Understand What Argument Is

Argument

Writing That Persuades

Understand What Argument Is

Argument is writing that takes a position on an issue and gives supporting evidence to persuade someone else to accept, or at least consider, the position. Argument is also used to convince someone to take (or not take) an action.

Four Basics of Good Argument

  1. It takes a strong and definite position.
  2. It gives good reasons and supporting evidence to defend the position.
  3. It considers opposing views.
  4. It has enthusiasm and energy from start to finish.

In the following paragraph, the numbers and colors correspond to the Four Basics of Good Argument.

4 Argument is enthusiastic and energetic.

1 Even though I write this blog post on an 88-degree day, I am truly glad that I stopped using my air conditioner, and I urge you to follow my lead. 2 For one thing, going without air conditioning can save a significant amount of money. Last summer, this strategy cut my electricity costs by nearly $2,000, and I am on my way to achieving even higher savings this summer. For another thing, living without air conditioning reduces humans’ effect on the environment. Agricultural researcher Stan Cox estimates that air conditioning creates 300 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions each year. This amount, he says, is the equivalent of every U.S. household buying an additional car and driving it 7,000 miles annually. Because CO2 is one of the greenhouse gases responsible for trapping heat in our atmosphere, reducing CO2 emissions is essential to curbing climate change. The final reason for going without air conditioning is that it is actually pretty comfortable. The key to staying cool is keeping the blinds down on south-facing windows during the day. It is also a good idea to open windows throughout the home for cross ventilation while turning on ceiling fans to improve air circulation. 3 Although some people argue that using fans is just as bad as switching on the air conditioner, fans use far less electricity. In closing, let me make you a promise: The sooner you give up air conditioning, the sooner you will get comfortable with the change — and the sooner you and the planet will reap the rewards.

Knowing how to make a good argument is one of the most useful skills you can develop.

COLLEGE You argue for or against makeup exams for students who do not do well the first time.
WORK You need to leave work an hour early one day a week for twelve weeks to take a course. You persuade your boss to allow you to do so.
EVERYDAY LIFE You try to negotiate a better price on an item you want to buy.

In college, writing assignments might include questions or statements such as the following: Do you agree or disagree with ______ ? Defend or refute _____ . Is _____ fair and just? In all these cases, use the strategies discussed in this chapter.