Inventing Arguments

Chapter 8

College Comp II

Arguing Values

• When arguing values, one is not just expressing personal opinion, but he/she is trying to shape others’ responses to something by making them see the same qualities or dimensions as the writer does. Job: – Understand the topic itself– Detect what readers value in relation to the topic– Change what readers value so they see the topic differently– To address resistance to change.

Arguing Values Cont.

• The writer has to – Research the topic– Understand the rhetorical situation– Assert and support a way of seeing– Counterargue

• Argument is a public affair, not a private complaint.

Arguing Values Cont.

• Starting Places– Ask “How is this thing valuable or perilous?

• On the college campus • An organization or corporation• In popular culture• In the media• Sporting events• Popular or consumer culture• politics

Arguing Values Cont.

• Analyzing the situation– Questions:

• Who or what does the topic harm?• Who or what does it benefit or help?• Does the topic promote a particular kind of

behavior, thought process or attitude?• What is its purpose or intent?• Despite its intent, what are its hidden effects? • What are its hidden effects?

Arguing Values Cont.

• Entering Argument– Conducting Surveys—short questionnaires

• Secondary Research– Use electronic databases as well as key

Internet researches

• Start with what others claim first and then look at what you claim.

Arguing Values Cont.

• Inventing a Thesis– The thesis will reveal something unique and

particular about a subject.– Watch use of linking verbs because it limits

what a sentence can do but active verbs make it gain potential.

– Do not use flat statements.

Arguing Values Cont.

• Inventing Support– Criteria: standards by which something is

judged– Analogies: showing similarities to other subjects

or situations can add powerful layers to the argument

– Personal testimony: personal experiences to support claims

– Appeal to logic– Appeal to value

Arguing Values Cont.

• Arrangement– The thesis is usually the last sentence in the

introduction – Add details early in the argument can create a

foundation for the readers– Counterarguments can go nearly anywhere

and may be used in developing paragraphs• Dismissing opposing positions too easily can shortchange one’s

argument—good arguers carefully examine others’ positions, and even try to imagine contrary points. This helps them draw clear boundaries between their positions and others’.

Arguing Values Cont.

• Evaluations can be used for arguments on values.– Can be formal such as movie reviews, music

reviews, book reviews, restaurant reviews, employee evaluations, teacher evaluations, etc.

– What is the criteria on which something is being judged?

– How well does subject fulfill those criteria?

Arguing Values Cont. • Audience and voice

– Inclusion of we– Concessions/qualifiers– Asides (parenthetical comments)

Arguing Values Cont.

• Revision– Self– Peer– Instructor