Create your own argument
Creating arguments consists of bringing together evidence, reasoning and claims and developing your own main claim. It is one of the most challenging – and also exciting – aspects of critical thinking.
Creating arguments relies on synthesis, which means “placing things together.” This is because arguments need to bring together the insights from your analysis and evaluation of other sources, as well as your own thinking and ideas.
Synthesis is a creative act that challenges and improves your critical thinking. It requires you to consider what others have argued about your topic, and to include not only the evidence and claims that support your argument, but also opposing and different views.
What makes a good argument?
A good argument or synthesis should have the following six characteristics:
- a clearly stated main claim or argument
- logical structure that connects your main claim with other claims and counter-claims made in your argument
- evidence that supports the claims made in your main claim or argument
- clear reasoning that links evidence and claims (including counter-claims) made in your argument
- reasoning that shows you have analysed and evaluated your sources
- clear writing that demonstrates to your readers that your argument is well-researched, logical, balanced and convincing.
How do I develop an argument?
The following four steps will assist you with building arguments:
- Formulate your main claim. You can start by drafting a claim, a hypothesis or a position on an issue. This may be based on instructions in an assessment task, on the findings in an experiment, or on your analysis of claims made by authors in your sources.
- Bring together your reasons and evidence. You should consider the reasons and evidence that support your main claim, as well as those against it. To do this, you will need to develop a synthesis of how your main claim fits in with other perspectives, claims, reasons and evidence.
- Structure your argument. Establish the key themes and supporting claims around which your main claim revolves. Then determine each line of reasoning and its structure. This process can resemble putting together a jigsaw puzzle, as you will need to piece together evidence, reasons and claims to create a logical and coherent argument.
- Test and refine your main claim. After you have structured and drafted your argument, it is important that you make sure it addresses different perspectives on the question, issue or problem. Then take a step back and consider how your thinking might apply to a broader context.