Free Essay

Analysis of an Argument

In:

Submitted By rohitg99
Words 968
Pages 4
Analysis of Argument
Paragraph 1
I always start begin with a broad statement about the issue at hand. For instance in an argument essay about whether it was necessary to conserve energy, I would begin with:

Energy conservation has become a hot topic in the United States as of late. There are those who debate climate change and those who affirm it, those who assert that humans are depleting the world's natural resources, including fossil fuels, and those who believe that humans are barely making a dent in consuming the resources the earth has to offer.

This sets up a fluid introduction to my essay, and by starting with an introductory sentence, I felt I would set myself apart from the majority of other test takers who begin "I agree" or "I disagree" -- remember, you want to distinguish yourself from other essay writers (in a good way) right from the start.

I always continue by saying, "In the preceding statement, the author claims that (paraphrase of the author's argument)." This shows that I understand the author's argument. I continue with my disagreement (and, as has been often said, ALWAYS disagree with the author's reasoning, and I pretty much always used the same thesis statement, something like:

Though his claim may well have merit, the author presents a poorly reasoned argument, based on several questionable premises and assumptions, and based solely on the evidence the author offers, we cannot accept his argument as valid.

I can use that statement for pretty much any argument essay I encounter. The beginning shows that I see the issue as nuanced, rather than black and white, and I recognize that though the author may have arrived at the correct answer, his reasoning is flawed. I also use "we" but I try to avoid using "I". Take that as you will.

Paragraph 2
For me, paragraph two always attacks the premises of the author's argument. I usually jot down a couple of premises on my board -- these are things that show up in the author's argument, usually without any evidence provided. So 99% of the time, I attack the lack of evidence that the author bases his premises on. I usually begin with some version of:

The primary issue with the author's reasoning lies in his unsubstantiated premises.

I like "primary" and "secondary" as transitional tools because they are more complex than "first" and "second". Throughout the first paragraph, I show flaws in the author's premises by pointing out his lack of evidentiary support (they pretty much always lack evidentiary support) and where they are open to holes or alternate explanations. I usually have two or three, but one would be fine if it it was strong. I generally end with something like:

The author's premises, the basis for his argument, lack any legitimate evidentiary support and render his conclusion unacceptable.

Paragraph 3
In the third paragraph, I always attack the assumptions - again, I jot down a couple assumptions on my notepad while reading the prompt. Generally, the issue with assumptions is that they need to be clearly explicated - the author is asking the reader to make a jump with them, but the reader may well veer off course if the author doesn't explicitly state his arguments. I usually begin with some variation of:

In addition, the author makes several assumptions that remain unproven.

Again, I begin with a transitional phrase that the e-grader can pick up on. As with the premises, I spend this paragraph attacking a couple of the author's assumptions. The easiest way to do this is to find an alternate explanation -- ie, what if the assumption wasn't true? I usually have two or three, again. My assumption paragraph ends with something like:

The author weakens his argument by making assumptions and failing to provide explication of the links between X and Y he assumes exists.

Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4 is where I talk about how the author could strengthen his argument -- that is, I go back to my claim that his argument could have some validity, but not as it stands. I usually begin this paragraph with something like:

While the author does have several key issues in his argument's premises and assumptions, that is not to say that the entire argument is without base.

Then I provide some concrete ways the author could strengthen his argument. The easiest way to do this is to give examples of what kind of evidence the author could provide, and discuss how he can fill the holes in his assumptions. I generally end with something like:

Though there are several issues with the author's reasoning at present, with research and clarification, he could improve his argument significantly.

Paragraph 5
This is my conclusion paragraph. I pretty much always conclude with the same sentence:

In sum, the author's illogical argument is based on unsupported premises and unsubstantiated assumptions that render his conclusion invalid.

I usually use "in sum" because it's considered better stylistically than "in conclusion" but signals to the e-grader that you're at your conclusion. I usually add a couple sentences of fluff in between and then I end with:

If the author truly hopes to change his readers' minds on the issue, he would have to largely restructure his argument, fix the flaws in his logic, clearly explicate his assumptions, and provide evidentiary support. Without these things, his poorly reasoned argument will likely convince few people.

...And that's pretty much it.

So the cliff notes:

P1- Intro with generic thesis statement that works for 99.9% of argument essays.

P2 - Attack the premises of the argument.

P3 - Attack the assumptions of the argument.

