Lesson 7.3: Building and Sustaining an Argument

Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the critical skill of constructing and maintaining an argument throughout a long piece of academic writing. This skill is vital, especially for international students who may not have had extensive practice in writing lengthy, cohesive reports. The focus will be on understanding the building blocks of an argument, which include claims, reasons, and evidence. By the end of this lesson, students will be able to carry a single line of argument across a long piece of work, link each section back to the original question and aims, and effectively signpost their writing so readers can easily follow the argument. It's also important to distinguish between evidence-based claims and simple assertions.

Learning Objectives

The building blocks of an argument: claim, reason, and evidence.
Carrying a single line of argument across a long piece of work.
Linking each section back to the question and aims.
Signposting so the reader can follow the thread.
Distinguishing evidence-based claims from assertions.

Understanding the Building Blocks of an Argument

A well-structured argument is essential in academic writing. It consists of a series of claims supported by reasons and evidence that contribute to your overall thesis or main point. To effectively build an argument, it is important to understand each component in detail.

Claims

A claim is a statement that asserts something to be true. It is the main point that you want to prove or establish in your writing. For example, if you are writing a paper about climate change, a claim might be: "Human activity is a significant contributor to climate change."

Example of a Claim:

Claim: "Increased carbon emissions from industrial activities have led to significant global warming."

Reasons

Reasons are the explanations that support a claim. They provide the 'why' behind the assertion. Continuing with our previous example, a reason for the claim about human activity could involve the mechanisms of carbon emissions and their effects on the atmosphere.

Example of a Reason:

Reason: "Carbon dioxide traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a rise in global temperatures."

Evidence

Evidence consists of data, statistics, quotes, or other factual information that supports your claims and reasons. Using credible and relevant evidence is essential in academic writing, as it strengthens your argument.

Example of Evidence:

Evidence: "According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), atmospheric CO2 levels have risen by over 40% since the Industrial Revolution."

Putting it All Together

Let’s combine our components into a cohesive argument:

Claim: Increased carbon emissions from industrial activities have led to significant global warming.
Reason: Carbon dioxide traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a rise in global temperatures.
Evidence: According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), atmospheric CO2 levels have risen by over 40% since the Industrial Revolution.

This structure shows how claims, reasons, and evidence work together to form a strong argument. When writing your extended project, continually refer back to this structure to keep your argument clear and compelling.

Carrying a Single Line of Argument

Maintaining a single line of argument throughout a lengthy piece is crucial for coherence and logical progression. Every paragraph you write should contribute to this line of reasoning, ensuring that your argument builds upon itself as you go.

Strategies for Sustaining Your Argument

Outline Your Main Argument: Before writing, develop a clear thesis statement and outline the main points that support it. This outline will act as a map for your writing.

Example Thesis Statement: "Human activity is a significant contributor to climate change, mainly due to carbon emissions from industrial practices, deforestation, and agricultural practices."

Link Sections: At the end of each section or paragraph, summarize how that segment supports the overall thesis. This practice helps to remind your readers of the ongoing connection between your points.

Example Transition: "Thus, when considering the evidence on carbon emissions, it becomes clear that human industry is a pivotal factor in the climate crisis."

Signposting: Use clear language to guide readers through your argument. Inform them what you are going to discuss next and how it relates to the previous point.

Example Signposting: "Having established the role of industrial emissions, the next section will explore how deforestation exacerbates climate change by reducing the planet's ability to absorb CO2."

Revisiting the Thesis: At various points in your writing, revisit your thesis statement to remind readers of the central argument being presented. This reinforces the overall narrative and keeps the reader focused.

Conclusion on Argument Structure

Strong arguments rely on clearly defined claims backed by solid reasons and evidence. By structuring your writing to maintain a single line of argument, linking each section to your main thesis, and using effective signposting, you can create a cohesive and compelling extended piece of academic writing.

Distinguishing Evidence-Based Claims from Assertions

It is crucial to differentiate between claims supported by evidence and mere assertions. An assertion is a statement made without backing or support, while an evidence-based claim includes verification through data or credible sources.

Example of an Assertion:

Assertion: "Many people believe that climate change is a hoax."

Example of an Evidence-Based Claim:

Evidence-Based Claim: "According to a 2020 survey by Pew Research, 58% of Americans believe climate change is caused by human activity."

In academic writing, evidence-based claims are far more authoritative than assertions. Always strive to back your claims with well-researched data and credible sources. This not only enhances your argument's reliability but also strengthens your credibility as a writer.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of building and sustaining an argument is fundamental for academic success, especially in long-form writing. By understanding the components of claims, reasons, and evidence, and maintaining a clear focus on a single line of argument, students will improve the coherence and depth of their academic writing.

Study Notes

Claims: Assertions that need proof.
Reasons: Explanations supporting claims.
Evidence: Data or facts that strengthen claims.
Maintain a single line of argument throughout your writing.
Use linking and transition phrases to connect your ideas.
Differentiate between evidence-based claims and assertions to enhance credibility.