Checking whether a statement can be argued. At school, at home, or on the job, you will often need to convince someone or decide something. To do so, start with an arguable statement, which should meet three criteria:
arguable statement | Advertising in women’s magazines contributes to the poor self-image that afflicts many young women. |
This statement seeks to convince, addresses a problem—poor self-image among young women—that has no clear-cut solution, and takes a position many could disagree with.
unarguable statement | Women’s magazines earn millions of dollars every year from advertising. |
This statement does not present a position; it states a fact that can easily be verified and thus offers a poor basis for argument.