Mastering Argumentative Text Structure and Coherence

Fundamentals of Argumentative Texts

An argumentative text advocates an idea by providing a set of reasons for it. It seeks to alter the opinion of a recipient, reinforce their existing beliefs, or achieve their adherence to a specific viewpoint. Success is based on the effectiveness of the arguments presented.

Argumentation vs. Persuasion

Argumentation and persuasion base their explanations and reasoning on proof, logic, and rational argument. Argumentation tries to be objective, while persuasion leans toward the subjective. When the text is developed for use in the media, the two are often intertwined.

Organization and Content Structure

General Organization of Argumentation

Argumentative texts are generally organized into three structural parts: the thesis, the arguments, and the conclusion. This structure often corresponds to distinct paragraphs.

Detailed Content Structure

• Introduction: Outlines the topic and subject. It presents the issue favorably to encourage recipient acceptance.
• Argumentative Body: Reports the facts and presents the arguments, allowing the reader to evaluate the evidence.
• Conclusion: The end, restating the final thesis and often including an imperative statement designed to convince the reader.

Achieving Textual Coherence

Thematic Coherence

Setting the Theme

Thematic coherence involves:

• The Theme (the general subject).
• The Thesis (the author's position towards the subject).
• The Abstract (summary of the main points).

Structural Coherence

Structural coherence is analyzed in two ways:

• External Structure: Analyzing the physical parts of the text, such as the number of paragraphs and identifying the main and secondary ideas.
• Internal Structure: Analyzing the functional parts (introduction, development, and conclusion), focusing on the thesis, its structure, and the supporting arguments.

The Thesis and Supporting Arguments

The Role of the Thesis

The thesis is the central idea the author seeks to defend. It is the expression of an opinion. It may be explicit (clearly stated) or implicit (suggested but not directly shown).

Types of Arguments (Topics)

Arguments start from an opinion and aim to defend or refute an idea. They usually appear in the argumentative body but can be scattered throughout the text.

Common types of arguments include:

• Explanation of the causes
• Examples
• Analogy or comparison
• Contrast
• Criterion of authority
• Quality and Quantity
• Scientific evidence
• Existential arguments
• Personal experience
• Data and statistics
• Hedonistic (pleasure-based)
• Justice and Morality
• Progress and Health
• Similarity
• Social arguments
• Tradition and Practicality

Thesis Structure Types

The placement of the thesis defines its structure:

• Analyzing (Deductive): Thesis presented at the beginning (top).
• Synthesizing (Inductive): Thesis presented at the end (final).
• Circular: Thesis is presented, developed, and then restated (reiteration).
• Iterative: Thesis is repeated throughout the text.