week2

The Arugument

Argument-An argument is the stand point or view of the Author. In the context 

of academia the argument is usually in the form of a written text. Howver with 

arts based practitioners, this could also be in the form of both written and 

practice based work.

To develop an argument the author must have a debatable claim.Note the following:

"Pollution is bad for the environment" This is not an argument statement 

bacause its not debatable. We know that pollution is bad, therefore it is bad 

or the environment.

Researching the Arugument

1.Your sources must be credible .To ensure their credibility ask yourself the following qusetions:

Who is the author?

How recent is the source?

What type of sources does your audience value?

Be especially careful when evaluating Inrernet sources!

Organising the Argument

The basic format for the Toulmin Method is as follows:

CLAIM: The overall thesis the writer will argue for.

DATE: Evidence gathered to support the claim.

WARRANT: explanation of why or how the date supports the claim, the underlying assumption that connects your date to youe claim.

BACKING: Addtional logic or reasoning that may be necessarry to support the warrant.

COUNTERCLAIM: A claim that negates or disgrees with the thesis/claim.

REBUTTAL: Evidence that negates or disagrees with the counterclaim.