HOW TO CONSTRUCT AN Academic Writing 2

ACADEMIC ARGUMENT Dr. Noxolo Matete

WHAT IS AN ARGUMENT?
 A disagreement
 A dispute
 A difference of
opinion

Mr. A Mr. B
WHAT IS AN ARGUMENT?
You are trying to CONVINCE someone that your
point is right
You do this by presenting your point with
CONFIDENCE
To support your point you present reliable
EVIDENCE
WHAT IS AN ‘ACADEMIC
ARGUMENT’?
It is when you engage in critical writing

When you can think critically and read critically,

you are then able to write critically.
WHAT IS ‘CRITICAL
WRITING’?
A form of writing…
 …in which you are trying to persuade your reader
to see and support your point (CONVINCE)
 …where you are able to present a point strongly
and believably (CONFIDENCE)
 …in which you use others’ ideas to support your
point (EVIDENCE)
WHAT IS AN ‘ACADEMIC
ARGUMENT’?
1. CONVINCE your reader of your point
2. Bring your point across with CONFIDENCE
3. Support your point using EVIDENCE
HOW TO BUILD AN ACADEMIC
ARGUMENT: AN EXAMPLE
Assignment topic:
Netflix is currently the best form of entertainment.
Critically analyze this statement
HOW TO BUILD AN ACADEMIC
ARGUMENT: AN EXAMPLE
Understand the topic fully
Take a position
Offer a balanced argument
HOW TO BUILD AN ACADEMIC
ARGUMENT: AN EXAMPLE
Scenario 1
Let us say I agree that Netflix is currently the best form of entertainment.

Discuss the views which state that Netflix is a bad form of

entertainment and the reasons that have been given for this view
Discuss the views which state that Netflix is the best form of
entertainment and the reasons that have been given for this view.
Because this is the view that I support, I would state my own
reasons as to why I think Netflix is the best form of entertainment.
HOW TO BUILD AN ACADEMIC
ARGUMENT: AN EXAMPLE
Scenario 2
Let us say I disagree that Netflix is currently the best form of entertainment.
1. Discussthe views which state that Netflix is the best form of
entertainment and the reasons that have been given for this view.
2. Discuss the views which state that Netflix is actually a bad form
of entertainment and the reasons that have been given for this view.
Because this is the view that I support, I would state my own reasons
as to why I think Netflix is NOT the best form of entertainment.
HOW TO BUILD AN ACADEMIC
ARGUMENT: AN EXAMPLE
Acknowledge the counter position while arguing for your own…
Remember, CONVINCE

Argue strongly for your position because you believe that it is

right…Remember, CONFIDENCE

Back up your position with reliable sources…Remember,

EVIDENCE
IMPORTANT FEATURES OF AN
ACADEMIC ARGUMENT
Ideas are clear
There is a connection between ideas
There is a logical flow in the discussion
Follow the correct structure of academic writing:
introduction, body and conclusion
IMPORTANT FEATURES OF AN
ACADEMIC ARGUMENT

Be concise
Use specific examples
Use reliable evidence
AN ACADEMIC VOICE
An academic voice means having the ability to analyze
information in order to develop your own argument, by…

Convincing your reader that your point is right

Presenting your point with confidence
Backing up your point with reliable evidence