Here are some hints about how to get a fix on an argument and its structure: Each part of a well-crafted argument serves a purpose for the larger argument. When reading, try to determine why the author has spent time writing each paragraph. What does it “do” for the author's argument? Identify “signposts,” the basic structural cues in a piece of writing. Is the reading divided into chapters or sections? Are there subheads within the reading? Subheads under subheads? Concentrate on topic sentences, which are usually the first sentences of each paragraph, and which usually are miniature arguments. Important topic sentences function as sub-points in the larger argument. (They also should tell you what the paragraph that follows will be about.) When reading, try to identify how topic sentences support the larger argument. When you see evidence being used, try to identity the part of the argument it is being used to support. Evidence is the building blocks of historical arguments. Pay careful attention to transitions. In the best writing, transitions provide vital pieces of the argument by explaining the relationship between points or by suggesting the hierarchy of points in the argument. Identify explicit references to rival scholarly positions. Moments when a scholar refers directly to the work of another scholar are important in understanding the questions at stake. Focus on “strategic concessions.” Often authors seem to be backtracking, or giving ground, only to try to strengthen their cases. Examine such instances in your readings closely. Often, these signal moments where authors are in direct conversation with other scholars. Such moments may help steer you toward the argument. Remember that incoherence also is a possibility. Sometimes it is difficult to determine how a section of a piece is structured or what its purpose might be. Remember that authors do not always do their jobs, and there may be incoherent or unstructured portions of essays. Trust yourself to have the ability to know when a writer fails to make sense.
Here are some hints about how to get a fix on an argument and its structure: Each part of a well-crafted argument serves a purpose for the larger argument. When reading, try to determine why the author has spent time writing each paragraph. What does it “do” for the author's argument? Identify “signposts,” the basic structural cues in a piece of writing. Is the reading divided into chapters or sections? Are there subheads within the reading? Subheads under subheads? Concentrate on topic sentences, which are usually the first sentences of each paragraph, and which usually are miniature arguments. Important topic sentences function as sub-points in the larger argument. (They also should tell you what the paragraph that follows will be about.) When reading, try to identify how topic sentences support the larger argument. When you see evidence being used, try to identity the part of the argument it is being used to support. Evidence is the building blocks of historical arguments. Pay careful attention to transitions. In the best writing, transitions provide vital pieces of the argument by explaining the relationship between points or by suggesting the hierarchy of points in the argument. Identify explicit references to rival scholarly positions. Moments when a scholar refers directly to the work of another scholar are important in understanding the questions at stake. Focus on “strategic concessions.” Often authors seem to be backtracking, or giving ground, only to try to strengthen their cases. Examine such instances in your readings closely. Often, these signal moments where authors are in direct conversation with other scholars. Such moments may help steer you toward the argument. Remember that incoherence also is a possibility. Sometimes it is difficult to determine how a section of a piece is structured or what its purpose might be. Remember that authors do not always do their jobs, and there may be incoherent or unstructured portions of essays. Trust yourself to have the ability to know when a writer fails to make sense.
predatory%20reading%20&%20some%20suggestions%20for%20writing,%202013,%20h332.docx