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What is an argument?

What is a synthesis essay?



What is an argumentative synthesis essay?

In writing, when should evidence be used?

What are the guidelines for effectively choosing
and using evidence?

Name three kinds of evidence.







Writing Arguments
Argument as Inquiry
Using Evidence Effectively
Argument Synthesis

Argument is not a fight or a quarrel
creative & productive activity
engages high levels of inquiry and
critical thinking
often in conversation with liked
and respected people

Argument is not a Pro-Con Debate
desire for truth
aims to find best solution to complex
problem
goal isnt to win a game; goal is to find
and promote best belief or course of
action

Arguments can be explicit or implicit
explicit directly states its controversial
claim and supports it with reasons and
evidence
implicit is opposite (pic, slogans, etc)
both used to persuade

Arguments requires justification of
its claims
must meet two conditions
1. set of two+ conflicting assertions
2. attempt to resolve conflict
through an appeal to reason
must clarify and support reasons

Argument and the Problem of Truth
does not mean finding right answer to
disputed question
means determining best answer or best
solution for the good of entire community
when all stakeholders are considered
means argument does not prove claim but
only makes reasonable case for claim
opinion based upon examination of all
evidence

Every thesis prompts an opposing thesis
(antithesis)
Conflict between these views leads to a new claim
(synthesis)
Synthesis incorporates aspects of both views
What is a synthesis essay?

What is an argumentative synthesis essay?

Written discussion that draws on multiple
sources
Must infer relationships among sources
Before inferring relationships must be able to
summarize
Must go beyond summary to make judgments
(critique)
Must be able to apply source information to topic
(analyze)
Purpose is to persuade

Thesis is a claim about which reasonable people
could disagree

Strategy is to find and use convincing support for
your claim
A. Introduction
1. background information
2. thesis statement
B. Claim 1
1. argue
2. expert opinion
3. argue
4. expert opinion
5. argue
6. expert opinion
7. assumption
(Repeat for each claim)
D. Conclusion
A. Introduction
1. background information
2. According to popular media, the American Dream
means providing for family, striving for equality, and
getting rich quick.
B. Cinderella Man providing for family
1. looking for work at the docks
2. find scholarly source about employment
3. we dont steal
4. find scholarly source about maintaining values
5. we are better off than most people
6. find scholarly source about financially raising a
family
7. These prove that according to the movie, the
American Dream means providing for family.
(Repeat for each claim)
D. Conclusion
4 5 pages
5 sources
Introduction
Organization
Conclusion
Grammar & Mechanics
Writing Process
In-text Citations
References Page
Synthesis rough draft

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