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Essays and Arguments: A
Handbook on Writing Argumentative and Interpretative Essays
(Revised
Edition, May 2000)
by
Ian Johnston
Malaspina University College
[This
text has been prepared for the use of students in Liberal Studies and English
courses at Malaspina University College, Nanaimo, BC. This text is in the
public domain, released May 2000, and may be used, in whole or in part, without
permission and without charge, so long as the source is acknowledged. A printed
version of this text is available in the Malaspina book store.
For comments, questions, suggestions and so on, please contact Ian Johnston.
1.0 Introduction and
Copyright Information
2.0
Arguments: Some Simple First Principles
3.0 Setting
up the Argument: Definitions (1)
4.0 Defining
Key Terms: Definitions (2)
5.0 Deduction
and Induction (In Brief)
6.0
Organizing the Main Body of the Argument (1)
7.0
Organizing the Main Body of the Argument (2)
10.0 Written
Arguments about Literary Works
11.0 Sample Outlines For Essays and Research Papers
One of the single most important
intellectual skills central to an undergraduate education is the ability to deal
with arguments. In fact, in one way or another, almost everything you study as
an undergraduate is connected with this task. While the subject matter will vary
from one course to another, in almost all disciplines the major purpose of study
is to develop students’ ability to read, understand, evaluate, and construct
arguments, written and oral.
The following sections form a basic
introduction to some of the more important elements in the analysis and
construction of arguments. The discussion begins with some very basic ideas and
moves on quickly to a few points essential for effective written or spoken
argumentation. The sections are structured so as to encourage students to
develop skills which will make their arguments, especially their written
presentations in essays or reports, more persuasive and which will improve their
ability to analyze arguments.
Because this handbook is designed
primarily for undergraduates in Liberal Studies and English courses, it pays
considerable attention to what are probably the most important written
assignments in these areas of college study, the argumentative (or persuasive)
essay and research paper. However, most of the material applies equally well to
other subjects and to spoken presentations.
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