Lesson 10.3: Building and Drafting the Argument

Introduction

In this section, we will explore how to effectively shape your research into a clear line of argument within your independent contextual study. This lesson is crucial because it transforms your findings and insights into a coherent narrative that aligns with your research question. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to outline your contextual study before fully drafting it, integrate your analysis with sourced material, and maintain a focused argument throughout your writing.

Learning Objectives

1. Shape research into a clear line of argument.
2. Outline the contextual study before writing in full.
3. Draft sections and integrate analysis with sources.
4. Keep the argument focused on the research question.
5. Shape research into a structured argument.

Understanding the Structure of an Argument

An argument in the context of an academic paper is not merely about stating opinions; rather, it lays a framework for presenting reasons and evidence in support of a specific claim or thesis.

Key Components of an Argument

• Claim: The main point or thesis that you are trying to establish. For example, your claim might be, "The portrayal of women in contemporary advertising reinforces harmful stereotypes."
• Evidence: This includes data, quotations, examples, or references from credible sources that support your claim. For instance, statistics on advertising trends or analysis of specific advertisements that depict women in stereotypical roles.
• Warrant: The reasoning that connects the evidence back to the claim. This part explains why the evidence points to the validity of the claim you are making.

Example of Argument Structure

Let’s consider a simple example to illustrate how these components work together. Suppose you are analyzing a specific advertising campaign.

1. Claim: The campaign objectifies women by focusing on their appearance rather than their achievements.
2. Evidence: A particular advertisement features a woman in a suggestive pose while promoting a product unrelated to her skills or abilities.
3. Warrant: This evidence suggests that the campaign perpetuates a culture where women's value is tied primarily to their appearance, undermining their professional identity.

Outlining Your Contextual Study

Before jumping into writing your full contextual study, it is beneficial to create an outline. An outline serves as a roadmap for your essay and helps ensure that your argument remains clear and organized.

Steps to Create an Outline

1. Identify your main claim: What is the central argument you wish to convey?
2. Break down your argument: Identify the major points that will support your claim. These will constitute the main sections of your study.
3. Organize your evidence: For each major point, list the evidence you plan to present.
4. Draft the warrant: For each piece of evidence, prepare a brief explanation that ties it back to your claim.

Example Outline

Let’s continue with our example about the advertising campaign:

• I. Introduction
• Brief overview of the issue
• Presentation of thesis statement: "The portrayal of women in contemporary advertising reinforces harmful stereotypes."
• II. Claim 1: Objectification of Women
• Evidence A: Description of advertisement
• Evidence B: Statistics on audience reception
• Warrant: Link to harmful stereotypes
• III. Claim 2: Implications for Society
• Evidence A: Analysis of societal impact
• Warrant: Connection to real-world implications
• IV. Conclusion
• Reiterate the importance of addressing stereotypes
• Call for change in advertising practices

Drafting Sections of the Study

Now that you have a clear outline, the next step is to draft the individual sections of your contextual study. Each section should focus on one major claim and follow the structure we discussed earlier.

Drafting Techniques

1. Start with a strong opening: Each section should begin with a sentence that states the main point.
2. Integrate evidence: As you present your claims, smoothly introduce evidence. This could be through quotations or paraphrasing the original source while ensuring proper citation.
3. Elaborate on the warrant: After presenting evidence, always include a sentence or two to explain how it supports the claim. This reinforces your argument and aids the reader's understanding.

Example of a Drafted Section

II. Claim 1: Objectification of Women

Contemporary advertising often portrays women primarily as objects of desire, thereby reinforcing harmful stereotypes in society. For instance, the advertisement for Brand X features a woman in a pose that emphasizes her physical attributes rather than her skills. According to a study by Research Institute Y, 70% of viewers aged 18-25 report feeling pressure to conform to such ideals. This data illustrates the impact of these advertisements, highlighting that the portrayal of women in such a manner reinforces a culture where their value is predominantly linked to appearances rather than capabilities.

Keeping the Argument Focused

Throughout your writing process, it is vital to maintain focus on the research question. A common pitfall in academic writing is the tendency to veer off-topic, adding unnecessary information that does not directly support your main argument.

Strategies for Staying Focused

• Regularly refer back to your thesis: Regularly ask yourself if the points you are making support your central claim.
• Use topic sentences: At the beginning of each paragraph, clearly state how that paragraph relates to your argument.
• Limit anecdotal evidence: While personal stories can be powerful, too many may distract from your main point. Ensure they are relevant and necessary for your argument.

Conclusion

In conclusion, learning how to build and draft arguments is essential in transforming your research into a thoughtful and coherent contextual study. By outlining your work before you begin writing, you ensure that your ideas are organized and well-founded. As you draft, remember to interlink your evidence and claims clearly, keeping everything rooted in response to your research question. This practice will not only enhance the quality of your argument but also help convey your insights effectively.

Study Notes

• An effective argument includes a claim, evidence, and a warrant.
• Create an outline before drafting to organize your main ideas.
• Each drafted section should begin with a clear claim, incorporate evidence, and elaborate on the warrant.
• Stay focused on your research question to maintain the clarity and relevance of your argument.