Everyone should know how to write a good argument. Whether you're doing your homework or composing a cover letter, it always pays to be convincing. This slide show will show you how to write a solid argument and have fun doing it!

1. Writing an Argument

2. The Plan
How to write an argument
Getting people to listen to your side
Writing academically
Citations, bibliography, etc.
Easier than it sounds
Doing research
AKA the fun part

3. What is an argument?

4. Argument
A reason or set of reasons given with the aim of
persuading others that an action or idea is right
or wrong.
Definition of argument in Oxford English Dictionaries.
(2013). Oxford Dictionaries Online. Oxford University:
Oxford University Press. Retrieved from
http://oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_e
nglish/argument?q=argument

5. Argument
Thoughtful and reasoned out
Based on facts
Citable sources whose own
positions are based on
research
Arguments are made of research!

6. Opinion
A view or judgment formed about something,
not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.
Definition of opinion in Oxford English Dictionaries. (2013).
Oxford Dictionaries Online. Oxford University: Oxford
University Press. Retrieved from
http://oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english
/opinion?q=opinion

7. Opinion
Based on your feelings and beliefs
Background, personal bias, etc.
No sources other than your brain
Makes people stop listening to you

8. Building an argument
Find a bunch of existing positions
AKA “do research”
Present them
Represent multiple sides!
Use them to make your own point
Your point will be:
Reasoned
Rational
Based on the research

9. The Electric Car
Side 1:
Research suggests that companies will need
to increase the electric car's range and lower its
cost before it becomes a good option for drivers.
(Rajashekara, 1994).

10. The Electric Car
Side 2:
But Kirsch (2000) shows that the electric car
has emerged again and again in history to
compete with gasoline engines.

11. The Electric Car
Your position:
Based on these facts, it's clear that there is a
continuing strong interest in the electric car. The
electric car is a good investment for companies
despite the challenges.

13. Advantages
Persuasive
You've thought about the issue from multiple angles
Addresses other points of view
Makes it easier to address criticism
Makes people respect you
Because you're smart!

14. Citations and Bibliography

15. Why?
Show your professor where you
got your information
Then they can see what an
awesome researcher you are!
Validate your facts
Give credit
Convention
Everyone uses the same style

16. APA Citation
Kirsch (2000) makes the case that the
electric car will succeed because it has
succeeded in the past.
OR
The electric car has succeeded in the past
and will succeed again in the future. (Kirsch,
2000)

17. Research
Time!

18. APA Bibliography
Kirsch, D.A. (2000). The Electric car and the
burden of history. Rutgers, VT: Rutgers
University Press.
Rajashekara, K. (1994). History of Electric
Vehicles in General Motors. IEEE
transactions on Industry Applications, 30
(4). Retrieved from
http://endoc.net/pdf/1958.pdf.

19. Your Research
Your Paper

20. Your Resources
Librarians
Databases
Get them through the library!
Good ol' fashioned print
Books
Magazines
Microfiche
Please refer to your handouts for some ideas!

21. About the Internet...
Google
Web page popularity contest
No accounting for quality
Not your friend
Wikipedia
Anyone can edit
Changes constantly
Not your friend