P4 - Discuss what type of evidence or reasoning would strengthen the argument.

P5 - Conclusion.

Hope that helps someone out there and good luck on your essays!

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Argument Analysis

...Argument Analysis In a recent article titled “Can Students Have Too Much Tech?” published in the editorial of the New York Times, opinion columnist makes a genuine attempt to question certain policies announced by president Obama in regards with the promotion of “free and open Internet” for the education of American children. The article is highly effective in convincing the audience that encouraging students, especially those from low income families, to use network devices will not necessarily guarantee academic progress. The writer makes a forensic argument by citing several examples from the past which helps the readers understand the possible outcome of the topic in question. The writer enriches the argument by making a logical appeal to the audience and presenting research findings conducted by economists and education researchers. As Everything’s an Argument (Lunsford, Ruszkiewicz and Walters, 2013) explains about logical appeal that “audiences respond well to the use of reasons and evidence (i.e. logical appeal) — to the presentation of facts, statistics, credible testimony, cogent examples in support of the argument” (p. 27). For example, the writer presents research conducted in early 2000s by Duke University economists Jacob Vigdor and Helen Ladd. The research was aimed to study the academic progress of nearly one million disadvantaged middle-school students when they were given access to networked computers. The economists concluded: “Students who gain access...

Words: 385 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Analysis of an Argument

...on the job increases, the wages paid to employees should also increase. Hence it makes financial sense for employers to make the workplace safer: they could thus reduce their payroll expenses and save money." Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion be sure to analyze the line of reasoning and the use of evidence in the argument. For example, you may need to consider what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking and what alternative explanations or counterexamples might weaken the conclusion. You can also discuss what sort of evidence would strengthen or refute the argument, what changes in the argument would make it more logically sound, and what, if anything, would help you better evaluate its conclusion. Answer The following is an actual AWA essay that received the highest rating: This argument states that it makes financial sense for employers to make the workplace safer because by making the workplace safer then lower wages could be paid to employees. This conclusion is based on the premise that as the list of physical injury increases, the wages paid to employees should also increase. However, there are several assumptions that may not necessarily apply to this argument. For example, the costs associated with making the workplace safe must outweigh the increased payroll expenses due to hazardous conditions. Also, one must look at the plausibility of improving the work environment. And finally, because most companies...

Words: 761 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Argument Analysis

...Argument Analysis Clint Chapman Ivy Tech University ENGL 112 Exposition and Persuasion Tolulope Idowu 2/13/2011 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yzeCsv-qrM Abstract I’m going to analyze an advertisement for the wildly successful video game, Call of Duty: Black Ops. We will look at the audience the video is intending to reach, and the message it is trying to get across. Its about a minute long and features a few celebrities, but mostly just normal people in a war time setting. It looks to be well produced, and it was generally well received by anyone who viewed it. Youtube, black ops, call of duty, advertisement,analysis Call of Duty Analysis In November of 2010 the latest installment of the wildly successful video game franchise, Call of Duty was released. It was known as Call of Duty: Black Ops, and is first person shooter set in the height of the cold war era. There was an intense media and advertising blitz, mostly online and in print, but there was one notable commercial. As someone who has played all of these games, and usually at the top of the leaderboard when I do play, I was already excited before I saw the commercial. The commercial is trying to appeal to a wide range of people, not just the typical 15-24 year old male that this game appeals too. Those people already know about the game, have more than likely already pre-ordered it, and will be waiting at midnight to pick it up. This commercial is obviously not for them. It is, however...

Words: 934 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Argument and Audience Analysis

...Elba Gibson Professor Cavender RWS 280-14 February 24, 2015 Word Count 916 Project 1: Argument and Audience Analysis With the advancements in modern medicine, Americans are living longer lives than ever before. But does living a longer life mean you’re living a healthier life? The answer might not surprise some, but will shock most. Unfortunately we are living in a time where we are witnessing the most cases of chronic health illnesses, such as heart disease and obesity. Author and Chef Dan Barber raises some of the issues concerning America’s food production in his book “The Third Plate.” The issues with America’s food system are not only affecting our health, but are also interfering with nature in such a negative way, that the worsening of our environment is becoming more apparent each day. Barber is not the only advocate raising awareness about the troubles with modern food production. Michael Pollan, author of “The Food Movement, Rising” and documentaries such as “King Corn” also shed light on the issues surrounding Americans’ health as well as the deterioration of our environment. The solution to this unhealthy epidemic does not lie in a miracle pill, nor in an Ivy League-trained physician. It lies in our food production, and the best place to start is at the source; at the farm. And who better to advocate for this change than farmers and chefs? Farmers and chefs should influence a better food system by promoting good food through their harvests and prepared meals...

