Starting Points: Arguing a Position

Printed Page 274

A Focused, Well-Presented Issue

How do I come up with an issue to write about?

  • Consider possible topics. (pp. 260, 265, 272)
  • Choose a controversial issue on which to take a position. (pp. 276–77)
  • Test Your Choice (p. 277)

How can I effectively frame the issue for my readers?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: A focused, well-presented issue. (pp. 245–46)
  • A Focused, Well-Presented Issue: Framing an Argument for your Audience (p. 258)
  • A Focused, Well-Presented Issue: Framing an Argument for a Diverse Group of Readers (p. 263)
  • A Focused, Well-Presented Issue: Reframing through Contrast. (p. 270)
  • Frame the issue for your readers. (pp. 277–79)
  • A Troubleshooting Guide: A Focused, Well-Presented Issue (p. 288)
Table 6.8: STARTING POINTS: ARGUING A POSITION
Printed Page 275
A Well-Supported Position

How do I come up with a plausible position?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: A well-supported position. (pp. 247–48)
  • Formulate a working thesis stating your position. (p. 279)
  • Develop the reasons supporting your position. (p. 280)
  • Research your position. (pp. 280–81)
  • Use sources to reinforce your credibility. (pp. 281–82)

How do I come up with reasons and evidence supporting my position?

  • A Well-Supported Position: Using Anecdotes and Examples (pp. 258–59)
  • A Well-Supported Position: Using Statistics (p. 264)
  • A Well-Supported Position: Using Sources (p. 271)
  • Formulate a working thesis stating your position (p. 279)
  • Develop the reasons supporting your position. (p. 280)
  • Research your position. (pp. 280–81)
An Effective Response to Opposing Views

Hos do I respond to possible objections to my position?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: An effective response to opposing views. (pp. 248–49)
  • An Effective Response: Conceding and/or Refuting (p. 259)
  • Identify and respond to your readers’ likely reasons and objections. (pp. 282–84)
  • Write the opening sentences. (pp. 285–86)

How do I respond to possible alternative positions?

  • Assess the genre’s basic feature: An effective response to opposing views (pp. 248–49)
  • An Effective Response: Conceding and/or Refuting (p. 259)
  • An Effective Response: Presenting and Reinterpreting Evidence to Undermine Objections (pp. 264–65)
  • An Effective Response: Refuting by Demonstrating the Effects (pp. 271–72)
  • Research your position. (pp. 280–81)
  • Identify and respond to your readers’ likely reasons and objections. (pp. 282–84)
Printed Page 276
A Clear, Logical Organization

How can I help my readers follow my argument?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: A clear, logical organization. (p. 249)
  • A Clear, Logical Organization: Using Key Words (pp. 259–60)
  • A Clear, Logical Organization: Providing Cues for Readers (p. 265)
  • A Clear, Logical Organization: Using Cueing Devices (p. 272)
  • Create an outline that will organize your argument effectively for your readers. (p. 284)
  • A Troubleshooting Guide: A Clear, Logical Organization (p. 289)
  • Think about design (pp. 289–90)