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This document discusses developing an argument in academic writing. It explains that an academic argument involves proposing a claim and supporting it with evidence while addressing counterarguments. The document also outlines features of effective arguments and two broad approaches for presenting an argument: the balanced view and the persuasive view.

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28 views3 pages

Cave Art

This document discusses developing an argument in academic writing. It explains that an academic argument involves proposing a claim and supporting it with evidence while addressing counterarguments. The document also outlines features of effective arguments and two broad approaches for presenting an argument: the balanced view and the persuasive view.

Uploaded by

mahnoor.malik124
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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BS Chemistry III

Academic Writing
Shared by Ms. Zahra Bokhari

Developing an Argument in
Academic Writing
The word argument is derived from the Latin word “arguer,” which means
“to make clear.” An essential aspect of academic writing is arguing and
discussing. This involves proposing a claim and offering a rational reason
with help of evidence that strengthens an author’s point of view. When
presenting an argument, the possible counter-arguments should be taken
into account. Thus, an academic argument can be called as an evidence-
based defence of a complex issue.

Features of an Effective Argument

Consider the following quotation by Kenneth Burke (1941),

Imagine that you enter a parlour. You come late. When you arrive, others
have long preceded you, and they are engaged in a heated discussion, a
discussion too heated for them to pause and tell you exactly what it is about.
In fact, the discussion had already begun long before any of them
got there, so that no one present is qualified to retrace for you all the steps
that had gone before. You listen for a while, until you decide that you have
caught the tenor of the argument; then you put in your oar.
BS Chemistry III
Academic Writing
Shared by Ms. Zahra Bokhari

Thus, it can be concluded that presenting an argument involves an


understanding of the reasoning being presented (the context) as well as
ensuring that intervention (i.e., presenting the argument) takes place when
there is something significant to contribute.

To evaluate or present arguments in a structured manner, the following


questions can be considered:

 Identifying the claim or point of view


 Reasons for supporting that claim
 Whether this belief of the claim is built on reliable evidence
 Ensuring a coherent connection between the reasons for supporting
the claim
 Preparing a convincing and persuasive defence for counter-arguments

Two Broad Approaches are Generally Employed


when Presenting an Argument
The Balanced View
In a balanced view, the argument is introduced to the reader with
commentary on its relevance and contribution to the field. Next, reasons for
and against the argument are presented with conclusive and convincing
evidence. In the end, after summarizing and considering a holistic and
rational view of the argument, the author can present his own views with
reasons and evidences supporting his claims.

The Persuasive View


The persuasive view involves a brief presentation of the argument and an
immediate revelation of the author’s perspective. Along with this, the author
also reveals what they aim to prove in the manuscript. Next, reasons against
the introduced argument are provided to the readers based on the evidence
gathered. Counter-arguments are then presented in favor of the author’s
claim or perspective, leading up to a conclusive stance that convinces the
reader to consider the author’s point of view. In such argument structures,
it is important to ensure that a degree of certainty dominates the manuscript
(as opposed to the balanced view, which may often employ hedging).
BS Chemistry III
Academic Writing
Shared by Ms. Zahra Bokhari

Therefore, before writing an article or manuscript, it is important to find a


focus that will drive your research. In essence, your research should revolve
around and objectively consider this focus before taking a stance. Most
assuredly, it is important to explore and decide your position before
proceeding with the actual writing.

References:
Using English for Academic Purposes. Rhetorical functions in academic
writing: Arguing and discussing. Retrieved
from http://www.uefap.com/writing/function/argue.htm

Dennis G. Jerz (2014, August 1) Academic Argument: Evidence-based


Defense of a Non-obvious Position. Retrieved
from http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/academic1/academic-argument-
evidence-based-defense-of-a-non-obvious-position/

Duke University Writing Studio. Making an Argument. Retrieved from


uwp.duke.edu/uploads/assets/Making%20an%20Argument%20Presentatio
n.ppt

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