7/27/2019 Argument Writing Technique

1/3

To write down argument you cannot take your stand. You need to criticize it rather thangiving your opinion. Moreover, you cannot use first person (I, Me, We) and cannot give

specific example (such as: Toyota) however, you can use generic example (such as:

Automobile Company).

Evidence of ArgumentHow the argument is well reasoned?

Ans: This argument is badly reasoned. (Always)

Evidence ----> incomplete/assumed/not enough information

Evidence ----> irrelevant (Scope-shifting)

Evidence ----> misleading (facts are number and example are in percentage)

Line of ReasoningHow facts give out the conclusion?

Ans: Always faulty

AssumptionWhat are the assumptions the author made?

Weaken/UndermineWhat would make argument logically weaken?

Strengthen/Logically soundWhat would make argument logically sound/strength?

EvaluateDoes argument have enough information or need more info?

Flaws (Evidence of Argument and Line of Reasoning) > Assumption >Weakness > Strength > Evaluate

7/27/2019 Argument Writing Technique

2/3

Example is better than perception:

Question:

The following appeared in a letter to the editor of the Balmer Island Gazette.

"The population of Balmer Island increases to 100,000 duing the summer months. To reduce the

number of accidents involving mopeds and pedestrians, the town council of Balmer Island, should

limit the number of mopeds rented by each of the island's six moped and bicycle rental companies

from 50 per day to 30 per day during the summer season. By limiting the number of rentals, the town

council is sure to attain the 50 percent reduction in moped accidents that was achieved last year in

the neighboring island of Torseau, when Torseau's town council enforced similar limits on moped

rentals."

Answer:

The author of this editorial recommends that to reduce accidents involving mopeds and pedestriansBalmer Island's city council should restrict moped rentals to 30 per day, down from 50, at each of the

island's six rental outlets. To support this recommendation the author cites the fact that last year,

when nearby Torseau Island's town council enforced similar measures, Torseau's rate of moped

accidents fell by 50%. For several reasons, this evidence provides scant support for the author's

recommendation.

To begin with, the author assumes that all other conditions in Balmer that might affect the rate of

moped-pedestrian accidents will remain unchanged after the restrictions are enacted. However, with a

restricted supply of rental mopeds people in Balmer might purchase mopeds instead. Also, the

number of pedestrians might increase in the future; with more pedestrians, especially tourists, the risk

of moped-pedestrian accidents would probably increase. For that matter, the number of rental outlets

might increase to make up for the artificial supply restriction per outlet--a likely scenario assuming

moped rental demand does not decline. Without considering and ruling out these and other possible

changes that might contribute to a high incidence of moped-pedestrian accidents, the author cannot

convince me that the proposed restrictions will necessarily have the desired effect.

Next, the author fails to consider other possible explanations for the 50% decline in Torseau's moped

accident rate last year. Perhaps last year Torseau experienced unusually fair weather, during which

moped accidents are less likely. Perhaps fewer tourists visited Tot sean last year than during most

years, thereby diminishing the demand for rental mopeds to below the allowed limits. Perhaps last

year some of Torseau's moped rental outlets purchased new mopeds that are safer to drive. Or

perhaps the restrictions were already in effect but were not enforced until last year. In any event, a

decline in Torseau's moped accident rate during only one year is scarcely sufficient to draw any

reliable conclusions about what might have caused the decline, or about what the accident rate will be

in years ahead.

Comment [R1]: Fact

Comment [R2]: Conclusion

Comment [R3]: Recommendation

Comment [R4]: Assumption

Comment [R5]: Introduction the whole Scena

Comment [R6]: Flaw

1) Lack of Evidence

2) Misleading Evidence

Comment [R7]: Weaken the Assumption 01

Comment [R8]: Supporting Details

Comment [R9]: Weakness the Assumption 0

Comment [R10]: Supporting Details

7/27/2019 Argument Writing Technique

3/3