1 juni 2021
Unit 5: Reasoning, arguments and counter-arguments, structuring an argumentative essay
Videos: Video 10: Building logical arguments Video 11: Counterargument and rebuttal Homework task(s): Formulate a (debatable) thesis statement, and write down the arguments which brought you to this thesis statement Suggested tasks for the tutorial: Tutor introduces Assignment 3: Essay Outline Pair exercise on argumentation 1. Formulate and write down three arguments FOR and three AGAINST your thesis statement. 2. Swap your work with your partner. 3. Evaluate your partner's for and against statements. Try to come up with: a. additional arguments AGAINST your partner's thesis statement b. areas of doubt/vagueness in your partner's FOR statements 4. Swap back again. Review feedback and make notes on how to refine your argumentation. Tutor presents suggested outline for organisation of final essay Your final essay will be a coherent set of ideas ordered into a logical argument around one central claim (Thesis Statement) Overall structure: • Title • Introduction, including thesis statement • Body (arguments, counter-argument, rebuttal) • Conclusion • Bibliography Example structure for Body: • Paragraph 1 (argument) • Paragraph 2 (argument) • Paragraph 3 (this can be your counter-argument) • Paragraph 4 (this can be the rebuttal of your counter argument) Counter-argument can attack the thesis statement, or can attack one of your arguments in particular. Consider whether all your arguments are independent, or whether some depend on others (as shown in video for this week).
Philomeen Dol, Elly Dutton, Bryan O'Donovan, Gea Hakker