Styles of Writing – Specific:
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ARGUMENT:
Argument is an important concept in academic writing.
Arguments are reasons (which can include facts) given to support a point of view. Most tutors want essays to be "discursive" - to discuss ideas and opinions and to show reasoning.
What makes good argumentative writing?
- State a point of view and a clear line of reasoning to support it.
- Offer evidence or examples in support
- Show where the evidence comes from, and that it is reliable
- Show that you have considered the counter-arguments
- Be able to demonstrate convincingly why your argument or position is the best.
(Source: Cottrell, 1999 The Study Skills Handbook, Macmillan Press Ltd.)
The problem
Many writers make unsupported statements, e.g.
- "In India the government’s attempts to introduce family planning failed"
or - "The press do not reflect working class views on political issues"
(If you are not sure how to support your arguments with authoritative evidence, see the section on Including references and quotations).
Typical essay questions
- Examine the arguments for and against…
- Assess the importance of…
- Evaluate…
- Critically examine the statement that…
- To what extent is…true…?
Or even just the word
- Discuss…
Clearly, a balanced essay is required in which you present both sides of the argument, without necessarily committing yourself to any opinions, until the final paragraph.
At its simplest an essay plan will be as follows:
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