The Academic Argument Essay:

A Brief Review

By Dr. Rosemary Briseño

Composition and Rhetoric: Just what do these terms mean?

Composition: the skill or art of creating written works

Rhetoric: using language effectively to please or persuade

The Art of Communication

An essay is like a conversation between you (writer) and the reader (your audience)

communicate ideas, topics, and purposes

conversation between reader/listener

concise

Academic Discourse: Academic Argument

Clear, compelling points

Somewhat formal style

Authoritative

Includes logical appeals based on careful research

Cites reliable sources

Rhetorical Stance

Invitational

Rogerian argumentation

Toulmin method

Epideictic argumentation

“Classic” mode of argumentation

Invitational(to win or persuade)

Rogerian argument:Psychologist Carl Rogers. Believed you should not engage in any dispute until you understand your opponent.

Rogerian model of argument

Common ground

Nonthreatening

Establishing trust

Toulmin

Simple example of claim+reason=warrant

Don’t eat Fly Agaric mushrooms (claim) because they are poisonous (reason).

Acknowledges complications of life

Uses qualifiers such as:

sometimesoftenunlessalmost

Epideictic argumentation (ceremonial arguments

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

(1929-1968)

Classic structure of argument Developed by Greek and Roman rhetoricians

two thousands years ago

Developed for use in presenting court cases

Senate speeches

Three logical appeals: ethos,pathos, logos

Marcus Tullius Cicero (January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC)

The thesis: your essay’s lifeline

What is a thesis? The central claim you are trying to convey.   A good thesis statement makes the difference between a thoughtful research project and a simple retelling of facts.

What is a thesis? A thesis statement declares what you intend to prove and how you intend on proving it. A good thesis statement makes the difference between a thoughtful research project and a simple retelling of facts.

The thesis: A crucial component

What is a thesis? A thesis statement declares what you intend to prove, and how you intend on proving it.

A good thesis statement makes the difference between a thoughtful research project and a simple retelling of facts.

Thesis

AB=thesis

A=topic/issue/problem

B=purpose/focus/direction

Thesis: Two Types

*Explicit: states exactly on what you will focus, and how you will do this

Implicit: states only the subject/topic/issue/problem. How you will discuss the topic/issue/problem will be discovered as the essay unfolds.

*Of the two, it is recommended your essays include an explicit thesis.

Thesis Statements:

The Good

Contestable

Provocative

Anticipates refutation

Avoids vague language

Avoids first person POV

Specific

Can assert conclusions based on evidence

Passes the “So what? Who cares?” test

Thesis statements: The

Bad

Never a question

Never a list

Not vague

Not opinion based

Thesis statements:

The Ugly

Never confrontational

Never combative

Not plagiarized

The evolution of a thesis statement…

Pit bull dogs are dangerous, lethal weapons; however, training and obedience classes can curb a Pit Bull’s natural instinct to attack.

It is only a matter of time, but Pit Bulls are dangerous, and they will eventually

attack, even their owners. Therefore, Pit Bulls should be outlawed in the United States.

Pit Bulls: Deadly Animal?

Selectively bred for combat with other dogs, the Pit Bull is genetically predisposed to dog-aggression. The breed was created to be the ultimate fighting machine. Although early socialization and training can make a big difference, it is impossible to erase genetics, and owners aware that owning a Pit Bull carries a lot of responsibility.

Can you distinguish the good from the bad (and the ugly?)

ARE THESE GOOD OR BAD?

Technology, like Facebook and Twitter, is changing the way we communicate in ways that we are just beginning to understand.

Children are susceptible to getting a number of serious, life-threatening diseases, but Autism is not one of them.

ARE THESE GOOD OR BAD?

People should avoid drinking and driving.

Getting a tattoo should take some serious thought because body ink is permanent.

Exotic animals—lions and tigers, for example, should not be kept as pets because they are wild.

Test your thesis statement!

Does your thesis statement……………?

Make a specific claim that a reader can agree or disagree with?

Pick out an idea that can be defended in the space allowed?

Limit the kinds of evidence you can use to defend it?

STOP! Before you turn in your final draft…

Make sure you:

Follow academic format (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.)

Support your ideas

Follow your professor’s instructions per assignement

Use present tense (texts); historical tense, as needed

Your thesis come early in your paper

Introductions

Have a hook (a quote, an interesting fact, a rhetorical question)

Author

Title

The thesis

The body

Each paragraph has a topic sentence (relates to the thesis; like a mini-thesis statement of the paragraph)

Show, don’t tell (use vivid language, define, compare and contrast, negation, etc)

Use quotes (paraphrased and direct quotations) as needed to support your thesis

Have transitions between pgh.’s for continuity

The body, con’t

Any visuals (charts, graphs, illustrations) should enhance your reader’s understanding of the main points

A long paragraph, like a short one=lack of focus

Did you use quotes and code words (KW and phrase) like salt?

The conclusion

Should mirror the Introduction in content and in length, but not “parrot” the pgh word for word.

Cinch your thoughts. Conclude! Don’t go in a new direction or leaving the reader hanging.

The Road to a (Possible) Failing Grade

Keep up with readings

Have minimal absences

Don’t procrastinate

Student/instructor conferences

The road to success…

…is always under construction

Patience Persistence Perseverance

Pride In a Job Well Done

Have pride in your work.

Appreciate the pleasures of doing your own work.

And in closing…

Good luck with the end of the semester!

Thank you for your attention.