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.
4. There is a particular relationship between the text organization
and progression of an essay (parallel progression, sequential
progression, and extended parallel progression).
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.
(Taken from Exploring How Texts Work, by Beverly Derewianka, 1990)
