Chapter 5 Where Can We Find A Compelling Source As

Chapter 5- Where can we find a compelling source?

How to develop an argument

  1. Keep reading
  2. Apply your perspective
  3. Make your own luck
  4. Challenge yourself
  5. Talk with others
  6. Try free writing

The five categories of controversy

  1. Existence or Fact
    • Is it true? Did it happen?
  2. Definition/interpretation
    • Does this case fit the definition?
    • How do we interpret this information?
  3. Cause, Consequence, Circumstance
    • Was it intentional? Are there extenuating circumstances?
  4. Evaluation
    • Is it right or wrong?
    • Is it serious enough to warrant our attention?
  5. Jurisdiction, procedure, policy, action to be taken
    • What, if anything should be done about it?

Whats a good Question?
Challenging, compelling and controversial.

  • Challenging

Pursuing questions that require data and investigation. Questions that inspire careful and critical thinking.

  • Compelling

Significant consequences or implications in real situations.

  • Controversial

Questions come with arguments of both sides and disagreement among readers.

Dig narrow and deep rather than broad and shallow

Thesis Statements

  • Thesis should evolve. Changing your thesis and making it better as more information is discovered.
  • evolving thesis shows your readers your evolving thoughts
  • They build a complicated and controversial argument

Arguments to stay away from

  • Cliche arguments- relying on an overused idea or common wisdom. Theres nothing left to discover
  • "Interesting Arguments"- rely on personal opinion and is hard to backup and argue.
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