New Journal

1. An arguable statement is the basis of an argumentative thesis. An arguable statement is a statement that can be refuted, yet an argumentative thesis includes the claim and the reasoning behind that claim.


2. The four ways a writers establishes credibility are by demonstrating knowledge, establishing common ground, demonstrating fairness, and using visuals that make ethical appeals. The author demonstrates knowledge by providing different types of credible and reliable information to back up their argument. In an argument, the author should establish common ground by providing both sides of the argument to show a “starting point of agreement” (EW 82) and take their side of the argument from there on. Another reason why the author should recognize the counterargument and give it some credit is to demonstrate fairness; therefore making the reader believe that the author has taken both sides into consideration. Lastly, an author can create credibility by using visuals that make ethical appeals, meaning that they create images for themselves (like a seal) to brand themselves.

3. Bullet List:
- Establishing common ground and demonstrating fairness are two things that will definitely help me on this essay. Before reading this, I wasn’t too sure if I should include both sides, but now I know that it’s beneficial for my argument to provide both sides of the story. It’s not convenient to just demonstrate one side; that just shows you’re an ignorant writer who’s trying to overcast the other side.
- Establishing causes and effects will help me on my essay because showing causes settles groundwork for an argument. Also, this is very effective when the effect is something we’d like to change, giving the author ground to work on for arguing.
- To organize an argument is an important part of the essay writing process. There’s the classical system and the Toulmin system of organizing an argumentative essay. Having some sort of organization makes the essay seem more better thought through, more formal, and less scatter-brained.