OBJECTIVES

• What is the purpose of an argument?

• What is the heart of any argument?
• How to support an argument?
WHAT IS THE MAIN PURPOSE OF AN
ARGUMENT?
“To persuade or influence (another), as by presenting
reasons “

(Dictionary. com , retrieved Nov., 16, 2006)

HOW DO WE ARGUE?

• There are two techniques generally used to achieve the

argument’s purpose:
 To state opinion and support it (expository)
 To state opinion, opposing point of view and the writer’s
response to it (refutation)
WHAT IS AT HEART OF ANY
ARGUMENT?
• The argument’s core lies in the writer’s opinion, belief or
claim (main idea or thesis statement)

• There are three types of thesis statements.

THE MAIN CAUSE OF CAR ACCIDENTS IS WOMEN
DRIVERS
 A. STATEMENTS OF CONDITION:
• These statements assert that a particular condition or state of
affairs exists or existed.
• don’t generally state nor attack an opposing point of view
• rely heavily on factual evidence rather than opinion.
• identify a state of affairs not likely well known by readers;
• therefore, they are in need of proof.
 OTHER EXAMPLES:
• What some people refer to as global warming is actually
nothing more than normal, long-term cycles of climate change.
• Most of the great classical novels have not been turned into
financially successful movies.
• The family as we know it has not been in existence for very
long.
• Although Henry David Thoreau celebrated solitude in his now
classic book, Walden, he actually spent very little time alone.
WOMEN ARE TERRIBLE DRIVERS. THEY ARE WORSE THAN
MICROBUS DRIVERS.
 B. STATEMENTS OF VALUE:

• express approval or disapproval of a certain concept, idea or point

of view.
• contrast two ideas or concepts and suggest/imply that one is better
or worse than the other.
• rely also on facts as well as examples and reasons
 OTHER EXAMPLES:

• Among all the sports, boxing is the most dehumanizing

• Cats are smarter than dogs.
• The American educational system is in a serious state of decline.
• The current crop of movies relies too much on action and not
enough on dialogue.
•  
 C. STATEMENTS OF POLICY:

• Insist that a particular action should/should not be taken.

• often include words such as: must, need, should, would, or
ought.
• factual evidence as well as sound reasons are Crucial.
 OTHER EXAMPLES:
• Instead of drilling for oil in Alaska we should be focusing on
ways to reduce oil consumption, such as researching
renewable energy sources.
• College athletes who do not maintain a B average should be
prohibited from playing any team sports.
• Consumers should have the right to take legal action against
HMOs that provide inadequate medical care.
COMBINING TYPES OF STATEMENTS

Is it possible to have a combination of the three types of

statements in one claim?

• “Despite the cloud of shame surrounding his name, Shoeless

Joe Jackson was never convicted of any crime. As one of the
most talented players in the history of baseball, his name
should be added to the Baseball Hall of Fame.”
RECAP: THREE TYPES OF STATEMENTS
A. Statements of Condition

B. Statements of Value

C. Statements of Policy
RECAP: BE ON THE LOOK FOR…..
• When analyzing an argument, look for statements that:
• describe an existing condition
• assign value or
• urge a policy or action.
• Such statements, separately or combined, are usually
central to the authors argument.
SUPPORTING
AN ARGUMENT
SUPPORTING AN ARGUMENT

• To be taken seriously, writers realize that their opinions

only are not enough.
• To be persuasive, writers have to provide readers with
support, which should be recognized and evaluated by
critical readers.
 1- REASONS
• Women shouldn’t be allowed to drive because they fail
their driving test for terrible reversing.
 2- EXAMPLES AND ILLUSTRATIONS:
• An example of female drivers wrong doings that would make them inefficient drivers
is that they were spotted by the police applying their make-up in queues of traffic.

• used when arguing general

statements of value.

• to prove a point , writers cite

examples, illustrations or
even personal experiences.
 3- EXPERT OPINION
• According to John Smith, a leading scientist in human motor skills,
women’s driving skills are poor as they lack the needed concentration.

When authors want to add more

depth into their arguments to support
their position and persuade the
readers, they refer to expert opinion.
 4- RESEARCH RESULTS
• Harvard University conducted a study in 2015 to measure
women’s driving abilities. The study concluded that 85% of
accidents are caused by female drivers.
• Used by writers to make it clear
that their opinions are grounded
on solid research.

• results of research -studies,

questionnaires and surveys- are
used by writers in order to argue
and support a point.
A.S. BOOK EX.2 (P.88-87)
C. What types of support were used here?
A.S. BOOK EX.2 (P.88-87)
C . What types of support were used here?
To Be Continued…..