Words: 922 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Position Argument Analysis

...After reflecting on my position essay, I was most pleased with the points of argument I choose for why government invasion of personal privacy is wrong. I believe that my arguments were solid and I backed them up with valid evidence. I also felt that my opposing argument was strong. The things that contributed to my achievement were all the assignments that led up to writing the position essay. I took a lot of information from the weekly assignment, ‘Argument, Concession, and Refutation.’ I felt that the PowerPoint provided was very informative, especially when it came to writing the counter argument. One particular detail that stood out to me was presenting an opposing viewpoint for the stand I was taking on privacy invasion. By including an opposing view I gave my paper credibility and showed that I am logical in my thinking....

Words: 511 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Critical Argument Analysis

...Critical Argument Analysis Gabriel Martinez ENG/215 November 9, 2015 Professor Stephanie Critical Argument Analysis “There’s not a man that can’t be thrown, not a horse that can’t be rode, a bull that can’t be stopped, there’s not a disco that I Coke La Rock can’t rock”. (DJ Coke La Rock 1973) This line spoken by Coke La Rock was the birth of rap and hip-hop music. This one bar made Coke La Rock the very first rapper in Hip-Hop and birthed a new genre of music, we now know today as Rap music. John McWhorter, Opio Lumumba Sokoni, and Desi K. Robinson all have written about their different views and opinions on the good the bad and the ugly of rap music. They all offer different arguments on the effects of rap music. Rap music began as a way for black families to focus on bringing families together and uplifting each other’s spirits in times of heartache and pain. However, now since its humble beginnings so much has changed and developed but the spirit of its heart and soul stays the same. John McWhorter argues in his article, “Mean StreetsTheater,” (2003) on the negativity of rap music and the violence that it promotes. He argues that the violence of rap music is causing the rappers to be murdered. He goes on to say that not only are rappers being murdered but also they’re being murdered in front of their children, exposing their children to the violence. Today in our society many agree with his point of view and are causing...

Words: 864 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Critical Argument Analysis

...Critical Argument Analysis Kimberly Amat ENG/215 Critical Argument Analysis In the process of researching the selected topic regarding “Fear” there were many angles to consider in how ‘in depth’ the writers got into their topic. There were many questions to ask in how well the authors of the writings made their claims concerning the topic. As each author has his or her own way of reaching the audience it would be only right that his or her writing process reflect this. Each author has their own brand of emotion and logic he or she uses to reach their audiences, which in turn can affect each authors writing. Each author brings to the table a unique style of writing, one using technical/formal, one using a bit of technical/formal with a bit of informal thrown in. The third author was very informal toward their audience. In regard to this analysis this essay will reflect on each different aspect these authors bring forth in their writings concerning the topic “Fear.” The first author who will be discussed within this essay is Frank Furedi. As he is the one that started this essay on the trail of finding how different authors reflect on this topic of fear. Furedi starts his topic with “The only thing we have to fear is the “culture of fear” itself” (Furedi, 2007, pg. 1). In stating his argument that” fear is playing a key role in the twenty-first century” he is making a claim without any support to back his statement at this time (Furedi, 2001, pg.1). The style of Furedi’s...

Words: 883 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Thomson's Argument Analysis

...In Thomson’s third argument, she discusses circumstances in which a baby should be allowed to grow in the mother’s body. For example, if a woman has sexual intercourse without protection, one could argue that the woman invited a potential fetus to grow in her womb. (Boss, J. A. (2013) pg. 93) A woman who knowingly assumes the risk that she could become pregnant is partially responsible for the unborn baby inside of her. Conversely, if a woman becomes pregnant due to rape, one could argue that that fetus has no right to grow in the woman’s body, and abortion is morally just. There are multiple factors to consider, and each case is different, so Thomson instructs the reader to only focus on the matter in which the unborn child does not have...

