1. Critical Reasoning Skills
LC 0918 / 0518
AY 2011/12
Week 7

2. Today’ Focus:
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3. CA 2: PART A (ESSAY – 20%)
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!! You will individually research the issue you and your group has
decided on
!! Your essay should be 300 – 500 words long
!! your research and your stand and your conclusion should be your
own.
!! You are allowed to bring in notes and your research materials
CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

4. CA 10: Part B
(Discussion Café – 50%)
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!! Your group will present its research and conclusions in class.
!! You will now need to forward a group viewpoint on the issue you have
chosen. Support your argument with evidence and be prepared to take
questions from the class and tutor.
!! This is not an oral presentation.
!! Your group‘s aim is to convince the audience of your collective
viewpoint. Think about how you can do this as effectively as possible.
CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

5. How to Begin?
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CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

6. QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELVES
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CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

8. When sourcing…
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9. CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

10. Introduction is a statement of purpose,
(The Thesis) intent, or main idea; it is
also known as the stand of
the author.
Body Main Argument (series of
(reasons for Thesis) reasons)
Conclusion Summarise
(Reiterate Thesis)
CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument CRS Unit1: Reading Critically

11. A view point expressed (what)
Supported by reason / reasons. (why)
CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

12. What is “argument”?
Reason why you agree or disagree with the issue
!! For the introduction,
- list only the 3 strongest reasons why you agree or
disagree with the issue
!! They should be brief.
CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

13. What is “preview of arguments”?
!! Introduction of selected arguments
!! i.e. preview of arguments
!! Note each argument has to be:
!! a short phrase
!! to-the-point

14. What makes up the argument?
!! Each argument requires:
!! One reason for your stand
!! One or more supporting details e.g.
!! example
!! explanation
!! research finding/ expert opinion/ statistics
!! anecdote
!! comparison and/ or contrast
!! Remember you need three arguments for the essay body
CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

15. What is a Stand?

16. A Stand…
Must have the following:
•! can be defended.
•! is not based on subjectivity of personal
feelings.
•! is a statement (usually in a sentence) and
not a question.
•! must be coherent.
CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

17. So what is “stand”?
Statement that you agree or disagree with the issue
!! There’s no middle ground in an argumentative essay so your
stand has to be a “yes” or “no” i.e.
!!I agree that domestic helpers should be given a day off
or
!!I disagree that domestic helpers should be given a day off
CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

18. Which is a valid stand?
1.! Are youths inculcated with good values?
2. Youths need to be inculcated with good
values .
CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

19. Which is a valid stand?
1.! Marijuana should be considered illegal.
2. Selling Marijuana in public places should
be considered illegal
CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

20. Which is a valid stand?
1.! I cannot take the MRT as only a bus
would take to directly to my home.
2.! I love taking cabs.
CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

21. !! You can persuade others to agree with how you feel by writing
an argumentative essay
!! Let’s explore how such an essay can written for the issue:
Globalization is a bane and not a boon.
!! The following slides will illustrate the process of writing the
essay
Expressing your Opinion
CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

22. An effective Argumentative Essay has
!! a series of arguments, plus
!! counter-arguments and
!! Rebuttals
CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

23. What is a Counter-Argument?
!! An argument given by someone who disagrees with your
stand.
!! A counter-argument is an opposing argument that
goes against your:
!! stand
!! arguments
CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

24. Why Counter-argue?
CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

25. How to Counter-argue?
!! Imagine a disbelieving reader who is able to
!! identify a problem with your argument or
!! provide an alternative argument that makes more sense to him
or her.
CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

26. How to Counter-argue?
!! The counter-argument should be
!! Clear so that the reader understands easily
!! Brief so that you can rebut the counter-argument more
effectively and
!! Supported by some evidence
CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

27. The Rebuttal
CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

28. What is a Rebuttal?
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CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

29. Argumentative Essay Format
What it Looks Like
CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

30. Argumentative Essay:
Basic Format
!! Introduction
!! Hook
!! Background
!! Stand
!! Preview of 3 Arguments
!! Body
!! Argument 1
!! Argument 2
!! Argument 3
!! Counterargument & Rebuttal
!! Conclusion
!! Restate stand
!! Restate 3 arguments
CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

31. Argumentative Essay Format
The Conclusion
CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

32. How to Conclude?
!! Restates your stand
!! Summarises your arguments
!! Presents possible consequence(s) of contradicting your
stand
These should be stated in different words from the
introduction.
CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

33. CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

34. Title--why do you need one?
!! Introduces the topic of discussion
!! Generates reader interest
CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

35. Creating a Title
!! Attention Grabbing
!! Offering a provocative image
!! Using words or examples offered
in the body or conclusion
!! asking a question
!! Don’t be too general
CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

36. Considering Titles
Which would be the best title for an article on “Solutions to the
problem of road rage”?
Road Rage
Can’t Drive 55
Road Rage: Curing Our Highway Epidemic
CRS Unit 4: Writing an Argument

37. Activity Time!
!! In your groups.
!! Go to Eliser
!! Select an issue for your CA 10.
!! Choose your topic from the following:
#! Youth
#! Globalization
#! Media
#! Science & Technology
CRS Unit 1: Issues and Conclusion

38. Formulating an Issue
Eliser Database
News, current 1. Opposing
Affairs and Social Viewpoints
Issues Resource Centers
Or
2. Resource
Centers 3. Global Issues in
Context

39. WHEN YOU COME BACK (WEEK 12)
1.! You should have already done some kind of research on
your own
2.! Everyone should bring their computers to class
3.! Have their 3 points of argument, 1 or 2 counter arguments
+ rebuttal
4.! If you need help,
email lena.ng.31@gmail.com