Academic Argument

Introduction

Nearly all scholarly writing makes an argument. That’s because its purpose is to create and share new knowledge so it can be debated in order to confirm, dis-confirm, or improve it. That arguing takes place mostly in journals and scholarly books and at conferences. It’s called the scholarly conversation, and it’s that conversation that moves forward what we humans know.

Your scholarly writing for classes should do the same—make an argument—just like your professors’ journal article, scholarly book, and conference presentation writing does. (You may not have realized that the writing you’re required to do mirrors what scholars all over the university, country, and world must do to create new knowledge and debate it. Of course, you may be a beginner at constructing arguments in writing, while most professors have been at it for some time. And your audience (for now) also may be more limited than your professor’s. But the process is much the same. As you complete your research assignments, you, too, are entering the scholarly conversation.

Making an argument means trying to convince others that you are correct as you describe a thing, situation, relationship, or phenomenon and/or persuade them to take a particular action.

Important not just in college, that skill will be necessary for nearly every professional job you hold after college. So learning how to make an argument is good job preparation, even if you do not choose a scholarly career.

Components of an Argument

“In a research report, you make a claim, back it with reasons based on evidence , acknowledge and respond to other views, and sometimes explain your principles of reasoning” (Booth et al 114). Let’s look at these components a little closer.

• The argument stems from the research question and investigation. Your claim or thesis is the answer to your question, which you state up front at the beginning of your report.
• The reasons support the claim, usually in short summary sentences.
• Evidence supports the reasons why your claim is valid. Evidence could be results from studies or what others have said in scholarly articles.
• An acknowledgement is a statement of objections, counter-arguments, or alternative solutions to your argument.
• A response is a refutation (sometimes a concession) to each acknowledgement of opposition to your argument. (1)

Argument Plan/Outline

Once you have gathered enough sources to meet your research needs, you would want to organize your thoughts in the form of an argument plan or outline. There are various ways to accomplish this. The Roman numeral outline is one popular graphic organizer. Each heading and subheading could correspond to one paragraph or develop over multiple paragraphs.

Introduction—most arguments and research projects begin with an introduction. Your research question will not actually appear in your final product, but your answer to it (thesis/claim) will appear towards the end of the introduction. Background and context for the topic could be given in the introduction or expounded in a larger overview.

• Overview of Topic
  • Background, history (Sources)
  • Previous methods used (Sources)
  • Context of research (Sources)
• Reason 1/Supporting Argument 1 (add a Roman numeral for each new reason)
  • Supporting Evidence 1 (Source)
  • Supporting Evidence 2 (Source)
• Reason 2/Supporting Argument 2
  • Supporting Evidence (Source)
• Counter-arguments–sources that don’t agree with you (add a Roman numeral or subheading letter for each new counter-argument).
  • Counter-argument 1
  • Supporting Evidence (Source)
• Response to Counter-argument 1 (Refute or concede to opposition)
  • Counter-argument 2
  • Supporting Evidence 1 (Source)
  • Supporting Evidence 2 (Source)
  • Response to Counter-argument 2
• Conclusion—restates the claim/thesis. Presents conclusions. Explains why your argument is important and suggests further research.

For each heading and subheading, you should identify which source(s) provide information for that section. The outline/argument plan may even help you realize areas of your investigation that need further research or more sources to support your argument. (1)

Argumentative Thesis

Instead of implying your thesis or main idea, in an argumentative essay, you’ll most likely be required to write out your thesis statement for your audience. A thesis statement is a one- to two-sentence statement that presents the main idea and makes an assertion about your issue. You may have a longer thesis for much longer essays, but one to two sentences is a good general guideline. And, remember, in an argumentative essay, the assertion you present in your thesis is going to be particularly important.

When you make your assertion in your thesis, it should be clear and direct. You want your audience to have no doubt about your point. Of course, how assertive you are in your thesis and the content you choose to include depends upon the type of argumentative essay you are writing. For example, in a Classical or Aristotelian argument, your thesis statement should clearly present your side of the issue. In a Rogerian argument, your thesis should bring both sides of the issue together.

Still, there are some basic guidelines to keep in mind when it comes to an argumentative thesis statement.

• Your thesis statement should be one to two sentences.
• Your thesis statement should clearly present the main idea of your essay and make some kind of assertion (even if that assertion is about bringing two sides together).
• Your thesis should not make an “announcement” about what your essay will cover. Instead, it should just present your assertion.

For example, a thesis like this makes an announcement:

In this paper, I will persuade you to vote for candidates who support education reform.

Instead you might write:

Because our education system is in need of reform, we should vote for candidates who are willing to make the necessary changes.

• While there is no such thing as a “required” place for your thesis statement, most academic essays will present the thesis statement early on, usually near the end of the introduction. There is a reason for this. Audience members are more likely to understand and absorb each point as readers if you have told them, in advance, what they should be getting out of your essay. Still, you should check with your professor if you would like to present your thesis somewhere else, such as at the end of your essay.
• Your thesis statement is the most important sentence in your essay. It’s your chance to make sure your audience really understands your point. Be sure your assertion and your writing style are clear.

“Academic Argument.” By Lumen Learning. Retrieved from: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/atd-fscj-introtoresearch/chapter/academic-argument/ Licensed under: CC-BY

“Argumentative Thesis.” By Excelsior Online Writing Lab. Retrieved from: https://owl.excelsior.edu/argument-and-critical-thinking/argumentative-thesis/ Licensed under: CC-BY. Adapted by the American Women’s College

“Choosing & Using Sources: A Guide to Academic Research.” By Teaching & Learning, Ohio State University Libraries. Retrieved from: https://ohiostate.pressbooks.pub/choosingsources/chapter/academic-argument/ Licensed under: CC-BY 4.0