An argument of my own.

Building a valid argument with a strong foundation is a difficult process. In this essay, Ballinger strives to educate the reader on how to write better argument papers. He explains the reasons for arguments and and the dangers of a close-minded argument that is only focused on one side. After reading this essay, I have come to the realization that it is very important to explore all of the options of opinions revolving around your subject, essentially thinking outside the box. According to Ballinger, writing an argument "involves suspending judgement and coming to conclusion, hearing what has already been said and discovering what you think." In other words, an argument paper must be very well-rounded. This essay will be very helpful to all of us in the next couple of weeks because it gives us all a new background on arguments that we might not have possessed before. The chart that outlines the differences between academic arguments and informal arguments will become very useful to me. This essay also draws upon op-eds, which the class will be actively participating in soon enough. I found it interesting to read about Stephen Toulmin's method of arguing. Warrants and backing , two things I'm not very acquainted with, increase how "effective" an argument actually is. Finally, this essay explains some different ways of writing drafts, and some taboos to try and steer clear of. With all of this, Ballinger attempts to strengthen the writing of those students who are eager to embrace these methods. I feel like this reading is essential to what the class will be covering for the rest of the semester, and I will find it very useful once I begin an argument of my own.