Building Arguments

[syllabus] [calendar]

The purpose of this activity is provide strategies for building your argument, anticipating counterarguments, and planning future work.

Before Class

• In PWOnline refresh yourself about Building Arguments (entire node and six links at the bottom). Be prepared to apply the principles to the arguments that you are developing.

During Class

• Work with your group to fill out the Building Arguments grid using your collected data and the grids that you completed during the previous class.
  • For the Argument column: list all arguments that you would make to your client using the evideince that you have collected; this would come from your "prelimanary recommendations" column.
  • For the Evidence that supports this argument column: list all of the evidence that you have currently collected that you could use to support this argument; this should come from the "evidence collected" column.
  • For the Anticipated response from the client and why column: with your knowledge of your client as an audience, explain how you think your client will respond; also provide an explanation why you think the client will respond this way.
  • For the Anticipated response from the customer and why column: with your knowledge of your client's customers as an audience, explain how you think this audience will respond; also provide an explanation why you think the customers will respond this way.
  • For the Evidence still needed to develop this argument column: Look at what you have written in the previous four columns; focus on how you feel that the client and the customers will respond, especially where you feel the client will not be convinced. Then ask yourself: "What evidence do I still need to collect to develop this argument, especially if I have an audience who may not initially support the argument.
  • For the Strategy to collect evidence still needed column: Look at the previous column and develop a strategy for collecting this evidence.
• After you have filled out the grid, write a very brief memo to your supervisor (the instructor) explaining what you have learned about your current arguments and what your future work will entail.
• Print off hard copies of the grid and the memo. Staple your group's grid under the memo and submit them to the instructor.