Arguments are one of the important factors in argumentative essays, including factual arguments and factual arguments. Factual arguments refer to the objective facts in life, which include giving examples and listing data. For example, there was an article published in a newspaper discussing the importance of education. In order to demonstrate the point of view of "developing the economy, education comes first", a series of conclusive data on the development of education in Japan after the war was cited, which effectively confirmed the correctness of the point of view. .
Theoretical arguments include theories in classic works, famous quotes, the party’s principles, lines, and policies in different periods, scientific axioms, principles, definitions, rules, laws, maxims, sayings, idioms, Proverbs, and the most common truths known and worked by everyone. The theory selected as an argument must be proven to be correct through the test of time and remain viable to the end. The theories in classic works, if they are quoted from the original text, should be avoided out of context; if they are summarized from the original meaning, they should conform to the basic content of the original text.
While mastering a wealth of arguments, you must also be good at selecting arguments, that is, you must be able to select those arguments that are true and typical, solid and reliable, and can fully and powerfully prove the argument, making the argument irrefutable and persuasive. In a word, it is to choose those arguments that best meet the needs of the argument and serve the argument.
1. Be good at choosing arguments
1. The principle of consistency
That is, you must pay attention to the emphasis of each material, correctly grasp the center of the material, and strive to Be consistent with your point of view.
The point of view that each material can be used to demonstrate can be a single point or multiple perspectives. When we choose arguments, we must grasp the center of the material and understand its meaning. In particular, there are many materials that seem to be used to demonstrate the same point of view. However, upon closer inspection, you will find that they have different emphases and are actually quite different from each other. Therefore, you must screen and analyze the materials you have mastered to identify the differences. Subtle differences in the message contained in different materials. For example, the following three materials:
① The patriotic poet Lu You lived in an era when the Song Dynasty was dismembered by foreigners. He longed for the reunification of the motherland. Until his death, he never forgot to revive the Central Plains. In his poem "Shi'er", he said: "Wang Shibei set the day of the Central Plains, and he never forgot to tell Nai Weng when making family sacrifices." This prominently reflects this patriotic thought.
② "No one has died since ancient times, and his loyalty will be remembered by history." This is a famous sentence in Wen Tianxiang's "Crossing the Lingding Ocean". After Wen Tianxiang was captured, Zhang Hongfan, who had surrendered to the Yuan army, repeatedly forced him to write letters to recruit the anti-Yuan general Zhang Shijie. Wen Tianxiang resolutely wrote this poem in reply, showing his firm national integrity and lofty spiritual realm.
③ For the sake of the prosperity of the country and the rejuvenation of the nation, Mr. Lu Xun traveled to Japan when he was young to find the truth of saving the country. "I send my message to the cold star in Tsuen, but I recommend Xuanyuan with my blood," expressing his oath to serve China The revolutionary spirit of people’s devotion.
The above three examples all quote poems by characters, and all contain "patriotic" content. However, as arguments, the themes contained in these three materials are slightly different: Example 1 shows that The patriotic thought of longing to regain lost territory; Example 2 reflects the noble national integrity of sacrificing one's life for the interests of the nation; Example 3 reveals the revolutionary dedication of determined to contribute to the country and serve the motherland. This difference can be discerned from the quoted verses and the linguistic presentation of the material. Therefore, in the same patriotic article, if the argument is focused on the desire to regain the land plundered by the invaders, use example 1; if the argument focuses on not being afraid of sacrifice and defending the motherland to the death, use example 2; if the argument focuses on saving the motherland in trouble, To closely link one's personal future with the fate of the motherland, use example ③. After screening and analysis to make it most suitable for the needs of the argument, it can be called the most appropriate argument. The careless selection and perfunctory filling seem to be demonstrating the "patriotic" argument. In fact, the relationship between the arguments and the arguments is not appropriate and rigorous.
