Unit 9: Crafting Complex Arguments

Question 1

What does it mean to engage evidence?

Answer 1

Engaging evidence means using relevant and credible evidence to support or refute an argument thoughtfully and effectively. It involves presenting evidence that supports one’s view and anticipating and addressing counterarguments or opposing viewpoints. Writers do this by carefully evaluating the strength and relevance of the evidence, acknowledging any limitations or weaknesses, and explaining how the evidence supports the writer’s overall argument. By engaging evidence, one can demonstrate their ability to think critically, analyze complex information, and make a persuasive case for their position.

Question 2

What is an example of engaging evidence?

Answer 2

Claim: Social media use harms mental health.

Evidence: A study published in the National Library of Medicine shows a significant association between social media use and depression and anxiety. Additionally, the study suggests that social media can be a potential causal factor. (Additional commentary)

Counterargument: Some may argue that social media can positively impact mental health by providing a sense of community and connection.

Rebuttal: While it’s true that social media can provide a sense of connection, it’s essential to consider the overall impact of social media use on mental health. Other studies have shown that social media can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Therefore, the evidence indicates that social media use negatively impacts mental health.

Question 3

What is supporting evidence?

Answer 3

Supporting evidence is evidence presented in an argument to support a claim or position. It provides credible and relevant information that strengthens the writer’s view and helps persuade the audience to accept their ideas. The critical characteristic of supporting evidence is that it is directly relevant to the argument and can support the writer’s claims with concrete examples or data.

Question 4

What is an example of supporting evidence?

Answer 4

Examples of supporting evidence include statistics, expert testimony, research studies, personal anecdotes, historical examples, and other forms of empirical data.

Claim: “Vaccinations are safe and effective in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.”

Supporting Evidence: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines are thoroughly tested and monitored for safety. Additionally, numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Introducing the measles vaccine led to a significant reduction in cases of measles in the US. (Additional commentary)

This evidence supports the claim that vaccinations are safe and effective in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

Question 5

What is complementary evidence?

Answer 5

Complementary evidence is evidence used in an argument to support another piece of evidence or to provide additional support for a claim. Unlike supporting evidence, which directly backs up a claim, complementary evidence provides further context or perspective that strengthens the argument as a whole. The critical characteristic of complementary evidence is that it allows for additional information that helps to create a more complete and persuasive argument.

Question 6

What is an example of complementary evidence?

Answer 6

Claim: “A healthy diet is important for maintaining good physical and mental health.”

Supporting Evidence: According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. (Additional commentary)

Complementary Evidence: Besides the health benefits of a healthy diet, another study in the same archive found that a diet rich in whole foods and nutrients can also help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. (Additional commentary)

This complementary evidence provides additional support for the claim that a healthy diet is essential for maintaining good physical and mental health.

Question 7

What is contradictory evidence?

Answer 7

Contradictory evidence contradicts or undermines the claim made in an argument. It challenges the claim’s credibility and suggests the view may be flawed or incomplete. Contradictory evidence can be particularly effective in persuading an audience to reconsider their position or to take a more critical approach to the presented argument. The essential characteristic of contradictory evidence is that it directly challenges the claim and suggests that there may be alternative interpretations or explanations of the issue at hand.

Question 8

What is an example of contradictory evidence?

Answer 8

Claim: “Reducing class sizes leads to improved student performance.”

Supporting Evidence: According to the STAR study conducted in Tennessee during the late 1980s, reducing class sizes can lead to increased student engagement and participation, improved academic achievement, and better behavior in the classroom in elementary school students. (Additional commentary)

Contradictory Evidence: However, a study from the Quarterly Journal of Economics conducted in Connecticut in the year 2000 found that reducing class sizes may not significantly impact student performance. Additionally, some research has suggested that decreasing class sizes can be expensive and may not be the most effective way to improve student outcomes. (Additional commentary)

This contradictory evidence challenges the credibility of the claim that reducing class sizes leads to improved student performance and suggests that there may be alternative approaches to improving student outcomes that the reader should consider.

Question 9

How should a writer handle opposing views?

Answer 9

As a writer, it’s essential to acknowledge and address opposing views. This tactic shows that you’ve considered different perspectives and strengthens arguments by anticipating and addressing potential counterarguments. You can also engage in more constructive dialogue by respectfully addressing opposing ideas.

Question 10

What are some tips on how to handle opposing views?

Answer 10

• Acknowledge the opposing view: Giving the opposite view attention is essential; it shows that you’ve considered multiple perspectives and strengthens your writing credibility.
• Address the opposing view: After acknowledging it, address it directly by explaining why you disagree or presenting contradictory evidence. This helps refute the opposite assertion.
• Use respectful language: Avoid insulting or derogatory language towards those with different opinions to show respect for the opposing view.
• Find common ground: Find common ground with the opposing view to help build a bridge between different perspectives.
• Anticipate counterarguments: As you write, think about potential counterarguments to your position and address them in advance. This demonstrates that you’ve considered and responded to potential challenges.

Question 11

What does it mean to concede an argument?

