General Elements of an Argument

Enthymeme (67-71)

•  a claim with reasons --> incomplete without grounds/evidence explained, because the claim and the reasons come with assumptions

• Applying this knowledge: as essay writers, understand that your thesis claim is an enthymeme! 
• You must support this claim not only with subclaims/reasons, but with a body paragraph that explores those claims with grounds (supporting evidence (reasons and examples)

Warrant (72) 

• the value, belief, or principle that the audience (reader, listener) must hold if the soundness of the argument is to be warranted

Grounds (72)

• supporting evidence, including: facts, data, stats, causal links, examples, etc.

Backing (73)

• The argument or arguments that support the warrant
• body paragraph topic sentences, if not reasoning claims supporting topic sentence claims.

Writing Gestures in Argument Essays

Tactful, Courteous Language:

• Avoid large, sweeping statements (Everyone, Nobody, All, . . .)
• Avoid boxing in you, your readership, or those with differing viewpoints into overly general teams/categories.
• Avoid personal attacks (ad hominem) or bold judgments of anyone you are speaking about!

• However, one might consider a persuasive way of describing the action of a person/group in regards to TONE

Point Out Common Ground: if there is something within the larger argument that you agree with, it is effective to make reader see your open-mindedness.  

• Discussing in your argument where you agree with others will logically be followed by your contrasting interpretation of what sides agree upon.

• Quick Brainstorming: Write down a couple of ideas that you may share with "the opposition." Specify who this person/group is...

Acknowledge Differing Viewpoints: start with the different viewpoint and use a change in direction transitional word/phrase (however, while, although, in contrast, …) and then go into your viewpoint.

• You may also start with the proper transitional phrase and differing viewpoint, insert the comma at the end of that point, and then go into your viewpoint

Make Reader Aware of the Merits of Differing Viewpoint: beyond just stating different views, adding some of the positives of that other view will enable you to compare and contrast the positives of the other side with the positives of your side! 

Quick Brainstorming: Write down what you feel is "good" or "right" about "the opposition's" point of views.

Rebut Differing Viewpoints (even published critics/authorities): Many large issues have common arguments made for either side. After acknowledging a differing view, make arguments for why the view is less valid than your own.

• Quick Brainstorming: Write down what you think "the opposition" is missing or ignoring in their own point(s).