San Anto nio College Wr iting Center | Gonzales Hall 203 | 210-486-1433 v.1.1.16
Argumentative Techniques
The techniques of argument are not foreign to you. You use them all the time. You might just not
take notice of them. For example, it's Friday night and you ask your Dad for the keys to the car. His
reply is, "Why should I?" You then have to argue or persuade him to let you have the keys.
What you may not be as familiar or comfortable with is making arguments in writing.
It is important to remember that reasons are the foundation of any argument. Arguments
without reasons are weak and would never be accepted in an academic essay.
Here are some argumentative approaches a writer could use:
• Theorize about causes and effects
• Present arguments based upon analogy, precedent, or example
• Assert facts
• Assert shared beliefs or values
• Cite an authority
Here are two argumentative techniques that if incorporated into your essay will make your writing
more persuasive and effective. These techniques are "Focus and Emphasis" and "Point-
Counterpoint."
Focus/Emphasis:
When using this technique, you present one reason as being the strongest and most important, and
you spend more time developing and emphasizing it. Perhaps you have three to five good reasons
for your position. By focusing and emphasizing on one, you give your argument something like a left
hook a boxer saves for his opponent. Also, it is best to present the strongest reason last so that you
leave your reader with your strongest argument freshest in his or her mind.
Here are two examples of topic sentences setting up the last body paragraph of an essay. Each
signals focus and emphasis. Notice how the character of the argument would be different,
depending upon which reason is emphasized.
• Last, and most importantly, we need to continue funding for the space program because space
is our last frontier and questing to reach into the unknown is part of the American spirit.
(Focusing and emphasizing this reason in the last body paragraph of the essay would give
this essay a strong emotional appeal.)
• Finally, and most compellingly, funding for the space program must be continued because
important scientific knowledge is gained from space. (The presentation of this last reason
would provide the essay with a logical and practical appeal.)
Thinking carefully about the sequencing of your primary supports puts a "spin" or accent on your
argument.
Point/Counterpo int (Concession-Refutation):
