Argumentation
Or how to prove others wrong
Our Task Today
• We have several key objectives today:
1. Become familiar with argumentation
techniques and formats.
2. Work together as a group to assess our ideas;
3. Revise and confirm a thesis statement.
Methods of Argumentation
• Write the following down in your journal . . .
• Claim – an arguable statement of belief
– EX. Coke is the best cola.
• Counterclaim – an arguable statement in
contrast to one’s belief.
– EX. Pepsi is actually far better than Coke.
Methods Continued
• Data – the evidence or proof that supports
the claim
– EX. 1 billion more people drink Coke than Pepsi
• Warrant – the underlying assumption that
links the proof to the claim or counterclaim
– EX. More people consuming a product must
make it a better product.
Imagine the following situation,
• You want to go out on a date with a person you
know your parents do not or will not approve of.
So, before they even have a chance to say “No,
absolutely not, huh uh, no way, honey, neva’
gonna’ happen!” you devise a clever explanation
to convince them to let you go.
• Construct the argument you would give to your
parents to convince them to let you go. Think
carefully about claim, counterclaim, data, and
warrant to craft your response.
Next Steps
• This is what you are essentially doing with
the argument about who is most responsible
for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet: You must
think about and prove your argument while
also taking in account what you audience is
likely to say.
Testing the Waters
• For the next fifteen minutes, in a group discuss
your thesis statement or your ideas about who
is most responsible and who might be a
counterargument. Listen carefully to others’
ideas as they might offer you evidence to
support your own thoughts or evidence you can
use within the counterclaim portion of your
essay.
• You should take notes while you listen to catch
anything that you feel might be useful for your
own essay.
Return to Thesis Land
• Now, go back to your thesis statement. Look
it over, keeping in mind the things you just
heard in the conversation with your group.
Does this thesis statement present the best
argument you can make? Does it need to be
revised? How? Make corrections or
revisions to your thesis statement based on
what you just heard.
Data Search
• Find and identify fifteen lines or passages that
address the argument or counterargument of
your essay.
• For each entry, identify the act, the scene, and
line numbers like this 1.2.12-14.
• Be sure to note what each quotation
references.
Now in Groups
• Gather together with the other people who are
addressing the same argument as you.
• Together,
• 1. share your thoughts as to why that person or group is
most responsible;
• 2. decide upon two counterarguments that you will all
address in your essay;
• 3. locate fifteen different pieces of evidence from the play
to support the argument and counterarguments.
Remember to cite the instance as act, scene, and line
numbers (ex. 1.2.13-14).
• 4. Write your primary argument on the top of the paper
and then make a list of your details.
Essay Formatting
• An argumentative essay can have multiple
types of formats, depending on what you
have to say and how you want to argue.
Write the following three down in your
notes:
Format #1
Format #1 –
Argument Counterargument
Introduction
Your argument
The
counterargument
(plus rejection of
the
counterargument)
Conclusion
When to use:
The
counterargument is
really strong
Format #2
Format #2 –
Counterargument Argument
Introduction
The
counterargument
Your argument
Conclusion
When to use:
The
counterargument is
not as strong
Format #3
Format #3 –
Point by Point
Introduction
Point #1 –
argument –
counterargument –
rejection
Point #2 – repeat
Point #3 – repeat
Conclusion
When to use:
You have multiple
points to make and
each point has a
clear
counterargument
Thesis and Outline
• Return to your original thesis statement. Does
it still make sense after all we have discussed
and all the work you have done? What
changes need to be made?
• Craft an outline due Friday, 12/5 given your
thesis statement’s success.