Argumentative Writing

Part 1: Types of
Argument
Argument and Persuasion
Argument: To discover a version of
the truth using evidence and reason.
Persuasion: Change a point of view.
Kinds Of Arguments
Types of Argument
Definition
Causation
Ethics
Evaluation
Proposal
Argument of Definition
Does a known object belong in a
specific category?
Ex. Is a human fetus a human
being?
Is video game playing a sport?

Argument of Causation
What caused something to come into
being?
What caused the current state of
events?
Ex: The focus on standardized tests
has diminished a students ability to
be creative.
Ex: Violent video games lead to
violence in society.
Argument of Ethics
Arguing how we should act.
What is the right or wrong decision in
a situation?
Are there principles involved?
Are we dealing with absolute or
situational ethics?
Ex: Should we use force in Syria?
Ex: Should we pass the Dream Act?
Argument of Evaluation
What is the quality of something?
Is a Corvette a sports car? This is
an argument of definition.
Is a Corvette a good sports car?
This is an argument of evaluation.
Qualifying it further: Is a Corvette
a good sports car for the price?
Proposal Arguments
What action should be taken
Recognition of a problem and then
the argument that by following the
actions you outline, the problem
will be solved.
Arguable Proposition would work
well.
Arguable Proposition
Someone should take some action.
Ex. The Carson City School District
should require all students to wear
uniforms during school hours.
The Federal Government should
spend more tax dollars on the
countrys infrastructure.