Argumentation

By: Sean Savoie 

            Because an argument examines and judges both sides of a contention, argumentation is the most powerful way (other than using a gun, stick, or brainwashing) to change the mind of your reader or listener. Remember that a thesis essay examines only one side of the issue. Another point to keep in mind is that a thesis and thesis essay are different. Basically all essays, with the exception of some research papers, contain a single thesis, which is simply the main idea you are expressing and may be written (explicit) or unwritten (implicit).  The thesis of an argument is expressed as the statement of a problem, as opposed to a thesis essay, which states a strong opinion. For example, see how the following examples differ: 

Thesis essay thesis: Teachers or school administrators must never be permitted to hit students.

Argumentation thesis: There is a discipline problem in the public school system.

 

Thesis essay thesis:  American citizens should not possess guns.

Argumentation thesis:  Gun possession is harming the nation. 

Argumentation requires certain techniques that are not necessary in a thesis essay. Because the thesis of an argument is the statement of a problem, some form of solution must at least be implied. Usually a solution to an argument comes toward the end of the essay, although this is not a rule. A solution may simply be stated in one short sentence and is not the primary purpose of the essay, rather is necessary to avoid coming across to the reader as another person complaining. Anybody can complain, and most people do. The other elements required in an argument are concessions, refutations, and evidence.

A concession (from the verb concede) is an admission that the opposing view also has some truth and that your position is not perfect. Recognizing valid points in the opposing argument and noting the shortcoming of one’s own argument makes the writer seem much more reasonable. As a general rule, the more reasonable person wins the argument if he or she can support his or her position effectively, which is also true of a verbal argument. If your opinion (solution) has a serious flaw, you should mention this knowing that readers will notice the problem in the argument. If you are a student reading this article right now, consider this as telling your mom you have a problem in a class before the teacher calls her. You find yourself in less trouble. The writer must prove to be well-informed and able to compromise. Concessions usually contain adverbials such as: even though, although, though, however, nevertheless, but, etc…

Examples of concessions regarding random arguments: 

1.  Although the No Child Left Behind policy has excellent intentions, there still remain children who psychologically respond negatively to the program’s system.

2.  Even though many people break this law, it must remain strictly enforced.

3.  Though security is important, supporting laws that restrict freedom may be a less secure choice. 

A refutation (from the verb refute) is an attack against the opposing view. In order to successfully win argument, a writer must explain how the other opinion does not solve the problem or is inferior to one’s own position. In other words, you must show how the other person is wrong. This may be done by showing that the opposition's facts are not straight (an invalid argument) or that the opposition's facts do not lead to a necessary conclusion (unsound argument).

Examples of refutations regarding random arguments: 

1.      The No Child Left Behind policy does not help to improve the educational system.

2.      Legalizing this practice would not make society safer and would only cause problems.

3.      The government is using fear of terrorism to take away citizens’ freedom. 

Notice how the refutations often take the form of strong opinions that may be expressed as the thesis in a thesis essay. Refutations, when possible, should also point out the incorrect information or conclusions from information expressed in the opposing view.

Argumentation is not only more relaxed in terms of its organization, but also more lenient in allowing for use of the 1^st person as something other than a personal experience, as in a thesis essay. The 1^st person in an argument helps to establish the persona and credibility of the writer and is much more effective at a personal level. Often the appeal to the reader is direct, using the academically undesirable “you” of 2^nd person, as I do in this article. However, do not let the style overwhelm the focus of the essay. As in most position essays, the facts (evidence) must firmly support the argument and be the primary source of its strength. 

For students who are taking the new SAT, keep in mind that although the required essay for the new SAT is preferably more of a thesis style, the College Board (www.collegeboard.com) does allow, and possibly encourage, some elements of an argument.