Academic ArgumentsUsing the Discourse

of the Academy

Copyright 2012 Lisa McNeilley

Difference Between High School and College

High School learn contentrepeat informationbegin developing ideas

Collegeuse information form an opinion on a topicsupport it. evaluate a speech or a literary text. apply a concept to a case study.

Using Opinions Your opinions cannot be merely your gut

reaction to things.

Forming academic claims based on opinions isn’t that hard once you know how it’s done.

Pay attention in class to gauge your professor’s expectations.

Notice what kinds of comments and questions the professor seems to like and which lead to further probing and correction.

Moving from Opinion toAcademic Argument

Opinion and observation are the basis of an academic argument--hypothesis

framed differently. “I think” or “I believe” Become “X is true because…”

Be aware of contradictory evidence because almost all academic arguments are based on concepts that can be disputed.

Three Parts

An opinion framed as a claim using specific, concrete language.

A list of evidence to support that claim.

An account of contradictory evidence.

OpinionThe Starting Point

I believe that the reason so many students drop out of college is because they are overwhelmed with balancing jobs and school.

ClaimThe First Part

Many students drop out of college because they are overwhelmed with balancing jobs and school.

Claim with EvidenceThe Second Part

According to Their Whole Lives Ahead of Them, feeling overwhelmed with balancing jobs and school is one of the top reasons students drop out of college.

Claim with Evidence,Accounting for ContradictionsThe Third PartAlthough the reasons students drop

out of college include lack of academic skills and too much partying, according to Their Whole Lives Ahead of Them, feeling overwhelmed with balancing jobs and school is one of the top reasons students drop out of college.

Importance of Usage

Train your mind to offer proof

Persuade more effectively

Develop research and observation skills

Develop a broader perspective to account for a variety of evidence

Understand other points of view and use them to develop your own