College Essays-Strategies for Supporting an Argument
Compare two things that would otherwise be quite different, used to simplify or clarify complex or abstract ideas.
Weaknesses: can oversimplify, or make an inaccurate analogy. Flying a jet is just like riding a bike . . .
Cause/Effect: Trying to outline the cause of a particular event, or guess the effects of one.
Weaknesses: can be very difficult to nail down an exact cause or the exact effects. The meteor shower happened on my birthday, so they must be related . . .
Classification: Grouping items into categories according to similarities (ie books into genres, crimes into tiers)
Weaknesses: Can be restrictive, and brings about the issue of authority—who decides what belongs where? Is a mystery novel with a lot of romance still a mystery novel?
Comparison/Contrast: Compare to look at similarities, contrast to look at differences, clearly relates two separate issues.
Weaknesses: can be too focused on two sides, ignoring middle grounds. Comparing only pro-gun and anti-gun
Definition: Define a word, concept or idea. List their characteristic features, distinguishing details, perhaps an example.
Weakness: definition too obvious. People might not agree with your definition. Eat means to consume. To be human you must socialize.
Description: How something looks, sounds, tastes feels, to give a dominant impression.
Weakness: Be sure of relevancy—is it important to know how something tastes?
Examples: Specific instances provided to back up a larger, more abstract claim.
Weakness: examples focus on small picture, and can sometimes not show the full picture.
Humor: Can help provide relief, connect with reader, vary the tone
Weakness: be wary that it fits context and tone.
Narration: A story used to engage audience reflect the argument emotionally
Weakness: works more towards emotions, less towards logic, can be manipulative.
Problem/Solution: Illustrate a problem, and provide possible solutions—how to achieve the solution and effects.
Reiteration: repetition to help support the argument through emphasis.
Weakness: runs the danger of redundancy trategies for Supporting an Argument