2. Principle of Novelty
When choosing arguments, you should naturally choose those that you are familiar with; those that feel unfamiliar and lack of confidence will definitely be difficult to control. But "familiarity" does not mean that it is old. If the arguments used are all well-known "stale millet, rotten sesame seeds", although it is not "familiar" at all, the article will not be fresh at all. Therefore, we must choose the most appropriate arguments, including choosing fresh materials with a strong sense of the times. When seeking novelty in arguments, attention should be paid to seeking novelty in time, space, and perspective.
Where do fresh materials come from? One is accumulated from life, and the other is accumulated from reading. For example, the following two examples:
(1) In real life, there are still many people who dare not stand out, dare not show off, dare not become famous and start a family, and "retreat bravely" after achieving some achievements. , afraid of "shooting the first bird". However, Feng Gensheng, a well-known reformer and director of Hangzhou No. 2 Traditional Chinese Medicine Factory, told me that as long as the conditions in the above proverb are slightly changed, the conclusion will be different. For example, if a gun shoots a bird in the lead, it just means that within the range of the gun, the bird in the lead will suffer. If the bird flies higher and farther and flies out of the range of the gun, then what will happen to it?
(2) A country must have a sense of national pride. Discovering the essence of national culture can arouse this great emotion. Li Yanjie once told such an incident in his speech on "Soul of the Nation": Napoleon, the all-powerful French military strategist, was imprisoned on St. Ellen Island and spent all day reading for fun. One day he read "Sun Tzu's Art of War" and was immediately amazed. Then he sighed: "If I had seen this art of war as soon as possible, I would not have failed!..."
The arguments in both cases were "heard", for example ① listening to the conversation , example ② is listening to a lecture. The author is worthy of being a thoughtful person in life, and he appropriately introduces the materials he heard into his articles as arguments: "Flying Out of the Range" and "Napoleon Praises "Sun Tzu's Art of War"" are fresh and appropriate, and they are chosen to prove the argument. , not only extremely persuasive, but also thought-provoking.
3. Analytical principles
When students write argumentative essays, they often fall into the misunderstanding of "opinion materials", thinking that with facts, they can naturally prove their opinions. Not really. Once you have arguments and arguments, you must also demonstrate and explain the inner connection between arguments and arguments, so that the arguments lead the argument and the arguments support the arguments. Only in this way can your article be seamless, coherent and more convincing. If there is a lack of argumentation or insufficient argumentation, the arguments and arguments in the article will be separated and will not be convincing. There are several methods of analysis:
(1) Cause and effect analysis:
In ancient times, there was a poor man who was about to die of hunger. Someone threw him a bowl of rice and said: "Hey, come and eat!" (Hey, come and eat!) The hungry man refused the charity of "hey, come" and refused to eat the bowl of rice, and later he starved to death. The story of "eat the food that comes without eating" is very famous and has been passed down for thousands of years. It has a positive meaning. The man put on the face of a philanthropist and shouted, "Hey, come and eat!" The taste was unpleasant. After eating this bowl of rice, what about the next step? Obviously, he will not give alms in vain. If you eat his food, you will do things for him. That poor man has a backbone: looking at your face and demeanor, he would rather starve to death than eat your food.
Not eating food that comes without warning shows the Chinese people’s integrity.
——Analysis of the reasons why hungry people do not eat "food that comes to them". Specifically, there are two aspects: First, the attitude of the almsgiver, shouting "Hey, come and eat!" is so arrogant and indifferent! The other is the purpose of giving alms. To eat his food, you have to obey him obediently. This shows how despicable his purpose is! This is a great insult to the personality of a hungry person, so a hungry person would "rather starve to death" than eat the food he grumbles for. At this point, the article has clearly stated its point of view: "Not eating the food that comes to you shows the Chinese people's integrity." Very convincing!
This kind of analysis is causal analysis. When we write, we can use complex sentences of cause and effect to express. Related words include "because...so..." "why...is because...", or just "because", "so", "therefore", etc. can be used.
For example, in "Thinking and Doing", "Human beings can work like this, and can think while doing, so culture can continue to progress."
