Blog Assignment #3

1. Explain what “to give an argument” means in this book.
The book states that "to give an argument" means to give a certain amount of complete examples to support the conclusion that a person is presenting. A person can't just say "I think blue is the best color," and call the sentence an argument. A person has to give reasons why they feel so strongly to support the statement.

2. What are the reasons Weston gives in support of his claim, “arguments are essential”?
Weston says arguments are essential because it is great way to figure out which views are more sound than others. Weston goes on to state that "not all views are equal." Making arguments for different conclusions gets a person thinking about the arguments to see which ones really support the conclusions.

3. Explain why many students tend to “write an essay, but not an argument”.
Usually when an project is assigned for a subject most students think that the assignment is to report on the subject in general. For an argument the student would have to present different pieces of evidence to support a hypothesis or conclusion for the subject and most students take the simple way out.

4. Construct two short arguments (one "for" and one "against") as modeled in the Week 3 Assignment section in Blackboard. Put each one in "elements form".

Element Argument for skateboarding on campus
Arguable issue: Whether or not students should be allowed to skateboard on campus
Conclusion: Students should be allowed to skateboard on campus
Premises: Students shoulb be allowed to skateboard on campus because,
1) doing so gets the rider to their classes faster,
2) doing so will keep the rider's teacher happy because the rider is on time for class, and
3) doing so will give the rider exercise

Equation Argument against skateboarding on campus
p: skateboard wheels destroy the concrete they role over and will ruin the campus' sidewalks
p: skateboarding is dangerous to the rider and the people around them
p: skateboarding disturbs classes in progress because the wheels are too loud on walkways
c: Therefore, students should not be allowed to skateboard on campus

5. Review the seven rules in chapter one. Briefly discuss how your argument demonstrates that each rule was applied, in the construction of your arguments above.
My arguments have shown all the qualities discussed in the first chapter. Each have three premises and a conclusion each. The premises are organized in a natural order. My terms are not vague and I get my points across.

6. Review the three rules in the appendix named, “Definitions”. In your own words, discuss how you took these rules into consideration as you constructed your arguments.
As I have stated above my terms were clear and pretty specific. My premises used a in a clear order. Also I did not use any definitions so I don't have to worry about them being left to explain a certain premise.

7. Good posts demonstrate:
Sincere reflection, effort, and analysis
Answers that are substantial (at least one large paragraph each)
Consistent mention, citation, and integration of the assigned readings (explained in YOUR own words, though)
Correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Correctly titled posts!

How many points do you honestly feel your post this week deserves? Justify your answer.
I believe that I deserve the full points for this assignment because I have met all the criteria needed for a great post.