The Argument Essay

identify and explain the assumptions or flaws on which the argument depends. The argument will always be flawed. Point out what measures the author of the argument could have taken to strengthen the conclusion. Point out why the argument is weak and what you can do to strengthen it.

Take note of any assumptions or fallacies

1. Correlation=Causation 2. What works for x may not work for y 3. Bad date or no empirical evidence at all 4. Authorities don't have to be trusted 5. The best plan may not be the best plan 6. Fuzzy quantitities 7. The plan may not be feasible 8. Misleading math (percents are not the same thing as real numbers and frequency matters i.e. ice pick v. pillow) 9. A plan may not have its intended action 10. No control group - w/o a control group we cannot trust the results of a study

1. Introduction 2. Supporting Paragraph 1 3. Supporting Paragraph 2 4. Supporting Paragraph 3 5. Conclusion

Always have a regurgitation sentence and a thesis sentence. Synopsis of the argument then firmly state your position. Let the reader know that the proposal has serious problems. Point out that the conclusion of the argument lies on assumptions. Restate argumement 1. Unfortunately the argument is poorly reasoned as it fails to consider several factors. 2. Worse still the argument's conclusion relies on a number of assumptions, all of which lack supporting evidence. 3. As such the argument is unconvincing 4. The paragraphs below will point out why these assumptions are flawed and propose measures that would strengthen the argument

Each supporting paragraph should start w/ a crisp, clear topic sentence that addresses one specific assumption. Each topic sentence should be followed by 1-3 counterpoints, each of which demonstrates why a given assumption is problematic. These counterpoints can be real life examples, logical reasoning, probing questions. The easiest way to destroy an assumption is to posit an alternative explanation to an assumed conclusion. Supporting paragraph 1 should attack the most problematic assumption. End each supporting paragraph by strengthening the argument. Point out what the author could have done differently to make his or her argument more persuasive. 1. First, the argument assumes that... 2. This statement is unsubstantiated 3. For example 4. Clearly 5. The argument would have been much stronger if it had explicitly stated that

your conclusion should not be a summary of the points you already made. You want to go beyond this. State that the argument cannot be accepted as it stands, as it is deeply flawed and raises too many questions going forward. Further note that the author could strengthen it considerably by adopting the \"strengthening\" measures that you've recommended at the end of each supporting paragraph. Point out that until he does so the conclusion cannot be accepted. Imagine you are the member of a committee accepting or declining a proposal. 1. In conclusion, the argument is flawed for the above mentioned reasons and in need of substantial revision. 2. In order to determine the merits of the argument it is essential to have a proper understanding of all the relevant factors. 3. The argument could have been strengthened considerably if the author were to provide evidence for his or her claims and to answer the questions raised in the discussion above. 4. However, since the author has failed to do so this claim cannot be substantiated. Therefore, the conclusion of this argument cannot be accepted.