(2) Conditional analysis method:
"Diligence can make up for weakness. ": "It can be seen that a person with a clumsy talent can become smart and useful to society as long as he works diligently and achieves the goal of 'a person can do a hundred things, and a person can do a thousand things'. Talent."
The analysis of its conditions uses conditional relative sentences. The related words are: as long as... then.... We can also use sentence patterns such as "Only when..." and "No matter..." to analyze conditions.
(3) Hypothetical analysis method:
There is a passage in "Thinking and Doing": "In addition to studying homework and doing various extracurricular activities, you should also connect thinking and doing. Get up. For example, holding meetings, giving speeches, running posters, organizing class meetings and academic groups, if these practical actions are just based on enthusiasm and hard work, without thinking about how to do these things based on existing achievements and experience Better and more effective, the result will often be in vain.”
This paragraph is a hypothetical analysis from the perspective of harm. The related words are: if...then..., other sentence patterns include "if...then...", "if...then..." etc.
(4) Comparative analysis method:
"Thinking and Doing": "When people constantly use their brains and think of ways during labor, they clearly know what they are doing. What is the purpose, meaning and shortcomings of things, and they gradually come up with ways to save labor and improve efficiency. Human beings can work in this way and think at the same time, so culture can continue to progress. We can live the most primitive and simple life like humans did tens of thousands of years ago."
This paragraph analyzes the pros and cons from two aspects: meaning and harm. The positive side uses causal analysis, and the negative side uses hypothesis analysis. It can be seen that a variety of analysis methods can be used in an analysis, which can make the analysis more comprehensive, in-depth, speculative and convincing!
4. Principle of sufficiency
(1) Combination of positive and negative examples
A. Tathagata Buddha abandoned selfish desires, had a calm personality, and eventually achieved enlightenment and attained universal salvation. All living beings; Zhuge Kongming is indifferent and clear-minded, quiet and far-reaching, and finally strategizes and achieves success and fame. If you have selfish desires, you will naturally be unable to calm down in your heart. You will panic when encountering problems and become chaotic when dealing with things. With his own selfish desires, the Overlord drove Yafu away, angered Han Xin, and was finally trapped in Gaixia. This regret will last forever and make the hero burst into tears. The defeat of the overlord will be mourned by future generations. If future generations mourn and fail to take note of it, they will surely make future generations mourn again.
B. Zhang Zhihe longed for seclusion, but in the peach blossom water, green bamboo hats, green coir raincoats, slanting wind and drizzle did not need to return; Lin Daiyu felt the desolation of being under someone else's fence when the cold rain knocked on the window, so she I feel that the autumn rain is endless, but the wind and rain still add to the desolation; Liu Yuxi is broad-minded and everyone is sad for autumn, but he tastes poetry from the white cranes flying up from the clouds, and sings "Autumn is better than spring"...
(2) Combination of examples from different time and space
Words such as "throughout the long river of history" and "ancient and modern, Chinese and foreign" are commonly used in the article. You can also use daily phenomena in real life as arguments to strengthen the argument. Example:
Integrity is the gentle smile of the boss when he puts the goods in your hands and sends you out when you forget to bring money when buying something. Integrity is the warm hands extended by friends after a series of failures. Integrity is seeing the bright smile on the face of a stranger wandering by the roadside after giving him directions. Integrity can be the credit bill in a century-old store in the past, or it can be the credit card in people's hands today.
(3) Detailed example combination
2. Be good at tailoring arguments
Arguments can be divided into factual arguments and theoretical arguments. We use a lot of factual arguments, and they can prove different arguments from different angles, so they need to be tailored when used. Today we will discuss how to tailor factual arguments in argumentative essays.
(1) Understand the same material and you can formulate arguments from multiple angles
Please look at the following examples to think about it:
Material: "The troops of Qi attack me. The general will fight. Cao GUI Please see.
