View Full Version : How to formulate a good argument?
mrgrape2
2008-11-10, 20:54
K so im going to be writing an essay about the difference between class of rich and poor.
but i was wondering what are some good ways to formulate your argument?
so pretty much how do u make ur argument stronger and a really good one?
DerDrache
2008-11-10, 20:59
What is your argument?
Danny JMC
2008-11-12, 04:41
Do a heap of research on your specific topic and see where the information takes you. Based on that research, formulate an argument and several points (depending on your word length) that create your argument (ie; what made you formulate your argument from the research).
Your introduction should begin with brief background on the topic and why it is important to scholarly debate. Then go into a brief outline of where the essay is going to go (whose works you have used in your research, the points you will be making), and finally conclude the introduction with your argument thesis.
The body of your essay will be created through the use of the points you are making. These points should solidly back up your argument. For example if you're arguing that there is an extreme difference in background of low and upper class, then one of your points could be education and draw on findings of scholars who have researched the education levels of the two classes. Each paragraph should be a few hundred words and thus the word limit will influence how many points you make.
Your conclusion will sum up all your points and give the reader the reason why you are concluding [your argument]. Your rationale should be logical, concise and reasonable.
IMPORTANT NOTE: No sweeping statements! You can't just state some bullshit claim and not have it backed up by a credible source. Every point you make has to be based on a credible scholars work.
Also, I like to use rhetorical questions. They sound smart and are like lecturer crack.
Just a thought or two.
The Methematician
2008-11-15, 20:27
Take it from the smartest person in totse* :
make your argument into a B&M, ---> post it in B&M ---> ??? --> profit.
the essentials of argument : bitch, moan, flame, complain.
*---according to an independent research conducted by an independent researcher.
whocares123
2008-11-16, 01:01
Don't ignore arguments that go against your conclusions. Bring other viewpoints in, and provide evidence to disprove them. Provide evidence to prove them too, but then show that the evidence is bad or wrong. Get balls deep into that shit.
Hare_Geist
2008-11-16, 12:56
Don't ignore arguments that go against your conclusions. Bring other viewpoints in, and provide evidence to disprove them. Provide evidence to prove them too, but then show that the evidence is bad or wrong. Get balls deep into that shit.
This guy is right. Your notes should look something like this (http://www.newadvent.org/summa/1002.htm).
Also, I like to use rhetorical questions. They sound smart and are like lecturer crack.
Depends heavily on the lecturer. My experience is that a majority of lecturers don't like them.
A basic 3-5-essay will normally do the trick with most lecturers, even those who don't know them. Unless you're doing a course in rhetoric or such, then you should stick to whatever your lecturers tell you.
Corbett's "Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student" is great, tells in depth how to argument well.
The Methematician
2008-11-27, 08:17
Corbett's "Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student" is great, tells in depth how to argument well.
That is sooooo stupid. People who don't know how to argue and relied on books and others have no right to argue....at all.
They should just shut up, open their mouth, say rrr and suck the incoming dick.
Watch how BSK formulates his arguments, then do the exact opposite.
Or,...alternately, you can emulate what Slave of the Bestiality does all the time by :
[a] look at your opponent straight in the eyes and say :
"this counter argument/research data/ is hidden because [your opponent] is in your ignore list" and snickers
[b] call your opponent a troll and infuse your opponent's name with the word "troll".
Example :
Name of your opponent : Einstien + troll = Einstroll. :)
wolfy_9005
2008-11-27, 08:43
^Normal person?
To make a good argument you need a good statement. Such as "all trolls are bad". You could argue this as yes they are and say how they've ruined multiple threads/etc.
Or make it how they give everyone a joke from time to time.
It depends on your perspective as to wether or not you have a good argument.
Is your question going to be something like "Rich people are always white" or "Poor people consist of both white and black" or "Rich people are generally smarter". You need a question or else you can have no answers.
The Methematician
2008-11-27, 08:53
^Normal person?
To make a good argument you need a good statement. Such as "all trolls are bad". You could argue this as yes they are and say how they've ruined multiple threads/etc.
Or make it how they give everyone a joke from time to time.
It depends on your perspective as to wether or not you have a good argument.
Is your question going to be something like "Rich people are always white" or "Poor people consist of both white and black" or "Rich people are generally smarter". You need a question or else you can have no answers.
the highlighted word alone forfeits your right to argue. kindly refrain from getting into any argument in the future; thank you....
Hare_Geist
2008-11-27, 11:48
Watch how BSK formulates his arguments, then do the exact opposite.
As a moderator, you should know better than trying to bait someone and thereby derail a thread, let alone someone who moderates the forum you are posting this garbage in.
The Methematician
2008-11-27, 11:59
Bring back memories?
Wow,....you still remember it....I must say,....
*right hand grabbing your left arm*
*left hand on the back of your head*
*whispered very close to your left ear, (my wet lips almost touch your ear that kind'of close)*
{{{I....I'll remember it for life....}}}
*affectionately licking your ear lobe*
*awaits reciprocation*
Agent 008
2008-11-30, 20:19
Where did half the posts from this thread go?
If you want to win arguments against smart people you have to back up your points with facts.
If you want to win arguments against everyone else you have to sound convincing and say what they want to hear.
Of course sounding convincing and saying what they want to hear works on smart people too but they will see through it so you need the facts as well.
tingtonger
2008-12-12, 04:12
Build up a strong argument for the counterpoint, systematically refute every previous made point, then allow your argument to bud as the sensible alternative.
Generic Box Of Cookies
2008-12-21, 07:56
Always be right.
Be coherent, organized, and succinct.
Make your wording as appealing to as many types of people as possible.
Use humour to build rapport with the reader.
Address the argument and any possible adversity to it from several different angles.
When necessary, crush enemies with astute reasoning and public humiliation.
Agent 008
2008-12-21, 13:21
Always be right.
Be coherent, organized, and succinct.
Make your wording as appealing to as many types of people as possible.
Use humour to build rapport with the reader.
Address the argument and any possible adversity to it from several different angles.
When necessary, crush enemies with astute reasoning and public humiliation.
In extreme situations, or if you find that you are wrong, your enemies need to be "taken out of the picture". No man - no argument - no problem.
Fixed.
Generic Box Of Cookies
2008-12-21, 15:52
Fixed.
"Wrong" is relative.
wolfy_9005
2008-12-24, 15:49
the highlighted word alone forfeits your right to argue. kindly refrain from getting into any argument in the future; thank you....
Owell fuck you then :p
It sounds the same, no matter if you spell it weather or wether. Same with to, two and too.
As long as it's spoken, then it doesn't matter
WritingANovel
2008-12-27, 15:07
As a moderator, you should know better than trying to bait someone and thereby derail a thread, let alone someone who moderates the forum you are posting this garbage in.
mod fight?
On topic:
I know that you are supposed to have a premise then argue from there. Sorry I can't be of further help, I normally refute. I don't really put forth any arguments.
Valushka
2009-01-13, 02:57
Well it helps to know what you're talking about.
And to have facts that you are able to prove.