Project 2 Presenting an Academic Argument

Part I Reading
Instructions: Read the article Developing an Argument in Academic Learning and
answer the following questions.

1. What is an argument?

2. What are the two argument types in the article?

3. Do you think the Rogerian Approach is not an effective one to win an argument or
a debate?

4. Why is learning how to present an academic argument important in your

university study?

Developing an Argument in Academic Learning

What is an Argument?

The word argue is derived from the Latin word “arguer”, which means “to make clear”. An
essential aspect of academic learning is arguing and discussing. This involves proposing a claim
and offering a rational reason with help of evidence that strengthens one’s point of view. When
presenting an argument, the possible counter-arguments ( 反 驳 ， 抗 辩 ) should be taken into
account. Thus, an academic argument can be called as an evidence-based defense of a complex
issue.
Two Major Argument Types

There are lots of different ways to develop an academic argument. The following two methods
are very common.

1. The most common way is the Classical approach. This approach involves the following layout:
 An introduction with a thesis statement (论点, 主旨句).
Example: Except for in extreme circumstances, Child Protective Services should seek to
maintain children in their biological homes.
 Background on the subject. Background on this subject can involve early studies on children
in adoptive environments and the long-term effects separation from the family had on
them.
 Main arguments — Some time should be spent elaborating (详尽阐述) the main arguments.
For this subject, the arguments could include things like: the sense of alienation some
children feel when put in foster homes at an older age and the danger of facing even worse
abuse or neglect through the foster system.
 Refutation (反驳) — The opposing side should be briefly presented and refuted as not valid.
Example: Some believe that government intervention is always beneficial to children in
precarious ( 不 稳 定 的 ， 危 险 的 ) home situations. There is overwhelming evidence,
however, that taking children out of their home environment when there is no sign of
continuous abuse or neglect, and putting them through government foster care can cause
greater long-term damage to a child than allowing them to remain in their home
environment.
 Conclusion — The conclusion may present a summary of the main arguments or suggest
solutions or studies that should be conducted in the future.

2. Another approach is the Rogerian approach.

Rogerian argument is a negotiating strategy in which common goals are identified and opposing
views are described as objectively as possible in an effort to establish common ground and reach
an agreement. Whereas traditional argument focuses on winning, the Rogerian approach seeks a
mutually satisfactory solution.

This approach does not have a specific structure that needs to be followed. It’s more of an
approach when presenting information. In the Rogerian approach, the author recognizes and is
sympathetic to both sides of the argument, though he/she favors one.

Take the question of whether or not animals should be used for scientific or commercial testing
as an example:

On the issue of animal testing, you could state:

Example: It has enabled the development of many life-saving treatments for both humans and
animals, that there is no alternative method for researching a complete living organism, and that
strict regulations prevent the mistreatment of animals in laboratories.
To acknowledge that the opposing side may also be valid, you could say:
Example: It is cruel and inhumane to experiment on animals, that alternative methods available
to researchers can replace animal testing, and that animals are so different from human beings
that research on animals often yields irrelevant results.

If you adopt the Rogerian approach, you are not expecting them to accept your claim completely.
Instead, you are merely attempting to show that under certain circumstances your position is
valid. Near the conclusion of your argument, you may find it useful to encourage your audience
to seek a compromise with you under a call for a “mutual understanding”:
Example: Removing animals completely from the lab would impede ( 阻碍 ) our understanding of
health and disease, and consequently affect the development of new and vital treatments. Although
sometimes these studies do reduce the quality of life of these animals, thorough regulations are in
place to ensure that they are carried out in a humane way. To help minimize the harm animals
may experience while being studied in the laboratory, researchers are required to follow a set of
regulations.

Part II Practice
Instructions: You will read a debate then follow the steps below and make a group
presentation of about 15 minutes presenting your academic argument. Make sure all the
group members engage actively in the group work and try to present your arguments
logically and clearly.

Background debate:
Is Human Activity Primarily Responsible for Global Climate Change?

Temperatures on earth have increased approximately 1.8°F since the early 20th century. Over this
time period, atmospheric levels of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane
(CH4) have notably increased. Both sides in the debate surrounding global climate change agree
on these points.

The pro side argues rising levels of atmospheric greenhouse gases are a direct result of human
activities such as burning fossil fuels, and that these increases are causing significant and
increasingly severe climate changes including global warming, loss of sea ice, sea level rise,
stronger storms, and more droughts. They contend that immediate international action to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions is necessary to prevent dire climate changes.

The con side argues human-generated greenhouse gas emissions are too small to substantially
change the earth’s climate and that the planet is capable of absorbing those increases. They
contend that warming over the 20th century resulted primarily from natural processes such as
fluctuations in the sun’s heat and ocean currents. They say the theory of human-caused global
climate change is based on questionable measurements, faulty climate models, and misleading
science.
Step 1 Decide your point of view
Read the debate above, and at first decide which argument approach mentioned above
(Classical or Rogerian) you want to use. Then make a list of points for both sides of
the argument. When shaping an argument you’ll have to explain why your belief is
reasonable and logical. List points you can use as evidence for or against the issue.
Ultimately, determine your side of the argument and make sure you can back up your
point of view with reasoning and evidence.
Now write down your argument approach and list your viewpoints:

Step 2 Research
Look for material (books, articles, documentaries) by credible sources and experts.
Read broadly and take note of the most common issues argued over the climate
change and human’s influence. It’s important to cover the most important and
pressing issues, however, try to look for unique angles that may not have been
thoroughly explored yet. The initiative to include something original will be highly
appreciated.
List what you have found here:

Step 3 Write an outline of your group’s presentation

If you take time to write a well-crafted outline, all you’ll have to do is to fill in the
detailed information. Here are some necessary parts in an outline:

 Introduction - Give some background on the topic so the audiences know what
you’re going to talk about.
 Present both sides of the controversy - The body of your presentation should contain
the core of your argument. If you have chosen the Classical approach, focus more
on the supportive evidence and details; if you have chosen the Rogerian
approach, then just go into more detail about the two sides of this topic. Choose
your strongest evidence and present your points one by one. Work to discredit the
 other side using some of the information you discovered in your research.
 Conclusion - Summarize the main points and suggest next steps, further research or
possible legislation that could support your thesis.

Now make the outline of your group’s argument here:

Step 4 Prepare and present a project presentation

Prepare and make a group presentation of about 15 minutes presenting

your academic argument.