The people in his hometown said: "How can meat-eaters plan this?" ’ Cao GUI said: ‘Meat eaters are despicable and cannot plan far. ’ Then he came in to see him. " ("The Controversy of Cao GUI")
Discussion: Using the materials of the dialogue between Cao GUI and his fellow villagers as arguments, what kind of analysis can be done on the materials? From what angles can the argument be made? What arguments can be determined?
Make it clear: "Please see" and "Sui see it" in the material are the results; Cao GUI is talented, courageous, knowledgeable and independent, and Duke Zhuang of Lu is tolerant and the country has a democratic political participation environment. It can be seen from Cao GUI's perspective. Two points of view are determined: 1. To care about national affairs, one must have a strong sense of political participation. 2. To be humble and dare not to worry about the country. From the perspective of Lu Zhuanggong and the country, we can determine this point of view: We must actively create an environment for democratic participation in politics. And ask students to read the examples.
(2) Clarify the tailoring principles
The three examples have different salient points in describing the materials. Why are these points highlighted? Others are omitted, why highlight this point and omit other points?
Students think about and discuss
Clarity: The first argument highlights "please see"; the second argument highlights Luzhuang. Publicly accept the suggestion; argument three emphasizes that "everyone is responsible for the rise and fall of a country."
Cut out materials according to the needs of the argument, highlight the relevant content of the argument, and discard useless materials.
(3) Discuss the steps and methods of tailoring
Determine a point of view from the perspective of Duke Zhuang: We must actively create an environment for democratic participation in politics.
Please see the example article. : To be concerned about national affairs, one must have a strong sense of political participation.
Example:
Cao GUI in the Spring and Autumn Period was an ordinary citizen and belonged to the category of "non-meat eaters". He had no power in his position, but he was concerned about the fate of the country. When the Qi army came to invade his country, he did not want to let those "meat-eaters plot it", so he stepped forward and asked to "come in" to Duke Zhuang of Lu. Explain your views on how to fight.
Thinking and discussion: What is the point of agreement between the selected materials and the argument in this example? Is this point of agreement a cause or effect in the material? How is this point highlighted in the statement?
Clearly: The point of agreement is "All troops unite to defeat me." The general fights. Please see Cao GUI. " is the result. It is highlighted by reasonably expanding the content and imagining the situation.
Let’s look at Example 2: We must actively create an environment for democratic participation in politics.
Example:
Cao GUI’s controversy happened more than 2,000 years ago. At that time, it seemed very easy for ordinary people to meet their king, say a word, and participate in discussing national affairs. Cao GUI said to his fellow villagers: “Meat eaters are despicable. Failure to plan far ahead. " was a harsh criticism of the ruler of Lu, but he was not retaliated by "wearing small shoes". On the contrary, Duke Zhuang of Lu sincerely consulted Cao GUI and issued military orders based on Cao GUI's correct opinions, which was indeed very democratic. It can be seen that Cao GUI was able to actively participate in politics and express his opinions, probably not only because of his talents in this area, but also because there was a democratic environment that allowed participation at the time. If Cao GUI came to the door rashly, but was beaten out with a military stick, there would be no need to ask for a meeting and debate.
Think and discuss: What is the consistency between the selected materials and the argument in this example? Is this matching point a cause or effect in the material? How is this point highlighted in the presentation?
Clearly: The consistent point is "Cao GUI asked to see him and was able to see him." This is the reason. This matching point is highlighted through reasonable imagination and expansion.
Let’s look at the third example: I am humble enough to forget about my country.
Example:
"Every man is responsible for the rise and fall of a country." Everyone should care about national affairs, actively participate in political discussions, and display a sense of ownership. We cannot be like the fellow countryman of Cao GUI in the Spring and Autumn Period, who said "meat-eaters have no time to think about it" when their country was being invaded.
If you treat the current reform and opening up with the idea of ??letting a few people "worry about the world" while you "why bother to participate", you will lose your qualifications as the master of the country.
