Academic Writing II

Introduction to
Arguments

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Before we begin…
The notes given in this presentation are an overview of
the topic. They are not meant to replace your lecture
notes…
For complete understanding, you need to:
▪ attend classes
▪ take notes
▪ ask questions
▪ complete your assigned readings and activities

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 Lesson Plan

Defining arguments
Keys terms in argumentation
Characteristics of an argument
The basic structure of an argument.

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 • Arguments deal with issues – that is topics that
Argument? have not been settled – that invite two or more
differing opinions.

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 • An argument is a line of reasoning that supports
What is an a judgement or a conclusion.

argument? • Persuasion that relies on reason.

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 • Premise – a statement that provides reasons for a
proposed conclusion.
• Proposition - a statement or assertion that
expresses a judgement or opinion.
• Assertation – a statement that puts forward a
Terms to judgment.
become • Claim – a statement that proposes a judgement or
that something is true.
familiar with • Conclusion – a statement that is derived from
reasons.
• Fact – any piece of verifiable information.
• Opinion – A view or any judgement on an issue. Not
necessarily based on facts.

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Characteristics of an Argument
• It takes a stance on an issue and use the critical thinking
process to find the best solution.
• It must be possible to agree AND disagree with the issue. In
other words, there must be two or more conflicting sides
from which to view the issue.
• It must involve reasons and evidence to arrive at a
conclusion.
• All claims must be supported by reasons.
• It must have a set of premises (statements) and a
conclusion (claim).

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 An argument must have at least 2 premises and
a conclusion/claim
Basic
Structure of
Premise
an + Premise
Argument __________________
= Conclusion/Claim

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 An argument must have at least 2 premises and
a conclusion/claim

Basic
Structure of Students sitting AW2 classes always participate
robustly in classes.
an + AW2 students complete 94% of their
Argument assignments on time.
____________________________________
= Therefore, AW2 students are engaged in their
learning.

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 Conclusion
Example…
As you can see in this example, sometimes
when arguments are written out in narrative
form, the placement of the different elements
may change, however, the elements remain
the same.
Nicole Cameron
• We think our government is Premise 1
preparing for war. They have
begun recruiting a large number of
high-ranking officials. In addition,
they have begun to discharge large
fleets of war ships and jets in the
Atlantic Ocean.
Premise 2
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 Meteorologists have reported that
currently there are three fast
developing tropical systems over the
Can you identify Caribbean sea. Temperatures are
the premises and also over 30 degrees Celsius and
conclusion? have been so for a week now. I
think, we can safely say that we
might get at least one hurricane this
month.

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 Can you identify the premises and
conclusion? Premise I

Meteorologists have reported that currently there are three fast

Premise 2
developing tropical systems over the Caribbean sea. Temperatures
are also over 30 degrees Celsius and have been so for a week now.
I think, we can safely say that we might get at least one hurricane
this month.
Conclusion

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Now practise writing arguments and get feedback from
your tutorial lecturer!

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For further Critical Thinking, Reading, and Writing Workbook,
pgs. 36 – 49
reading:

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