Understanding Argumentative Text

Argument

An argument is offered from the subjective viewpoint of an issuer on a topic. Its purpose is to influence and convince the receiver of the validity of its reasoning, thus dominating the conative or appellative function.

To persuade the receiver, the sender selects arguments, reasons, and evidence supporting their opinion. Objections to opposing arguments, called counterarguments, can also be used.

Elements and Structure of Argumentative Text

Argumentative texts have a logical and orderly structure. They are organized around a main idea developed in the body of the argument and end with a conclusion.

• Thesis

  It is the main idea around which the text is organized. The location of the thesis determines the structure of the argumentative text. This can be:

  • Inductive. The author develops their argument to arrive at the thesis. This structure results in a synthesis.
  • Deductive. This is the most common structure. The author presents the thesis or general idea, which is then defended by arguments. This arrangement results in an analysis structure.

• Main Argument

  This consists of the arguments or reasons provided by the issuer to defend their thesis.

• Conclusion

  This collects ideas presented in the arguments. If the text structure is inductive, the conclusion aligns with the thesis.

Types of Arguments

Arguments are the reasons, quotes, data, and evidence used by the issuer to defend their thesis. Among the most common types are:

• Arguments of Exemplification

  These are based on concrete facts that support or refute the thesis.

• Arguments of Objective Data

  These are based on citations, dates, or proven facts that do not depend on the person arguing.

• Arguments from Authority

  These rely on the opinion of recognized personalities who endorse, directly or indirectly, the ideas advanced by the issuer.

• Arguments Based on Personal Experience

  Personal arguments are often unquestioned but do not provide objectivity. They can be very effective in persuading the receiver.

• Rebuttal Arguments

  These are the negation of opposing arguments.

• Fallacies

  These are erroneous arguments, sometimes used intentionally.

Language of Argument

Lexical Features

The most characteristic lexical features of argumentative text are:

• Using abstract and connotative vocabulary. The connotative value of the language reflects the subjectivity of the text.
• Employment of maxims, sayings, and facts. These do not depend on the person arguing.
• Support with examples and references. It is very common to use examples, arguments from authority, and references.
• Prevalence of verbs expressing will, thought, and language. These are used to express the opinion of the issuer.
• Frequent use of evaluative expressions. There are many adverbs and adjectives indicating evidence and reassurance.

Morphological and Syntactic Features

Argumentative text is characterized by the following syntactic features:

• Prevalence of long sentences. Argumentative text tends to use declarative sentences, but interrogative, exclamatory, and hesitant sentences are also common to express the issuer's attitude.
• Frequent use of subordinate clauses. Adjective and adverbial subordinate clauses predominate. Among adverbial clauses, causal (e.g., "I've come because you need me"), consecutive (e.g., "You know so many things that you can help"), conditional (e.g., "If you had not come, it would be for nothing"), and concessive (e.g., "Although I haven't studied") are preferably used.
• Use of impersonal and reflexive passive sentences. (e.g., "Within half a century, there will be thirty million Spanish speakers").
• Use of the first and third person. Due to the subjective nature of argument, the first and third person are often used (e.g., "I," "I never was a good student..."). However, the plural of modesty is also common (e.g., "Is it true that we force children to study for their sake?").

Textual Features

Discourse markers are used to organize ideas, often subjectively. These include: connectors (e.g., on the one hand, on the other hand; first, second...), oppositional (e.g., but, however), causative (e.g., because), consecutive (e.g., well, then...), and reinforcement (e.g., obviously, I think, as we all know...).