engage the oppositionDevelop rebuttals

Look for small, tactful argument aimed at weakness in opposing argument

Engage the oppositionBe logicalAim to motivate, not manipulateIf readers find your evidence complex, simple, or strange, you’ve lost them