Question

Key Elements of Argument and -Entering the Use pages 43-45 in The Little Seagull Handbook as well as pages complete the following notes. The Glossary/Index will well. 1-18 in They Say, I Say to be helpful in the Seagull Handbook as 1. How do Bullock, Brody, and college writing? Weinberg detine the term "claim"? Why are claims important in 2. Bullock, Brody, and Weinberg explain, "we need to provide some on a topic so that readers can understand what is being argued" (43) the difference between reasons and 'evidence, and how do they work together in an argument? 4. What do Bullock, Brody, and Weinberg say about "appeals to readers' values," and what caution do they stress about the appeals (44)? 5. What type of tone should writers/speakers establish? 6. Define counterarguments and explain why they are important to acknowledge:

Answer 1

1) As per the book, "The Little Seagull", everything we speak or do presents/holds some kind of position. Some positions are considered an argument where one is presenting such point on the basis of his belief or faith. To be arguable, position must satisfy the key elements that are mentioned in the book. Author also says, at the heart of every argument is a claim which people may reasonably disagree but the person arguing wants to prove based on his belief or faith. Also, every claim cannot be called arguable, some are just matters of taste or opinion such as, "I like flowers" . Now, here, in the given example the claim is a matter of taste that cannot be argued by others & nor can be questioned to prove.

The author says, it is important in college writings because often there, you are in a situation that you argue not that the position is correct but it is plausible - That it is reasonable, supportable and worthy of being taken seriously. That means to put your opinion strongly in writings, it is necessary to acknowledge claims.

2) We need to provide some background on a topic so that readers can understand what is being argued.

3) The author says, every position is not arguable i. e. position, by itself does not make an argument. To be arguable, it must be backed by good reasons supporting it. Next, to prove the reasons one will have to offer evidence so that a position can be maintained. In this way, both work together for a position to be arguable. The biggest difference that can be observed here is without the evidence, "reasons remain just a matter of taste or opinion" .

4) The author says, "effective arguments appeal to reader's values and emotions." which means it tends to impact the emotional side or deeply held values of the reader. To appeal, one may require to describe the plight of those in need but, one thing here to be kept in mind(to be cautious about) is that in the process, readers can feel manipulated and hence argument would be less likely to be acceptable by them.

5) Writers or speakers should establish trustworthy tone. To be established as trustworthy, one can provide the facts that demonstrate his knowledge of subject, then indicate that you have experience with the subject, therefore you can understand perspectives, also of others than that of your own. This can stand one "fair & honest" .

6) The author says, no matter how good you are in arguing your position, others may disagree as tehy also hold some position. There is counter part for each argument. Hence, it is important to acknowledge them in order to refute them provided you can give established examples that can be relatable & provide motivation for acceptance of your argument.