5 TIPS for Including FICTIONAL Examples in Your Arguments

Summary

In this informative video, Tim Frus from the Garden of English discusses the importance of using substantial evidence to support arguments, especially in academic settings like the AP Language Exam. He cautions against relying on hypothetical situations and emphasizes that while hypotheticals are often weak, they can be useful when discussing fictional literature, which inherently explores hypothetical scenarios. Tim provides a detailed guide on how to effectively incorporate literary examples into argumentative writing, including how to select and describe the literature, link it to universal truths, and use cause and effect language to strengthen the argument. He also offers a template for bridging fictional examples to universal experiences, ensuring that the argument is not weakened by the fictional nature of the evidence used.

Takeaways

• 📚 It's crucial to support arguments with substantial evidence to appear reasonable.
• 🚫 Avoid relying heavily on hypothetical situations as they are often not strong evidence.
• 📚 Hypothetical scenarios can be used effectively when discussing fictional literature, which is inherently hypothetical.
• 🎓 The use of literary examples in an argument paper doesn't inherently make it stronger; the strength lies in the argument itself.
• 📝 AP exam readers expect strong arguments, and it's okay to use fiction as long as it's done well.
• 🔍 Selecting strong evidence was covered in a previous video, which is linked for further information.
• 📖 When using fiction, ensure the description is detailed enough for someone unfamiliar with the work to understand.
• 🚫 Keep descriptions of the fictional work to a maximum of five sentences and a minimum of three.
• 🔗 Acknowledge the fictional nature of the example but connect it to universal truths to make it concrete evidence.
• ➡️ Use cause and effect language in the commentary to strengthen the argument.
• 📌 Include additional comparative examples to further substantiate the argument.

Q & A

What is the main point Tim Frus emphasizes about using evidence in arguments?

Tim Frus emphasizes the importance of supporting arguments with substantial evidence to present oneself as a reasonable person. He cautions against relying heavily on hypothetical situations when real evidence is lacking.

When does Tim Frus consider hypotheticals to be acceptable as evidence?

Tim Frus considers hypotheticals to be acceptable as evidence when using fictional literature to prove a point, as fiction, although entirely hypothetical, can explore universal truths and experiences.

What is the common misconception Tim Frus addresses about using literary examples in argument papers?

The common misconception is that a paper becomes intrinsically stronger if the writer chooses to use a literary example over one from the real world simply because the reader may enjoy reading. Tim Frus clarifies that the strength of the paper depends on the quality of the argument, not just the source of the example.

What does Tim Frus suggest for the first step in using a fictional example in an argument?

The first step is to provide specific details from the fictional work that will substantiate the claims made in the argument. This should be done in three to five sentences, ensuring that someone unfamiliar with the work can understand the general premise.

How should one transition into discussing a fictional example in an argument?

One should use a transitional phrase such as 'for instance,' 'for example,' or 'take for example' to smoothly introduce the fictional example into the argument.

What is the purpose of discussing the universal truths in the commentary section when using fiction as evidence?

Discussing universal truths helps to connect the fictional example with real-world experiences and makes the argument stronger. It substantiates the argument by showing that the fictional scenario explores experiences that are relatable and true to life.

Why is it important to use cause and effect language in the commentary when discussing a fictional example?

Cause and effect language helps to develop the commentary by clearly showing how the fictional example supports the argument. It provides a logical connection between the events in the fiction and the points being made in the argument.

What is the rule of thumb regarding the number of sentences used to describe a fictional example in an argument?

The rule of thumb is to summarize the fictional example in no more than five sentences and no less than three. This ensures that the example is clearly understood without becoming a distraction from the argument.

How can linking a fictional example to an actual event help strengthen an argument?

Linking a fictional example to an actual event helps to solidify the literary example by showing that the themes and experiences depicted in the fiction have real-world parallels. This makes the argument more relatable and persuasive.

What is the role of the thesis statement in structuring an argument that includes literary examples?

The thesis statement sets the main argument that the essay will prove. It should be strong, complex, and directly address the prompt. In the context of including literary examples, the thesis guides how the examples will be used to support the overall argument.

What are the basic rules to follow when using fiction as an example in an argument?

The basic rules include providing specific details to substantiate claims, summarizing the fiction in three to five sentences, acknowledging the fictional nature of the example and linking it to universal truths, connecting the fictional example to an actual event if possible, and using cause and effect language in the commentary.