Many people try to avoid arguing because they do not like conflict. Still, an argument does not need to be nasty. In fact, it is an excellent opportunity to share different opinions about a topic. Strong arguments are based on reason and logic. In an effective argument, you state a claim, present reasons to show why the claim is valid, and then provide evidence to prove that the reasons make sense.
Read the two arguments below. Which do you think is more effective?
Argument 1
Katya: Of course, folk music is better than rock music! It’s more fun to sing, and you don’t need instruments. Anybody can sing it.
Harper: That’s crazy! Folk music is so old-fashioned. Nobody listens to it anymore. I like pop music much better.
Argument 2
Katya: Folk music deserves respect because it is one of the oldest forms of music. It has been around for centuries! It lasts because it expresses universal ideas and themes, and it doesn’t require you to know how to play an instrument.
Harper: Even though I’m not a big fan of folk music, I agree with the points you made. In addition, I think that some pop music is based on folk music, so folk has value.
The second argument is more effective. There, Katya makes a claim about folk music and backs it up with a reason and some evidence. This evidence persuades Harper to agree that folk music deserves respect and has value.
Activate Prior Knowledge
Think about what made Katya and Harper’s second argument effective. Consider other effective arguments that you have heard. Then, read the following arguments and rank them as most effective, somewhat effective, and least effective.
A book is always better than the movie it is based on because the book engages your imagination more. A movie can show you only what happens and then get you to react emotionally. Movies can’t make you think the way a book can.
Some books are improved by being made into movies because a movie can condense the action and develop the main characters. For example, The Lord of the Rings is really long to read, and it has a lot of characters. The film trilogy focused on the most important aspect of the story: the main character’s mission.
Movies are always better than books because movies are shorter and more enjoyable. Why spend time reading a book when you can sit back and watch the action on-screen?
Which argument is more effective and why?
The most effective argument is the second one: "Some books are improved by being made into movies because a movie can condense the action and develop the main characters."
This argument provides a clear reason for why movies can be better than books in some cases - they can condense the action and develop the main characters. The example of The Lord of the Rings is also provided as evidence to support this claim. This argument acknowledges that there are specific instances where movies can improve upon books, making it more persuasive.
The other two arguments are less effective. The first argument makes a blanket statement that books are always better than movies without providing any reasons or evidence to support this claim. The third argument, on the other hand, makes a blanket statement that movies are always better than books without providing any reasons or evidence to support this claim. Both of these arguments lack logical reasoning and evidence, making them less persuasive.
For each topic, write a claim that is strong, significant, and supportable.
Question 1
cell phones
Reveal Sample Answer
Question 2
hospital shows on TV
Reveal Sample Answer
Question 3
bedtimes for teenagers
Reveal Sample Answer
Question 1:
Claim: Cell phones have revolutionized communication and have become an essential tool in today's society.
Question 2:
Claim: Hospital shows on TV can be educational and provide valuable insights into the medical field.
Question 3:
Claim: Establishing consistent bedtimes for teenagers can improve their overall well-being and academic performance.
Share one of the claims you wrote about cell phones, hospital shows or bedtimes for teenagers
Claim: Cell phones have revolutionized communication and have become an essential tool in today's society.
The student in the video says, “George Washington was the first President.” That is not a good claim, because it is not arguable. Write a claim about George Washington that you could support with reasons in an essay
Write a claim about George Washington that is arguable