Argument & Rhetoric in Technical Writing
Arguments
Fundamentally an argument is a claim backed up by evidence
Supporting information:
- definitions
- citations to authority or past work
- data (& models & charts)
Counter-arguments
Powerful approach: anticipate and address counter-arguments as part of your argument.
Strategies:
- Argue against the counter argument directly
- Accept the counter argument’s premise, but claim ___ matters more
- Reject the premise of the counter argument and explain why the premise is faulty
It’s important (in most circumstances) to treat opposing viewpoints fairly
Audience
All arguments are made to a specific audience.
Anticipate your audience’s concerns and what arguments are likely to be most effective at addressing those concerns.
Reading Critically
Every source you use is also making an argument
- Understand the author’s perspective/background
- Don’t consider anyone the ultimate authority
- Identify potential sources of bias
- Consider the audience the author is addressing - is it the same as your audience?
Practice
Let’s listen to an argument about declining attention.
Take notes - how is the author making the argument?
What were the key components of the argument?
Did the argument change your views?
Why or why not?