Developing an Argument
Argue by definition
Key terms need to be understood and accepted by your
audience. Definition provides a yardstick for evaluation.
Attribute characteristics
- Analyze parts
- Compare and contrast
- Give specific examples
- State the function
Argue from cause and effect
- X will lead to the following consequence(s) because
_______.
Argue from comparison
- Things that are alike in some significant respects may be alike
in other respects.
Argue from evidence
- Reports
- Statistics
- Expert opinion
Argue through refutation and/or rebuttal
- Offer evidence or argument that exposes logical flaws
(refutation), provides contradictory evidence (refutation), or
offers new evidence (rebuttal).