Chapter 47: Constructing Reasonable Arguments

This chapter shows us the ways to build reasonable arguments. Argument is the debatable issue which might be agreed or disagreed by the reasonable people. While constructing reasonable argument we should not just try to win the argument, our goal should be presenting the fact about the subject or at least the best solution to for the problem without being aggressive. Argument should neither be aggressive nor should it be passive.

We should always conduct some research regarding our argument before debating because most of the readers will be aware of the social and intellectual context of the subject. We should always regard our audience as the panel of jurors who on disagreement could produce variety of opinions of their own. We should never assume that our audience knows and agree with our agreements. We should always state our position at introduction and establish credibility and to establish credibility we should present thesis sentence. Thesis sentence shows our position in debate and tells the audience why they should consider our argument. Main purpose of the argument is to persuade the audience towards our opinion. So, in order to persuade, we should add persuasive lines to support thesis statement. Evidence to the argument is the most important part to persuade the audience. Facts, Statics, examples and illustration, expert opinion are some of the evidence we can use. Beside the one who agree with us there are also people who disagrees with our arguments. For them we should anticipate objection and counter oppose argument. We have to do our best to explain the argument to our opposition. Counter opposing is not the only option to convince our argument. While counter opposing we have to show the common ground to opposition. We have to show that their concerns are ours too.

This chapter was really interesting. I lack the skill of argument. Before starting argument I will first find the evidence and fact about the subject. Then I will develop thesis statement using persuasive lines. I will collect all the data that will be helpful to support as well as counter argue the subject. If possible I will also use facts, statistic, and example to get the attention. Finally I will try to find common ground with the opposition and try to convince my argument.