Have you been asked to develop an argument within an essay? Developing and presenting an argument to defend a position is a common task in academic writing. Following the steps below can help you get the job done.
Try to identify the contention, reason/premise, objection, and conclusion in the statements below:
1. Which is the contention or thesis statement?
a) Australia has limited resources.
b) First world countries should do more to reduce climate change.
c) Despite limited resources, Australia should do more to reduce climate change.
d) Australia is a first world country.
2. Which is the supporting reason/premise?
a) Australia has limited resources.
b) First world countries should do more to reduce climate change.
c) Despite limited resources, Australia should do more to reduce climate change.
d) Australia is a first world country.
3. Which is the objection?
a) Australia has limited resources.
b) First world countries should do more to reduce climate change.
c) Despite limited resources, Australia should do more to reduce climate change.
d) Australia is a first world country.
4. Which is the conclusion?
a) Australia has limited resources.
b) First world countries should do more to reduce climate change.
c) Despite limited resources, Australia should do more to reduce climate change.
d) Australia is a first world country.
In the argument, if the premise that 1) first world countries should do more to reduce climate change, and 2) that Australia is a first world country are accepted, then the conclusion that Australia should do more to reduce climate change logically follows. This argument is not modified by the objection that Australia has limited resources as no mitigating clause was placed within the contention of the thesis statement.