Build your argument around answers to readers’ questions - Constructing your argument - Research and writing

A manual for writers of research papers, theses, and dissertations, Ninth edition - Kate L. Turabian 2018

Build your argument around answers to readers’ questions
Constructing your argument
Research and writing

Consider the kind of conversation you have every day:

Abby: I hear you had a hard time last semester. How do you think this one will go? [Abby poses a problem in the form of a question.]

Brett: Better, I hope. [Brett answers the question.]

Abby: Why so? [Abby asks for a reason to believe Brett’s answer.]

Brett: I’m taking courses in my major. [Brett offers a reason.]

Abby: Like what? [Abby asks for evidence to back up Brett’s reason.]

Brett: History of Art, Intro to Design. [Brett offers evidence to back up his reason.]

Abby: Why will taking courses in your major make a difference? [Abby doesn’t see the relevance of Brett’s reason to his claim that he will do better.]

Brett: When I take courses I’m interested in, I work harder. [Brett offers a general principle that relates his reason to his claim that he will do better.]

Abby: What about that math course you have to take? [Abby objects to Brett’s reason.]

Brett: I know I had to drop it last time I took it, but I found a good tutor. [Brett acknowledges Abby’s objection and responds to it.]

If you can imagine yourself in that conversation, you’ll find nothing strange about assembling a research argument. That’s because the five elements of any argument are just answers to the kinds of questions Abby asks Brett—and that you must ask yourself on your reader’s behalf.

✵ ▪ Claim: What do you want me to believe? What is your point?

✵ ▪ Reason: Why do you say that? Why should I agree?

✵ ▪ Evidence: How do you know? Can you back it up?

✵ ▪ Acknowledgment and response: But what about . . . ?

✵ ▪ Warrant: How does that follow? Can you explain your reasoning?

Think of your research as the process of figuring out answers to those questions.