ENG122: Composition II
An Introduction to Argument

English 122: Composition II
An Introduction to Argument
Argument and Rhetoric
An argument can take many forms. It is, at its root, a method for communicating a singular position with evidence, logic, and persuasion. There are essential elements to all valid arguments, though they may take different forms.
1. Claim
2. Evidence
3. Counterargument
4. Rebuttal
A successful argument depends upon the delicate balance between these elements. Imagine a teeter-totter at the playground. The claim is the basis of the argument, much like the base of the teeter-totter. A big opposing viewpoint, called the counterargument, is constantly pushing down on one side or the other. Balance can only be
Common ground is the shared values, concerns, and constraints of each party. There are no clear winners or losers in this type of argument style. The key is that both (or various) parties profit in some defined fashion while making concessions or changes that benefit the traditionally labeled opposition. The structure below is a basic outline of how a consensual (common ground) argument is constructed. The sections do not represent paragraphs; they represent distinct segments of an argumentative essay and, with the exception of the introduction and thesis statement, the body of an essay can be situated in any fashion that is most effective at convincing a given audience.
Section One: Introduction and Thesis—Your introduction should describe the rhetorical situation and give the audience a clear forecast of the material you will cover in your essay.
Your thesis statement should make a clear, limited, descriptive assertion and explain why your stance matters. However, you need to remember to argue for a solution that is acceptable to both perspectives. Your thesis should clearly state a type of compromise. You should then be able to expand on that compromise in Section Three. Example: Though video games often have positive educational value, children should not be allowed to play video games until they are 13 years old.
Section Two: Present the perspective that you disagree with the most. Make sure you