Lecture Notes: What Is An Argument?

By JPUncategorized

What Exactly is an Argument, Anyway? (And No, I Don’t Mean Yelling Across the Dinner Table)

Today’s topic? Arguments.

No, I’m not talking about the heated exchanges you had over Monopoly games that escalated quickly into a family feud. I’m talking about logical, structured arguments—those beautiful creations that make people go, “Huh, you actually have a point there!”

First off, let’s define this fancy term. An argument in writing or speech is a set of statements designed to persuade someone of something or present reasons for accepting a conclusion. Think of it like a sandwich—everyone loves a good sandwich, right?

    1. Top Bun: Your claim or thesis (No, this is not a Greek mythological figure; it’s your main point).
    2. Meat and Veggies: Your evidence or supporting points (This could be as juicy as a gossip column or as dry as your grandma’s turkey; it depends on how well you argue).
    3. Bottom Bun: Your conclusion or the “So what?” part (Yes, you need to explain why anyone should care about your sandwich—I mean, argument).

 

Ingredients for a Persuasive Argument

    1. Evidence: You can’t argue that pineapple belongs on pizza without giving reasons. Maybe you mention the sweet and savory balance or the burst of tropical vibes in each bite. That’s your evidence.

    2. Logic: If you say eating an apple a day will extend your life by 50 years, people are going to want some solid logic behind that claim. Random statements like “My uncle Jim eats an apple a day and he saw a UFO once” might not cut it.

    3. Credibility: Cite experts who agree with you. If Gordon Ramsay says it’s fine to put ketchup on steak—just kidding, he’d never say that. But if he did, you’d have a credible source!

The Tale of Two Arguments: One Charismatic Champion and One Dismal Dud

Alright, class, let’s put on our thinking caps—or for those who didn’t get the memo, your imaginary “I’m-so-focused” tiaras—and look at a couple of examples to better understand what separates a persuasive argument from a not-so-persuasive one.

The Persuasive Pro: “Why Schools Should Start Later”

This gem of an argument was penned by Sarah, a concerned high school student who managed to convince her school board to push back the school start time by one hour.

    • Top Bun (Claim): Schools should start later to improve student performance and well-being.
    • Meat and Veggies (Evidence):
      1. A CDC study showed that adolescents function better with at least 8–10 hours of sleep.
      2. Schools in districts that moved the start time to 8:30 a.m. or later saw an increase in overall GPA and a decrease in tardiness.
      3. Testimonials from teachers who observed a rise in student attentiveness.
    • Bottom Bun (Conclusion): It’s in the best interest of students, teachers, and even parents to push the start time to at least 8:30 a.m.

Sarah served this sandwich with a side of credible sources, logical connections, and a sprinkle of emotional appeal (mentioning the daily struggle and tired faces of her classmates). Who could resist such a gourmet treat?

The Unpersuasive Uh-Oh: “Why All College Students Should Take Basket Weaving”

Meet Bob. Bob loves basket weaving so much that he wants to make it a mandatory course for all college students. And while his enthusiasm is commendable, his argument leaves a lot to be desired.

    • Top Bun (Claim): All college students should be required to take a basket-weaving course.
    • Meat and Veggies (Evidence):
      1. Basket weaving is fun.
      2. His grandma loves her basket-weaving class.
      3. “I mean, come on, who doesn’t want to make a basket?”
    • Bottom Bun (Conclusion): So, um, yeah, let’s all weave some baskets!

Bob’s argument is more like a sandwich with just mayonnaise and a pickle. Where’s the beef? Where’s the logic? The facts? Citing Grandma may win you brownie points at family dinners, but it doesn’t hold much weight in an academic debate. Sorry, Bob.

The Takeaway

What we learn here is that a good argument requires substance—the meat and veggies.

It needs credible sources, it should appeal to logic, and it wouldn’t hurt to touch a heartstring or two. If you neglect these ingredients, you end up with an argument that’s as unsatisfying as biting into a sandwich and discovering it’s just two slices of bread.

So remember, aspiring arguers, it’s not just what you say, but how you say it—and back it up—that transforms your argument from a forgettable fast-food experience into a five-star gourmet meal.

Real-World Examples: Where You See Arguments

    1. Social Media: Your aunt’s Facebook post about why cats are better than dogs? Yep, that’s an argument.

    2. Advertisements: “Buy this shampoo; your hair will be as lush as a tropical rainforest.” The argument is implicit, but it’s there.

    3. Political Speeches: “Vote for me, and I will build a theme park in every neighborhood!” Okay, maybe not that, but politicians love to argue their case.

So there you have it, folks. Arguments aren’t just the stuff of family gatherings and Twitter fights. They’re structured, they’re persuasive, and if done well, they can be as satisfying as a perfect sandwich. Now, go forth and argue (logically and respectfully, of course)!

Happy arguing! 🥪