When you complete this lesson, you'll be able to
- List the basic parts of an argument
- Describe effective strategies for reading an argument
- Explain the analytical skills used in critically evaluating an argument
- Identify strategies for writing effective argument essays
THE ELEMENTS OF ARGUMENT
You might win a personal argument by sheer force of personality or persistence, but a written argument takes planning and organization to ensure your points are made and your strategy is effective. Your written argument requires you to make a claim and then prove it by providing reliable secondary sources that support your point of view.
You'll need to employ reliable methods of persuasion to convince your readers, including evidence and reasons, but you might also appeal to their emotions, needs, and values to win them over to your way of thinking on your topic.