As you work on your argument papers, remember these things:
1. Argument and exposition are related, but not identical. The central purpose of argument is to persuade. The central purpose of exposition is to inform.
2. Argument and persuasion are not identical. Argument attempts to persuade by appealing to reason. Persuasion appeals to the emotions. In writing your paper, appeal more to reason than to emotion.
3. Argument papers are addressed to potentially antagonistic audiences--those who don't agree with you or those who have no opinion. Adopt a tone that such people will not find offensive.
4. Make sure your position is precisely defined. Don't say, "I'm for tougher crime measures." What exactly are you for? Don't say, "I'm for prison reform." What reforms do you favor? Don't say, "I'm for Congressional term limits." What limits do you favor?
5. Think inductively, not deductively. Start by considering specific examples and how they affect your thinking. Then consider your larger, more generalized position.
6. Beware of the several logical fallacies that damage many arguments, particularly the ad hominum fallacy and the strawman fallacy. "Ad hominum" fallacies place the focus on a personality associated with an issue rather than issue itself. "Strawman" fallacies try to create controversies where none exists.
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