by James

The Researched Argument, Conceptual Topics Vs Reports

Review: Academic Arguments

  • An argument is a specific contribution to the conversation around your topic.
  • An argument answers questions such as
    • HOW?
    • WHY?

Arguments VS Reports

  • An argument looks at the complexities of a topic from a variety of angles (this makes it conceptual)
  • A report simply lays out facts

Narrowing Down and Complicating Topics

  • In order to arrive at a good conceptual argument, you must narrow down your topic.
    • General Topic > Specific Idea > Conceptual Argument
  • Tempting to start with a broad topic
  • When coming up with a topic, you may start with a general idea, but then you must narrow it down, and THEN you must complicate it in order to make it conceptual

Essay #2: The Researched Argument

Activity

Looking Ahead

Tuesday 10/11: Topic brainstorming session. Bring 2 potential topics to class. Proposal due to me by midnight

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