What makes a good argument. What makes an argument effective or good? 2022-10-25

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A good argument is a reasoned and logical presentation of ideas, supported by evidence, that aims to convince the audience of a particular point of view or position. There are several elements that contribute to the effectiveness of an argument.

First and foremost, a good argument must have a clear and well-defined thesis or main point. The thesis should be specific, debatable, and able to be supported with evidence. It should also be presented early on in the argument, so that the audience knows what to expect and can follow along as the argument develops.

In addition to a clear thesis, a good argument must also have a logical structure. This means that the ideas and evidence presented should be organized in a way that flows naturally and makes sense to the audience. This can be achieved through the use of clear transitions, headings, and subheadings, as well as the use of rhetorical devices such as repetition and parallelism.

Another important element of a good argument is the use of evidence. In order to convince the audience of the validity of the argument, it is important to provide evidence that supports the main points being made. This can include research, statistics, expert testimony, and examples. It is important that the evidence be reliable and relevant, and that it is presented in a clear and concise manner.

Finally, a good argument should also consider and address counterarguments and alternative viewpoints. By acknowledging and addressing opposing viewpoints, the argument becomes more balanced and fair, and it demonstrates to the audience that the argument is well thought out and not based on preconceived notions or biases.

In summary, a good argument is characterized by a clear and well-defined thesis, a logical structure, the use of evidence to support the main points, and the consideration and addressing of counterarguments and alternative viewpoints. By incorporating these elements, an argument can be more effective in convincing the audience of a particular point of view or position.

A good argument is a critical element of effective communication and problem-solving. It is a way to present and defend a point of view, persuade others to adopt a particular position, or convince them to take a specific action. To be effective, an argument must be well-constructed, logical, and supported by evidence. Here are some key characteristics of a good argument:

  1. Clarity and precision: A good argument should be clear, concise, and straightforward. It should be easy for the audience to understand and follow.

  2. Logical structure: A good argument should have a logical structure, with the main points and supporting evidence arranged in a way that makes sense and leads the audience to a logical conclusion.

  3. Relevance: A good argument should be relevant to the topic at hand and address the concerns or interests of the audience.

  4. Evidence: A good argument should be supported by evidence, whether it is empirical data, expert testimony, or personal experience. The evidence should be reliable, credible, and sufficient to support the argument.

  5. Fairness: A good argument should be fair and unbiased, considering all sides of the issue and presenting them objectively. It should also avoid straw man or ad hominem attacks, which distort or misrepresent the opposing view.

  6. Persuasiveness: A good argument should be persuasive, meaning it should effectively convince the audience to adopt the position being argued for. This requires the use of effective rhetorical devices, such as emotional appeals, rhetorical questions, and vivid language, to engage the audience and make the argument more compelling.

In conclusion, a good argument is an essential tool for effective communication and problem-solving. It should be clear, logical, relevant, supported by evidence, fair, and persuasive. By understanding and incorporating these characteristics, you can improve your argumentative skills and be more effective in persuading others to adopt your point of view.

What is the principle of good argument and critical thinking?

what makes a good argument

In that case, you can argue in support of one side. What makes an argument valid and strong? You can use statistical data, survey results, anecdotal evidence or quotes to prove your points and reinforce their validity. Yet, when discussing controversial topics, some students rely on unsubstantiated facts or emotional appeals, rather than evidence and reasoning. Types of arguments You can present your argument in a written piece of work in several ways. The experts provide important information about key theories, research, etc. Both premises are more likely true than their negations. In effect, an argument is valid if the truth of the premises logically guarantees the truth of the conclusion.

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Good And Bad Arguments Argumentative Essay Example (400 Words)

what makes a good argument

It can still offer some confirmatory shove, even if the effect is meagre. How do you find weak arguments? But the experience of every day, average people like students provides another type of evidence—daily, concrete, practical experience that fleshes out various theories. The answer you find will then become your argument. Here are some benefits of argumentative writing: Organization of ideas One major benefit to writing your argument is your ability to organize your ideas. Definition: A strong argument is a non-deductive argument that succeeds in providing probable, but not conclusive, logical support for its conclusion. Post navigation Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published.

