Blog Assignment #3

1. Explain what “to give an argument” means in this book.

"To give an argument" is defined in this book as "to offer a set of reasons or evidence in support of a conclusion." The book shows us the steps needed in order to have a well developed argument. First we must brainstorm ideas of strong evidence or reasons that support our conclusion because without them, we will not be able to explain as to why we may agree or disagree on a topic. The book also tells us that an argument needs to be well organized. By making the argument well organized, we would need to set up our ideas in order, so that our readers can thoroughly follow our argument. These two steps along with others described amongst the first chapter, shows us how we should construct or give an argument.

2. What are the reasons Weston gives in support of his claim, “arguments are essential”?

Weston explains that arguments are essential because it allows us to look at different views. Based on these different views, we can construct our conclusion of whether we disagree or agree on an issue. Weston also believes that arguments are essential because it allows us to give our reasons or evidence in support of our conclusions . This is important because this gives us the opportunity to defend our conclusions through arguments. In conclusion, arguments are important because they can help us establish our conclusions by analyzing different views, as well as help us defend our conclusions with our reasoning or evidence.

3. Explain why many students tend to “write an essay, but not an argument”.

Many students tend to write an essay rather than an argument. This is because when writing an essay students don't appear to be giving explanations as to why or how they came up with their conclusion. Although a student may give reasons or evidence in support of their conclusion, they may not include why they believe their reasoning or evidence is substantial from other views. If you state your reasoning without giving a good incentive as to how you came up with your conclusion, than your paper will be more of an ordinary essay rather than an argumentative essay. In order to give an argument, there must be evidence that supports your judgment of a situation but also supports your evidence against different views. This will make your conclusion stronger than others because your paper will appear to be an argumentative essay.

4. Construct two short arguments (one "for" and one "against") as modeled in the Week 3 Assignment section in Blackboard. Put each one in "elements form".

For-
Arguable issue: Whether or not you should shower daily
Conclusion: You should shower daily
Premises: You should shower daily because

(1) you will have good hygiene,
(2) it is relaxing, and
(3) this allows you to become more confident when interacting with others.

Against-
Arguable issue: Whether or not you should shower daily
Conclusion: You should not shower daily
Premises: You should not shower daily because

(1) it takes up time during your day
(2) you would be wasting water, and
(3) there will be less of a probability of you slipping while taking a shower.

5. Review the seven rules in chapter one. Briefly discuss how your argument demonstrates that each rule was applied, in the construction of your arguments above.


The first rule within chapter one is to distinguish between premises and the conclusion. I did this by stating three reasons in support of my conclusion. The second rule is presenting your ideas in order, which I did by first introducing my conclusion then having my three reasons to follow. The third rule is to start from reliable premises, which I have done by using reasons that are strong enough to support my conclusion. The fourth rule is to be concrete and concise, which my short argument seems to be because my reasoning is clear and easy to understand. The fifth rule is avoiding loaded language, which my short argument does not have because it was short and precise. The sixth rule is to use consistent terms, which my arguments has by me using the same flow towards each of my arguments. Finally, the seventh rule is to stick to one meaning for each term, which I have also done because my reasoning for each of my arguments have one meaning and that is to support whether I was for it or against it.

6. Review the three rules in the appendix named, “Definitions”. In your own words, discuss how you took these rules into consideration as you constructed your arguments.

As I constructed my arguments I took into consideration the first definition which is being specific when your terms are unclear. As I thought of my conclusion along with my reasoning I was made my argument clear and to the point by cutting my conclusion to become more specific. My arguments were clear and fit with the conclusion, by the help of the second definition, which is to construct an argument that is clear. My arguments were also constructed with the thought of using arguable reasons for my argument rather than using definitions to support my conclusion, like the third definition explains.

7. Good posts demonstrate:
Sincere reflection, effort, and analysis
Answers that are substantial (at least one large paragraph each)
Consistent mention, citation, and integration of the assigned readings
Correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Correctly titled posts!How many points do you honestly feel your post this week deserves? Justify your answer.

I believe that I deserve the full amount of points because I put a lot of effort into this assignment. My responses were well developed with full paragraphs, my post is titled correctly, and my grammar should be good. Overall I feel that I have followed the instructions towards this blog correctly and therefore I should be eligible for the full amount.