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You can apply the structure of an argument to essays and speeches that you're reading
or writing. It's a good way to pick apart what someone else is saying, and it's also
a good way to plan what you want to say in your own writing.
You can find the link to this article in Module 1. In this article by David Masters, I really
like the way he presents what an argument is and how there are different approaches
to an argument. His PEEL technique is a good way to structure an argument. Make your point
right away to let the reader know what you're going to focus on. Next you'll provide your
evidence. This is where logos, ethos, and pathos come in because the examples you provide
should target one or two--maybe even all three--of the appeals to get your reader's attention.
He suggests evaluating the merits of your point by considering the other side of the
argument. And he suggests linking the first point to the second point that you'll make
in the next paragraph.
Another way to look at the structure of an argument is to consider the front of a house.
The roof of this porch would collapse if the columns were not there to support it.
Just so, the claim of an argument requires reasons and evidence to support it. In this
graphic, the claim is the same as the point that Masters mentioned in the article we just
looked at. The support comes from reasons and evidence you find to support your claim.
Masters talked about evaluating the merits of your point by considering the other side
of the argument, also known as the counterargument. You should be prepared for whatever someone
who doesn't agree with you might say to refute your claim. Including the counterargument
doesn't weaken your argument at all when you provide evidence that shows how it is invalid.
Just like the more columns on the porch will support the roof, the more support you supply
for your claim will make your argument stronger.