Words: 353 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Stern Argument Analysis

...the talk show host places the weight of truth of her claims to the truth of the reason. The truths of claims and conclusion are closely related and complement each other to realize the worthiness of the argument. And finally, the argument does not pass the Test of Non-Circularity. The test argues that the truth of the reason does not dictate the truth of the claims. Evidently, Stern’s arguments do not hold the truth of claims. And yet, she coins claims on which the truth of reason closely depends. On the overall, I view Stern’s argument very fallacious. In premises 1 and 3, Stern's commits an appeal to probability whereby she makes the statement for granted and in probabilistic terms, unsure of the truth in reason. Besides, she makes informal fallacies of both Appeal Masses and Argument from Ignorance by noting that people direct hatred to Trump by generalizing all people without due proof. Then, she casually relies on a section of media reports citing mental illness of Trump. Without much analysis, scrutiny or evidence, Stern provides that Trump will experience a rough ride and the presidency may drive him mentally ill. Still, it is probabilistic in nature on whether the presidency would contribute to mental illness. That as well is a fallacy. As a result, I deem Stern argument as unworthy due to various viewpoints explained above. ...

Words: 548 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Bernat's Argument Analysis

...policy (130). In order to argue this, Bernat outlines the relevant steps that help form his argument. First, “death” is a common word that one uses when talking about the ending of a human’s life; it has been made ambiguous by technological advances. Second, death is fundamentally a biological phenomenon, and not fundamentally a social contrivance. Third, defining human death is simplified by restricting one’s purview to the death of higher vertebrate species. Fourth, death...

Words: 837 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Davis's Argument Analysis

...statements do not contradict or are inconsistent of one another. This defense does not underline the power, mercy, and goodness of God. Davis makes a compelling argument when he says, “Nor am I attracted to any ‘solution’ that denies God’s omnipotence-e.g., that says that God is not powerful enough to prevent evil” (Davis 74). Free will is great because it helps people to realize there is something bigger about God that we don’t understand, but it fights to understand evil without degrading God and his wondrous characteristics. The evil seems unbearable, but it is just a piece of a larger picture. Eternity and the end outcome will make up for it. Nowhere in the Bible does it say life will be a bed of roses. John 16:33, “In the world you will...

Words: 325 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Ethical Argument Analysis

...The use of ethical appeal in the authors article can evoke strong emotions from the many different readers that read this article. The author uses ethical appeal to strengthen the argument that brain death is the end of the line for many people who fall under that category of brain death. The author uses the example of Jahi McMath’s tragic accident not only to appeal to people emotionally but also ethically. The author goes to say “But even if the family has found a competent facility willing to treat someone who is officially deceased, the process has blurred the lines between life and death” (Los Angeles… 586). This brings to question is it right to keep the girl’s body alive with a ventilator even though she shows no signs of brain activity?...

Words: 437 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Okin's Argument Analysis

...There are many criticisms of Okin’s argument, but I will touch upon two of them in particular. The first is from Bonnie Hoing who scolds Okin for not looking deeper into the multicultural practices, which could provide relevant background information that she may be ignorant to. (Okin 36) Instead of doing this Hoing says, Okin provides an oversimplified and rigid argument of the concept of culture. (Okin 36) Hoing states that Okin fails to “vigorously interrogate the spurious excuse "my culture made me do it," …[rather] she sees the misogynist actions she's addressing as symptomatic of the ("foreign") cultures to which the actors are connected…”(Okin 36). What Okin should be doing, according to Hoing, is she should be trying to learn more...

Words: 745 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Cogent Argument Analysis

...As the 21st century is continuing to unfold, many technologies have arisen, most of which were previously out of the reach of people's comprehension. I, however, entirely agree it has been of the potential, over the course time, to provide the likelihood of an extensive range of choices for people. The cogent arguments will be pondered, followed my perception on the matter. There are a wide variety of compelling explanations how scientists and technologists could unfold the feasibility of various selections by pushing back the frontiers of science. Firstly, the emergence of the computer, as well as the Internet, can be owed this. The Internet, for instance, could dispense the condition under which people, if requiring the overwhelming majority...

Words: 349 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Entanglement Argument Analysis

...The Court of Appeals refutes this argument stating that the State only evaluates the proposals based on financial and architectural matters. However, the Church’s finances are inextricably linked to its ability to operate; it cannot exist as separate financial and religious entities. Although the State does not evaluate any religious doctrines or practices, it nonetheless involves itself in the Church’s ability to administer its charitable programs, which are part of its religious...

Words: 801 - Pages: 4