Date post: | 15-Feb-2017 |
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INVENTING ARGUMENTS:
CHAPTER 2 Rooney - English 127
CLAIMS The Building Block of Argument
WHAT IS A CLAIM? The main argumentative position (or thesis) being put forward. Claim = assertion
Asserting
Claim
Supporting
Claim
Defending
Claim
Argument
WHAT IS ACADEMIC ARGUMENT?
Main Claim
Supporting
Claim
Support
Support
Supporting
Claim
Support
Support
TYPES OF CLAIMS
Argument
Claims of
Policy
Claims of Fact
Claims of
Value
CLAIMS OF FACT : Facts are Always in Dispute
Argue a condition does or does not
exist
Argue a condition
has or has not existed
Argue a condition will or will not exist
CLAIMS OF VALUE : Any Claim that Argues Worth
Argues that something
possesses a certain quality
(good, bad, just,
unreasonable, practical,
unfair)
Argues that something reflects or
embodies a certain quality
(good, bad, just,
unreasonable, practical,
unfair)
Argues that something should be
approved or disapproved
CLAIMS OF POLICY : Action or Change is Necessary
Argues that a particular change in behavior is necessary
Argues that a particular change in policy is
necessary
Argues that a particular change in attitude or approach is necessary
CONSTRUCTING CLAIMS
Type & Construct
ion of Claim
(Content)
Purpose of
Argument
Reaction of
Audience
CONSTRUCTING CLAIMS
I’m not saying
________
I’m saying
________=
Clarity
ACTIVITY In your group, discuss the following:1. Consider the blurring between news and entertainment. Develop
three argumentative claims (one fact, one value, and one policy) about this topic. Be sure to provide clarity in your claim!
2. Discuss this argument:
“I’m not gay; not that there is anything wrong with that.”
What is happening here? What is the purpose and (do you think) audience for this claim? How and why would and could this be effective?
CHARACTERISTIC OF CLAIMS
Focused Claims
Guide the attention to a particular aspect of an issue
Clear, direct language and incredibly specific
Arguable
ClaimsMake assertion that can be challenged on various grounds, inviting opposition
No room for questions, obvious facts, or limited perspectives.
Revelatory
ClaimsReveal an
unfamiliar topic or a new layer of a familiar one.
Challenge norms and show hidden
sides. Tear down the curtains, clear away dirt, and reveal the roots (and often the mess)
ACTIVITY In your group, discuss the following:1. Consider how the following unfocused thesis statements (main
claims) could be more focused. Be specific and offer at least two improved versions for each.
2. People should avoid large corporate retailers.3. King Lear is Shakespeare’s best work. 4. The settlers were wrong in driving out the Native Americans. 5. There are many good things about public television.