Argumentative Resources

Content

• Types of argumentative resources
• Examples of argumentative resources

The argumentative resources They are linguistic tools that are used in an argumentation to reinforce the position of the issuer on a certain topic. For example: exemplification, analogy, statistical data.

These tools are widely used in debates and exhibitions to persuade, convince or make the audience change their position.

• It can serve you: Rhetorical or literary figures

Types of argumentative resources

• Rhetorical question. The sender raises a question not to receive an answer, but with the aim that the receiver reflects on some situation.
• Analogy. Establishes similarities or similarities between two elements or situations that have points in common. With this resource, something unknown is explained from something already known or known by the audience. Some connectors used are: just like, like yes, just like, is the same as, is the same.
• Authority quote. A specialist or authority on an issue is cited to reinforce and give value to the position of the issuer. Some connectors used are: as he points out, as he says, as he affirms, following, according to, quoting.
• Statistical data. Numerical information or reliable statistics are provided that reinforce and give greater veracity to the hypothesis proposed by the issuer. The data help illustrate the point.
• Exemplification. Using examples, a hypothesis is presented, tested or demonstrated. Some connectors used are: for example, I put the case of, as sample, such as.
• Counterexample. Make an exception to a general rule to show that a statement is false.
• Generalization. Numerous particular facts are presented to compare and relate to each other. This resource shows that everything works the same way. Some connectors used are: generally, almost always, almost all, most of the time, generally.

Examples of argumentative resources

1. There are many powerful and successful women in politics. For example, in the last decade Argentina, Chile and Brazil had women presidents. (Exemplification)
2. Half of the children are poor in our country, wouldn't it be time for the political class to take measures to reverse this situation and stop worrying about what is happening on the other side of the planet? (Rhetorical question)
3. Just as in Japan the workers redouble their work as a measure of protest, here the train workers should raise the turnstiles and extend the service hours to generate losses for the company. (Analogy)
4. The food emergency continues to be a global threat despite the fact that the planet produces food for twice its population. According to FAO, 113 million people in 53 countries experienced high levels of food insecurity in 2018. (Statistical data)
5. They say that all Argentines like soccer. But it is not like that, I am Argentine and I do not like football. (Counterexample)
6. We cannot expect the current president to solve all problems overnight. There are structural issues that take years to reverse and, for this, the will of the most varied sectors is also needed, not just politicians. For example, from trade unions, business and universities. Aristotle already said it: "Politics is the art of the possible." (Authority quote)
7. There are almost no female engineers, women are not attracted to the engineering career. (Generalization)
8. Some of the most lucid writers in history emerged in Latin America. I give as an example Gabriel García Márquez, Julio Cortázar, Jorge Luis Borges and Mario Vargas Llosa. (Exemplification)
9. The volume of migrants grows year by year. According to the UN, in 2019 the number of people who migrated worldwide reached 272 million. This is 51 million more than in 2010. Most of the migrants stayed in Europe (82 million) and North America (59 million). (Statistical data)
10. Last time, the Oscar for best picture went to a South Korean production: Parasite. Shouldn't we, once and for all, stop idealizing American cinema and open our horizons? (Rhetorical question)
11. We shouldn't read what doesn't make us happy. Life is very short and the number of books is infinite to waste reading what does not interest us. As Borges said: "If a book is boring, leave it behind." (Authority quote)
12. Argentina is characterized by having mythical figures, such as Evita, Che Guevara, Maradona and Pope Francis. (Exemplification)
13. No politician is at the service of the people. They all come to power and end up being corrupted. (Generalization)
14. Doctors decide on our life (or death) as if they were a god. (Analogy)
15. I hear people say that the free sale of any type of drug is not allowed in this country. And it is not true: alcohol is a drug and is sold freely to anyone who is of legal age. (Counterexample)