Argument Paradigms in Academic Discourse

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Argument Paradigms in Academic Discourse

• Reasoning and Evidentiary Support

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Introduction

• often including background information, what has
  led to the need for the argument, how it relates
  to similar arguments, etc. Functions to
  contextualize the thesis.
• Thesis is specific statement that the essay works
  to prove do not vacillate about your point. Use
  qualifiers to make your point as specific and
  viable as you can.

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Body Paradigm One

• establish Major premises
• establish minor premises
• major rebuttal against your argument
• refute your opponents position

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Body Paradigm Two

• offer major rebuttal(s), typically in reference
  to popular or current opinion, or in response to
  some prompt (like a reading assignment).
• refute these rebuttals
• establishing the major premises
• establishing minor premises

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Body Paradigm Three

• Deduction and Induction working together toward
  conclusion
• Induction works from specific to general
• Deduction works from general to specific
• How might these be piggybacked?

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Body Paradigm Four

• Enumeration, or numbering the reasons an
  argument is valid
• weakest as the items in the list often do not
  relate to one another well

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Conclusion

• Conclusion, restating your thesis and
• suggesting what this conclusion might lead to, or
• calling into question other results, or ?

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Final Thoughts

• Remember establish common ground, build from
  there! Use qualifiers to your advantage. Be clear
  and strong about your position.