Like so many terms in the English language arts curriculum, the
term argument has a specialized meaning quite different
from its meaning in everyday conversations.
I'll give you a hint: the fraught, emotion-packed image below is
far from what the term means within the discipline of English.
Definition of argument
A literary argument is a writing genre, just the
way a sonnet is a writing genre. When an English teacher assigns
an argument essay or argument paper, the assignment isn't an excuse
for writers to rant about something that really gets them hot under
the collar.
In fact, as a literary genre argument is anything but hot under
the collar. It's all about facts: hard, cold, facts.
Contrast to persuasive essay
An argument uses the basic thesis-plus-support organization
familiar from persuasive essays. It adds one element to that pattern:
refutation.
In a persuasive essay, the writer argues for his or her own position.
Persuasive writers pretty much ignore any opposition to their
thesis after they have found there is adequate material to make
a case for their side.
That means that as long as Caitlin can find three pieces of evidence
to support each of her three supporting points, she can go ahead
with her essay. It does not matter whether:
-
There are only nine pieces of evidence for her thesis and 867
against it.
-
Every one of her sources is an inmate in a lunatic asylum.
-
Her evidence was first published in 1757.
How can that be? Because the persuasive essay is not a social
document. Its purpose is not to start a conversation about a topic.
It delivers a message. Period. End of story.
Argument essays open dialogue
By contrast, the argument is an interactive, social document. It
sets out to discuss a topic from at least two perspectives.
The writer learns the arguments on both sides of the question.
Then she or he uses facts and logic to refute the opposition's
position.
Such writing requires a far more mature and thoughtful analysis
of the material than a straight persuasive pattern essay. The
writer must:
-
Take into consideration the amount of evidence on each
side.
-
Consider the credentials of the sources on both sides.
-
Use the most current, relevant evidence on both sides.
There is nothing underhanded about a true argument. It is respectful
of people and of facts. It seeks a thorough understanding.
No argumentativeness
By contrast, the term argumentative has very negative
connotations. It refers to some person or group that seems to
enjoy arguing for the sake of making a fuss. An argumentative person
is likely to flare up, spout off in an angry and undignified way,
and either stomp out or go into a "I'm so hurt" snit.
Sadly, many times when teachers assign students to write argument
papers, students rant about something that they know next-to-nothing
about.
They usually give the impression that anyone who disagrees with
them is either an imbecile or a criminal. Such students confuse
arguing with being argumentative.
Being able to argue is a mark of maturity; it requires
thought, precision, and respect for others' opinions.
Being argumentative is juvenile.
