4. Argumentation
One of the major modes of discourse, argumentation can be applied to theoretically all assignments involving critical reasoning no matter the subject or discipline. As it involves a higher level of reasoning than associated with descriptive writing, or narrative writing, or expository writing per se, it is crucial for the successful university-level student to understand and master the principles, indeed the concepts that drive the critical thinking skills associated with argumentative writing. This section outlines basic methods of presenting one's ideas and arguments effectively in academic English, particularly in academic writing.
4.1 What is an argument?
Argument comes from the 14th century French word of the same spelling, meaning, "statements and reasoning in support of a proposition." An argument can be a fact used as evidence to show that something is true, like a study that shows exercise improves certain health conditions — an argument for being more active. All arguments are, either implicitly or explicitly, comparisons of two hypotheses that attempt to explain the same facts, observations, or ideas.
The key concept here is "to convince the audience," that is, you must make them believe your position, accept your logic and evidence. Not only do you want them to accept the evidence, but you want that audience to accept "a particular point of view" -- that point of view, or perspective, is yours. It is your position, your proposition. Understand that all too often the audience may be intrigued by the evidence presented, but that intrigue alone is not enough to convince them of the validity or authority of your position in the matter.
4.2 Evidence in Argumentation
To support your point of view, evidence must be presented. There are two types of evidence: facts and opinions. Facts consist if items that can be verified or proven.
1) Scientific Measurement: one commonly measures the frames per second (fps) in scene rendering.
2) The Way Nature Works: we know that the water flows downhill, not uphill; that formations indicate specific weather patterns.
3) Observation: In research, this might consist of longitudinal study of a phenomenon carried out over a period of time involving several hundreds or thousands of cases looking for and recording similarities and differences
4) Statistics:
