Identify the argument2 Step1

Identifying the Argument of an Essay

Step 1: What Is An Argument?

For each author you read, you must be able to do two things:

1. Identify the specific position the author takes on a particular issue and

2. Identify the ways in which the author provides support for that position.

If you can identify 1) the specific position and 2) all the statements that support it, then you have identified what is called the argument of that essay.

One short-hand way to remember an argument is this:

A. argument = specific position + supporting points

In English Composition, an argument is usually discussed in the following way:

B. argument = main claim + supporting evidence

In Critical Reasoning, an argument is usually discussed in this way:

C. argument = conclusion + reasons

In all three versions (A, B, and C), argument means essentially the same thing. This leads us to a definition of argument.

Definition

An Argument is composed of two kinds of statements: (1) the conclusion (main claim) is that statement which follows from the other statements and (2) the reasons (evidence) are those statements which are intended to support the conclusion.

Visually, an argument looks like this:

The reasons are like pillars which support the roof or conclusion.

Architecturally, and perhaps more elegantly, an argument looks like this image of the Erechtheion (a temple on the Acropolis)

Please note that in both images all the reasons are separate, independent statements. Many times, though, you will find reasons that support other reasons which in turn support the conclusion.