How To Argue
A Student's Guide
By Alastair Bonnett
Pearson / Prentice Hall
March 2001
ISBN: 0130193240
130 Pages, Illustrated, 5 ¼" x 8 ¼"
$29.50 Paper Original
One of the most difficult things students within higher education have to learn
is how to argue. Indeed, if there is one key intellectual distinction between
tertiary and secondary education it is that the former requires, indeed insists,
that students must be able to evidence intellectual autonomy. In other words,
students need to be able to argue. Yet students are usually confused and intimidated
by this prospect.
In many cases they are unsure what is meant when they 'must have an argument'.
And since the skill of argument is something their instructors have learnt more
by a kind of intellectual osmosis than formal tuition they are often ill-equipped
to provide clear or coherent help. So it is that the most important intellectual
characteristic of tertiary education in the social sciences and humanities is
also one of the least well taught and most neglected. How to Argue aims to address
these fears. Being asked to present an argument is a challenge.
It is probably the most difficult thing most students will be asked to do at
university. However by applying the techniques described in this book, students
should find it a lot easier. Packed with exercises, examples and case studies,
the chapters take students through the techniques of forming an academic argument,
from contradictions and tensions, to empirical adequacy, structure and presentation.
Features
" The first text to show students how to communicate their views, a sorely neglected
area of study.
" Perfect complement to existing methods books.
" Emphasis on accessibility and practicality.
Contents
1. Introduction
2. What is an Argument?
3. Getting Started
4. Structuring Your Argument
5. Critiquing the Arguments of Others
6. Arguing out Loud - Oral Presentations
7. How to be Original
8. Conclusion
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