Checking whether a statement can be argued.

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:

  1. It attempts to convince readers of something, change their minds about something, or urge them to do something—or it explores a topic in order to make a wise decision.
  2. It addresses a problem for which no easily acceptable solution exists or asks a question to which no absolute answer exists.
  3. It presents a position that readers might realistically have varying perspectives on.
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.