Constructing Arguments

14h Consult sources.

In constructing an academic argument, it is often essential to use sources. The key to persuading people to accept your argument is providing good reasons; and even if your assignment doesn’t specify that you must consult outside sources, they are often the most effective way of finding and establishing these reasons. Sources can help you to do the following:

provide background information on your topic
demonstrate your knowledge of the topic to readers
cite authority and testimony in support of your thesis
find opinions that differ from your own, which can help you sharpen your thinking, qualify your thesis if necessary, and demonstrate fairness to opposing arguments

For a thorough discussion of finding, gathering, and evaluating sources, see Chapters 15–19.