Part I: Making an Argument - Introduction to College Writing Series

Summary

In a comprehensive presentation by Lori and Ellen from Caltech, the fundamentals of crafting an effective argument are explored. They define an argument as a logical series of statements leading from a premise to a conclusion, emphasizing the need for contestability, specificity, and interpretive depth. The presenters stress the importance of using sound logic and evidence to persuade others, while also encouraging students to evaluate and refine their arguments continuously. By analyzing evidence and constructing a clear thesis, students can develop compelling arguments that engage readers and withstand scrutiny.

Takeaways

• 😀 An argument is a coherent series of statements leading from a premise to a conclusion.
• 😀 To persuade others, your argument must be based on sound logic and evidence.
• 😀 Writing arguments is an essential skill across all disciplines, not just humanities.
• 😀 Begin developing an argument by asking what you already know and what you still need to learn.
• 😀 A strong thesis statement serves as the roadmap of your paper and must be supported throughout.
• 😀 An argument must be contestable, meaning someone could potentially disagree with your claim.
• 😀 Specificity in your argument is important; explore a few topics in detail rather than many topics superficially.
• 😀 The strongest arguments interpret evidence beyond what is obvious, extracting deeper meaning.
• 😀 Avoid pure summary; instead, provide interpretations of evidence to support your argument.
• 😀 Continuously evaluate your evidence and be willing to adjust your argument as needed.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of an argument as discussed in the transcript?

The primary goal of an argument is to persuade others that your claims are valid, based on sound logic and evidence.

Why is it important for an argument to be contestable?

An argument must be contestable so that others can disagree with it, allowing for debate and the exploration of different viewpoints.

What are the two essential questions to ask when starting to develop an argument?

The two essential questions are: 'What do I already know about this topic?' and 'What do I still need to learn?'

How should a thesis statement function within an argumentative paper?

A thesis statement serves as a roadmap for the paper, capturing the essence of the argument and guiding the reader on what to expect.

What distinguishes a strong argument from a weak argument according to the transcript?

A strong argument is contestable, specific, and interpretive, while a weak argument is generic and lacks depth, failing to engage with evidence meaningfully.

Can you explain the significance of interpretation in an argument?

Interpretation is crucial because it involves extracting deeper meanings from evidence rather than just summarizing it, which strengthens the argument.

What should writers do if they find it difficult to support their argument with evidence?

Writers should evaluate their evidence and be open to tweaking their argument as needed, ensuring it arises from the text or data rather than preconceived notions.

What does the transcript suggest about the scope of topics in an argumentative paper?

The transcript suggests that it is often better to explore a few topics in detail rather than covering many topics superficially.

What is a common problem students face when writing arguments, according to the transcript?

A common problem is confusing summary with interpretation; students may present evidence without analyzing its significance or implications.

How does the transcript illustrate a weak argument using Jane Austen's work?

It illustrates a weak argument by stating that Jane Austen uses literary devices without specifying how those devices characterize her heroines or why it matters.