Think and discuss: What is the consistency between the selected materials and the argument in this example? Is this matching point a cause or effect in the material? How is this point highlighted in the presentation?
Clearly: The consistent point is "Qi troops attack me. The generals fight. Cao GUI invites you to see me." This is the result. Expand content and highlight points of agreement through reasonable comparisons.
The above three examples all use materials from the dialogue between Cao GUI and his fellow villagers as arguments. However, due to different angles of argumentation, the expression of the arguments in the article is also different. This is a flexible tailoring of the argument materials. So what are the ways to flexibly tailor argument materials?
Clarify:
1. Find the points of agreement between the materials and arguments.
2. Strengthen and highlight this consistent point through reasonable imagination and expansion, so as to effectively prove the argument.
3. Boldly discard irrelevant content in the material.
(4) Example training
Once we know this method, we can master and consolidate this method through training.
Exercise one: modify the case.
Title: "Talk about the "Bole" Spirit"
Argument: Reward latecomers and strive to become Bole in the new era.
Materials: The famous painter Mr. Fu Baoshi, his family turned out to be very poor, and when he was over 30, he still substituted for others in an elementary school. He loves painting very much. Due to the constraints of life, he often sells his works on the street. Once, by chance, his paintings were discovered by the famous traditional Chinese painting master Xu Beihong. Xu Beihong spoke highly of Fu Baoshi's painting skills. Later, Xu Beihong visited him in the rain, applied for study abroad funds for him, and sent him to Japan for further study. He finally became a famous painter at home and abroad.
Case:
A thousand-mile horse often happens, but a Bole does not always happen. This is a lament for talents being buried. A thousand-mile horse has no chance to gallop on the battlefield and make achievements, and a talent is buried for no reason. Can it not be a pity? Therefore, contemporary leaders should learn to be Bole and strive to be Bole to discover more talents and recommend more talents for the cause of socialist construction.
Mr. Fu Baoshi, a famous painter, turned out to have a very poor family. He was still substitute teaching in an elementary school when he was over 30 years old. He loves painting very much. Due to the constraints of life, he often sells his works on the street. Once, by chance, his paintings were discovered by the famous traditional Chinese painting master Xu Beihong. Xu Beihong spoke highly of Fu Baoshi's painting skills. Later, Xu Beihong visited him in the rain, applied for study abroad funds for him, and sent him to Japan for further study. He finally became a famous painter at home and abroad.
If it were not for Xu Beihong, how could there be Fu Baoshi, a thousand-mile horse galloping in the Chinese contemporary painting world.
Clarity:
Cause: Copying the material without tailoring it according to the need to prove the argument.
Prescription: Find the consistent point of Xu Beihong’s discovery of talents, expand it, and give a brief overview of irrelevant content
Show the revised paragraph:
Famous painter Fu Baoshi had to sell paintings to make a living due to poverty. Once, by chance, his paintings were discovered by the famous Chinese painting master Xu Beihong. Just like Bole discovered the Chollima, Xu Beihong's eyes lit up and he slapped the case and exclaimed, speaking highly of Fu Baoshi's painting skills. Later, Xu Beihong visited him in the rain, applied for study abroad funds for him, and sent him to Japan for further study. This thousand-mile horse finally found a battlefield to gallop and found a great opportunity to make contributions. Become a famous painter at home and abroad.
Exercise 2: Use Kong Yiji’s story as material to demonstrate the point of view that “persistence may not necessarily lead to victory”.
Show example:
Persistence may not necessarily lead to victory
Have you ever seen Kong Yiji in Lu Xun’s works, who studied hard in a cold window, had a sore mouth and cocooned tongue, and was unruly? In his poor years, he recited "Zhi Hu Zhe Ye" every day and worked hard to persist in the imperial examination. However, the imperial examination did not favor him. "In the end, he was not even half a scholar." He was impoverished and died with a "broken leg". He failed. Yes, failed miserably! It’s true that “I died first before the examination, leaving future generations bursting with tears”! The reason is not difficult to understand: if you have wrong goals in life, even if you persist until the end of time, you will definitely have no hope of success.
