Summary of Text Feature
 

Genre                          Argument

Definition                    Webster's dictionary defines argumentation as: "the act or

                                     process of  forming reasons and drawing conclusions and

                                     applying them to a case in discussion."

                                     Argument: defining a position, reasons offered in support

                                     or denial, Arguments make claims and provide supporting

                                     evidence. They may also make counter claims and reject

                                     them with proof.

Purpose                       To take a position on some issue and justify it.

Types                          Argument texts belong to a genre group called "Exposition",

                                     concerned with the analysis, interpretation and evaluation

                                     of the world around us.
 
Text Organization       The major focus is on an issue and a logical sequence of

                                     argument related to this issue.

                                  1. The beginning of an argument usually consists of a statement

                                      of position (thesis statement) often accompanied by some

                                      background information.

                                  2. To justify the position taken, the writer must present the

                                      argument. Usually there is more than one point put forward

                                      in the argument, and each one should be supported by

                                      evidence (e.g. statistics, quotes), and possibly by examples.

                                  3. Finally, there is an attempt at summing up the position in the

                                      light of the argument presented, reaffirming the general issues

                                      under discussion and possibly calling for action.

Language Features 1. Generalized participants - sometimes human but often abstract

                                     (issues, ideas, opinions, etc.) - unless the issue centers on a

                                     particular event or incident.

                                   2. Possibility of technical terms relating to the issue.

                                   3. Variety of verb [process] types - action [material], Linking

                                       [relational],  saying [verbal] and mental.

                                   4. Mainly timeless present tense when presenting position and

                                       points in the argument, but might change according to the

                                       stage of the text (e.g. if historical background to the issue is

                                       being given, the tense will obviously change to the past; if

                                       predictions are being made, the tense might change

                                       to the future).
 
                                   5. Frequent use of passive to help structure the text.

                                   6. Actions are often changed into "things" (nominalised) to

                                       make the argument sound more objective and to help

                                       structure the text.

                                   7. Connectives associated with reasoning (therefore, so,

                                       because of, the first  reason, etc.).

                                   8. Arguments quite often employ emotive words

                                       (blatant disrespect, we strongly believe) and verbs such

                                       as "should". Such emotive language is more appropriate

                                       to spoken debate, and essays are generally more successful

                                       if the writer seeks to convince the reader through logic and

                                       evidence.