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What makes an argument strong good?

what makes a good argument

Three: A wide range of experience from every day, average people. To check if a argument is bad you must learn different techniques, do research, and beware when there is conflicting evidence. So, you must have observed something about inductive arguments that differentiates it from deductive arguments. A Disposition of Playfulness: We must adopt the spirit of a playful adventurer who explores the world with a sense of curiosity and wonder, rather than a dogged determination to defend the territory we have already staked out. Any doubt in the premises saps away from the conclusion — on the plus side, you end up with an absolute assignment. Sometimes when an argument feels especially convincing, it is because it is based on claims that appeal to our own individual psychology, rather than because it is a truly convincing argument.

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How to Make a Good Argument

what makes a good argument

Where close knit families were more prevalent than they are in this generation. Look for questions that give responses beyond what we already know. Effective argumentative writing can be a great way to communicate concepts, convince others of an idea or make a case for or against a position. Your introduction should draw your reader into your subject and build common ground for your argument. Can You Argue the Opposite One of the biggest issues with choosing an argument is that often students do not choose an argument at all: they choose a fact.

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What makes a good argument?

what makes a good argument

The question is whether the premises are true. Slogans may be popular and garner popular support, but a strong argument needs to have substance and reasoning behind it. It is wise to know the difference between these two types of people. We can usually quickly work out whether an argument is valid or not, so its the premises that are the issue. For those attempting to solve complex problems or make something good something great, the needed ideas cannot possibly be stated in 2 seconds! The Other Day in Class In class yesterday, we watched a short clip about the use of the pesticide DDT that was common in the first half of the twentieth century. Reason Rather Than Assertions Reasons are grounded in evidence, facts, or logic. Living, working, warring together promotes a sense of unity.

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The Seven Principles For Making A Strong Argument

what makes a good argument

Likely no one knows the answer to these questions, but their answers could provide strong arguments and generate interesting insights into the past. Perhaps these issues are especially concerning to us right now with an election right around the corner. This is another idea that I personally agree with. Someone can find one example to support any claim. Respect Rather Than Ridicule A respectful argument fairly represents an opposing view. A good argument is an argument that is either valid or strong, and with plausible premises that are true, do not beg the question, and are relevant to the conclusion. A bad argument proves nothing however it can still be persuasive.

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How to Write a Good Argumentative Essay: Easy Step

what makes a good argument

Yet this example is right insofar as it goes. Because to believe that the argument is sound that is, a valid argument with true premises it needs to be that all the premises are true and the argumentative form is valid. Finally, you might address counter-arguments: what might your critics say and how would you respond? Adding multiple arguments can help persuade by plotting other confirmatory routes, and perhaps making it harder to deny that all different sets of argument have premises more likely to be true than not. Resonates With Truth A claim resonates with truth when it corresponds to reality or to what we already know to be true. Sometime ago I was invited to give an address at a University where there were protesters who objected to what I was about to say. Provide any background information or additional context they may need to understand your argument. This is good practice in writing, but it can also be important for your audience if they want to do additional research after hearing your argument.

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What Makes a Good Argument

what makes a good argument

From here, you can draft a thesis statement that clearly articulates what you're arguing. For example, if you are inside a building when someone opens the external door so that you can hear rain, and when this person walks into the inside of the building where you are, they take off their dripping wet raincoat, you could have good circumstantial evidence for believing that it is raining outside. They worried it might possibly interfere with ecological balance and human health. If we made a claim which we stated was a fact, such as the earth has a moon, we would have to be able to verify this, which might include direct observation. Papers that are simple and accessible can be more effective at communicating a message to your audience.

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How To Write an Effective Argument (Plus Benefits and Tips)

what makes a good argument

More Than A Slogan In an age where digital distraction has reduced concentration spans to little more than that of a gold fish, slogans work! I began my presentation with the case for the other side. You can watch the clip In the clip she explained why she thought it was so dangerous. This is despite you not directly seeing any rain at the time. A good argument is one derived from emotional connection and reason, Pathos and Logos make an argument engaging and factual. The argument tells your reader your main point and why it is compelling.

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