Exercise 3: Please write an argumentative essay using "The Debate on Cao GUI" and "Zou Ji's Satire on the King of Qi to Accept Admonition" as arguments.
Opinion: You should also pay attention to methods when talking.
Requirements: Use the argumentative essay fact and argument cutting method to cut the materials. The word count is about 800.
Exercise 4: The Swedish women's football team is an "amateur team", only for honor and no bonuses
According to Xinhua News Agency: The Swedish team, mainly composed of amateur players, lost to the German team and won the third place. Four-time Women's World Cup runner-up. However, even if the Swedish team wins the championship, they will not receive any bonus. They play for the national team "only for honor."
Except for No. 10 Ljungberg, the Swedish team is all amateur football players. They have different careers, and football is their common hobby. No. 5 Bengtsen is a parcel postman. She can only participate in the national team training after get off work every day. No. 6 captain Mostrom is the most highly educated team member. This master of finance is an analyst at a Swedish bank.
Recently, Bengtsen told reporters: "The Swedish Football Association just organized us to compete together and has no money to pay us bonuses. I like playing football very much and playing for the national team is only for honor."
Frieda, member of the No. 18 team, told reporters that their whole family loves football. She started learning to play football from her parents when she was 4 years old and has been playing football for more than 20 years. Ljungberg is the only one in the entire Swedish team who relies on football, and she can receive a monthly allowance of about US$500 from the Football Association.
(1) Hobby (interest) can create miracles
Example: A team that won the World Cup runner-up, the players were all amateurs, the Swedish team won the fourth Women's World Cup Silver medal, impressive results, but except for No. 10 Ljungberg, all of their team members are amateur players, each with their own profession. For example, No. 5 Bensent is a parcel postman, and captain No. 6 is an analyst at a bank. They can only participate in the training of the national team after get off work, but the one thing they have in common is that "football is their favorite". It is their interest that brings them together on the green field, and they win the runner-up as an amateur team. It seems that one's interest can work wonders.
Analysis: This argument should emphasize - (1) Amateurism, (2) Difficulty, (3) Great Success
Only by emphasizing (1) (2) can it explain (3) The huge significance of interest shows the power of interest
(2) Honor
A team that won the runner-up position in the World Cup did not even have any financial gain. In the Swedish Women's Football World Cup, except for No. 10 Ljungberg, who can receive a measly US$500 per month from the Football Association, the other players have no money at all, so what are they trying to do? How silly! It was No. 5 player Bensent who said the secret: playing for the national team is only for honor, and honor is above all else.
Exercise 5: (Process the following material based on different perspectives)
Pele grew up in a poor family and could not afford to buy footballs, so he used plastic boxes, soda bottles, and coconut shells. While waiting for practice, one day, a football coach discovered that he was very talented and gave him a football. Later, he gave Pele professional training. After hard work, Pele finally became the king of football.
(1) Adversity brings forth talents
Everyone knows when it comes to Pele, but who knows that the famous Pele came from a poor family when he was a child and could not afford to buy his beloved football? Plastic boxes, soda bottles, and coconut shells can only be used as footballs for practice. For the football king Pele, adversity not only did not diminish his fighting spirit, but became the driving force that inspired him to fight. It seems that as long as he has goals and motivation in his heart , Adversity is the cradle of talent growth.
(2) Only with Bole can there be a thousand-mile horse
Football king Pele grew up in a poor family. Although he loved football, he could not even afford his beloved football and could only use plastic boxes. Soda bottles, coconut shells, etc. were used instead. Later, thanks to a coach who accidentally discovered the talent of the young football champion, he gave him a football, gave him guidance, and finally gave him special training, finally turning him into a generation of football champion. There is Bole in the world, and then there is a thousand-mile horse. If it were not for the coach, Pele, the thousand-mile horse, might have no choice but to die in a stable.