Discussion Topic
This week we are learning how to defend an idea – to argue for something.
Arguing to convince is about making your case – pitting your argument against another to persuade others that your perspective has value. For your initial post in this discussion, you will
explore possible thesis statements and counterarguments on your research topic, and
reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of these arguments. In one or two sentences, summarize your research topic, sketching the major problem or issue you intend to focus.
Follow this summary with two (2) possible thesis statements for the argument or your case as an answer to your research question. Write this in the form of an enthymeme*. In total, you will write two (2) enthymemes: one that supports YOUR view, and one that supports an opposing view.
*An enthymeme is a type of argumentative reasoning in which the claim (X) is directly connected to its reasons (Y). In other words, your reasons for making the claim must be relevant to your claim. In this type of thesis statement, the claim (X) is a debatable point, and the reasoning (Y) consists of one or more points that you and your audience will agree upon.
Lastly, reflect on your two (2) possible thesis statements. Comment on all of the following questions:
What do you think are the strengths of each thesis statement you developed? Why?
Which thesis was the hardest to come up with, and which was the easiest? Why?
Which thesis could be supported most effectively in an argument essay? Why?
Which thesis statement would make the most interesting paper to read? What kinds of audiences do you think would be most interested in it? Why?
Which thesis statement would take the most additional research to support? What kinds of information or sources would you need to support it?
Comment on anything else you learned about forming an argument on your topic.