Answer 11

When writers concede, they accept all or a portion of a competing position or claim as correct, agree that the competing claim is valid under a different set of circumstances, or acknowledge the limitations of their argument.

Question 12

What is an example of a concession?

Answer 12

Claim: “Using standardized tests is necessary for measuring student achievement and ensuring that students meet academic standards.”

Concession: While standardized tests have been a longstanding tool for measuring student achievement and holding schools accountable for meeting academic standards, there are also valid criticisms of these tests. For example, some argue that standardized tests do not accurately measure a student’s true abilities or potential, as they are often biased toward good test takers or privileged backgrounds. Additionally, emphasizing standardized testing can lead to a narrow focus on test preparation rather than a well-rounded education that fosters critical thinking and creativity. While ensuring that students meet academic standards is essential, it’s also important to consider alternative methods for evaluating student achievement that may be more equitable and comprehensive.

Question 13

What does it mean to rebut an argument?

Answer 13

When writers rebut, they offer a contrasting perspective on an argument and its evidence or provide alternative evidence to propose that all or a portion of a competing position or claim is invalid.

Question 14

What is an example of a rebuttal?

Answer 14

Claim: “School uniforms should be mandatory because they improve student behavior and academic performance.”

Rebuttal: While it’s true that some studies suggest an association between school uniforms and improved student behavior and academic performance, it’s essential to consider the limitations of those studies. For example, many of these studies are observational rather than experimental, meaning they can’t definitively prove that school uniforms cause these improvements. Other factors such as socioeconomic status, teacher quality, and parental involvement can also influence student behavior and academic performance. Therefore, it’s essential to approach this issue cautiously and consider various factors before deciding whether or not to mandate school uniforms.

Question 15

What does it mean to refute an argument?

Answer 15

Refuting an argument involves demonstrating that a particular claim is invalid or unsound. To do this, a writer identifies flaws in the reasoning, points out inconsistencies or contradictions, or provides evidence that contradicts the argument’s claims.

Question 16

What is an example of a refutation?

Answer 16

Claim: “The death penalty is an effective crime deterrent.”

Refutation: There is no clear evidence that the death penalty is a more effective deterrent to crime than other forms of punishment, such as life imprisonment. Studies have shown that the death penalty does not significantly impact crime rates and that other factors, such as socioeconomic conditions and law enforcement practices, greatly influence crime. Additionally, using the death penalty raises ethical and moral concerns, such as the risk of executing innocent people and the unequal application of the punishment. Therefore, claiming that the death penalty is an effective crime deterrent is inaccurate.

Question 17

How can transitions introduce a counterargument?

Answer 17

Transitions are an essential tool for introducing counterarguments in an essay. When presenting a counterargument, you want to signal the reader that you are considering an opposing viewpoint while maintaining your argument.

Question 18

What are some ways to use transitions to introduce a counterargument?

Answer 18

Introduce a contrasting point of view using transitional words like “on the other hand,” “however,” “yet,” and “despite.”

Signal a shift in focus using transitional words like “Although,” “nevertheless,” “still,” and “regardless.”

Use a rhetorical question to introduce a counterargument and engage your reader in thinking about the opposing viewpoint. This can be a powerful way to present a counterargument while maintaining your argument.

Question 19

What are some examples of using transitions to introduce a counterargument?

Answer 19

Contrasting POV: “Some argue that online education is less effective than traditional classroom learning. However, evidence suggests that online education can be just as effective, if not more so.”

Shift in focus: “Although some argue that social media is a distraction in the classroom, there are ways to use it to enhance learning and engagement.”

Rhetorical question: “Some argue that the government should not increase funding for public schools, but is it really in our best interest to neglect our public education system, which is essential for preparing the next generation of leaders and innovators?

Question 20

Do all arguments explicitly address a counterargument?

Answer 20

No, not all arguments explicitly address a counterargument. While it’s essential to consider opposing views and address them in your writing, there may be cases where a counterargument is not necessary or relevant to the main point.

For example, in some cases, the opposing view may be so far-fetched or unsupported by evidence that it doesn’t require a direct response.

However, addressing potential counterarguments can usually strengthen your argument and make it more convincing to your audience.

Question 21

What does it mean to qualify an argument?

Answer 21

Qualifying (or limiting) an argument means acknowledging that your argument may not be universally applicable, or may have some weaknesses or problems. By qualifying your argument you can head off challenges or counter-arguments, by conceding some points in advance. Qualifying can be done by using modifiers, counterarguments, or alternate perspectives.

Question 22

What are examples of qualifying an argument?

Answer 22

If you wanted to argue that we must urgently tackle the problem of climate change, but you understood that a common objection to doing so is the economic cost, you could qualify your thesis (using an although or despite the fact that statement):

EX) Conceding a point/weakness: “Although it would be expensive to do so, tackling the problem of climate change is urgent and we must commit ourselves to solving it as rapidly as possible.”

EX) Limiting an argument’s scope: “Despite the fact that some people may not be able to do so, it is the case that for the majority of Americans, engaging in vigorous exercise for at least 30 minutes a day is an important step in remaining healthy.”