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Argument, Persuasion and Bias: Home/WLDC

What is Argument and Persuasion Research and Writing?

Argument and Persuasion Writing vary slightly but the research part of it remains the same.  Make sure that you have enough information to do the following:

  1. Offers facts, reasons, and evidence for each of your claims/points
  2. Make sure what you are trying to say is logic-based (in Persuasion writing, you may use emotional items to support your point)
  3. Acknowledges the opposing claims by having statistics and facts from the other side (in Persuasion writing you do not need to acknowledge the other side but should be aware of these points when writing)
  4. You may compare ideas to establish a position
  5. Always provide evidence and commentary with claims (in Persuasion writing your evidence may be personal)

Searching the Web

  • Avoid using PRO or CON in your search term (unless it is part of the work such as pro-life).
  • Use:
    • opinion
    • commentary
    • proponent
    • opponent
    • evaluation
    • political aspect
  • Do not discount an article because it "seems" to contradict your point - many articles contain useful information for both sides.
  • WATCH the publisher/author on websites.  Make sure the information you gather may be backed up in multiple sources.

The Process

Most of the time argumentative papers are met with a varying degree of student anxiety.  Argument Research should not cause anxiety!  With organization, practice, a willingness to make mistakes and learn from them, and most importantly, patience, you will find a great deal of pride and gratification in your final product.  Remember that argument research is not a REPORT and the best way to ensure you have a valid argument, is to  test your claims against a friend or family member who does not agree with you.

Before you begin, break your tasks down into a six step process:

  1. Define your task
    • In argumentative research, you should base arguments on LOGIC, REASON, FACT and STATISTICS
    • You must know the OPPOSING VIEWPOINT to counter any claims and you must give credit to these claims
    • You must know WHO your audience will be (peers, educated, general audience, etc.)
  2. Seek Your Information
    • Know which sources are specific to your topic.  Use the ***GHAST*** Library Search Catalog to help.
    • Are you familiar with Boolean search operators and prepared to use them in your search?
  3. Locate and Access your information
    • Do you have the usernames and passwords that you need for off-campus access? (SEE DATABASES AND PASSWORDS)
    • Do you have a graphic organizer/similar organization plan to ensure you are searching properly?
    • Have I identified page #s, sources and author/speaker for all statistics, quotes, facts and argument that you are going to use?
  4. USE your information
    • Do you have enough data, warrants and claims to support your argument?
    • Can you draw your own conclusions on the topic?
  5. Synthesis
    • Can I make a valid claim?
    • Am I repeating what has already been said in literature or have I argued/elaborated with my own ideas?
  6. Evaluate
    1. Is your paper free from grammar and mechanical mistakes?
    2. Have you ran your paper through TurnItIn to catch any glaring quoting and paraphrasing issues?
    3. Have you correctly cited your sources?

Library Director

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Kelly Eisenbraun
Contact:
Clay Library Office
(336) 945-3151 ex. 379