Week 3: Identifying the Components of Argument

Directions: For each of the following passages, identify the claim, reasons, evidence,
objections, and rebuttals. Please note that not all of the passages contain all of these
elements.

1. Wind Power

Wind power is a better alternative for power generation. The main reason supporting
the wind power alternative is that wind power is more environmentally friendly than
coal, oil and gas alternatives. This is based on two further reasons, that wind power
uses fewer nonrenewable resources and wind power causes less local and regional
pollution than coal, gas, and oil.

There are two objections to the claim that wind power is a better alternative for power
generation. Firstly, that wind power requires wind farms and these adversely affect
the local environment. This is based on the belief that wind farms are perceived as
eyesores and that wind farms may disturb locals and wildlife. The second objection is
that coal, oil and gas are less expensive sources of energy than wind power; however,
it may be rebutted that wind power is becoming less expensive overtime.

2. Rising Rat Population

Why should the public be concerned about a rising rat population? Multiple reasons.
First, the presence of rats is an economic issue. They damage utility lines and wires,
start fires and damage a lot of a city's infrastructure in locations we can't observe such
as in sewer walls or under sidewalks. Secondly, it's a public health concern. Rats roam
the sewer systems and carry all kinds of germs. With a higher number of rats our
chance of coming into contact with those germs increases. Third, it's an aesthetic
issue. The presence of rats is a common indicator of a degraded environment. Who
wants to live on a street or visit a restaurant where there are rats? 

3. Obama’s Presidency

Despite objections, I would argue that Obama’s presidency has been a success so far.
He has certainly saved the financial sector by investing billions to make good its
failures. On the other hand, you could say, rather vulgarly, that he has cheated the
average hard-working citizen by spending ridiculous amounts of money to save the
assets of all those ”greed is good” bank egos. But then again, the alternative might
have been the total collapse of the country’s infrastructure. Further support for
Obama’s success as president is his ability to handle foreign conflicts. He has
succeeded in handling Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Korea. Finally, although, nationally
speaking, it is true that he has not yet made good on his promise of reuniting this so
tragically divided country. But of course, it is still too early for that. At the same
time, it is undeniable that he continues to inspire people to strive.

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4. Gender Quotas

One of the most controversial issues in management today is gender quotas in which
organizations set aside a specific percentage of leadership positions for female
employees. Although many people largely praise such quotas, I argue that gender
quotas in hiring drive away both women and men. This is because, in general, most
people view such quotas negatively. This notion is supported by a recent study
conducted by Forbes in which 70% of respondents (managers at major companies)
noted that gender quotas were “unattractive” to them.

Gender quotas also drive away women and men because companies that make use
of such quotas are, ironically, being unfair. This is because such companies value
diversity over competence. This is supported by a study conducted by the London
School of Economics in which 45% of women when offered a job in the presence of a
gender quota attributed their success to preferential treatment rather than their own
merit.

5. Employee Rewards

Rewards motivate employees. They demonstrate an acknowledgment from

management that an employee has done a good job. Moreover, rewards help to
cultivate a healthy company culture. This is because rewards help to foster success
and achievement. Although this may seem obvious, there are quite a few objections
to the notion that rewards motivate employees. The first of these is that rewards
create a sense of complacency. Complacency is basically the idea that a person can
do no wrong and takes his or her position for granted. The second objection is that
rewards often create unnecessary competition between employees. This is because
instead of working to achieve something together, rewards systems cause problems
amongst employees who are more focused gaining, for example, an annual award.