writing topic: rules for writers chapter 48

Chapter 48 is about evaluating arguments in your own writing by looking for logic and fairness. At first some arguments seems reasonable but then turn out to be “fallacious, unfair, or both.” (371) For example a hasty generalization is a conclusion based on insufficient or unrepresentative evidence. This is also known as a stereotype. Many people tend to confirm evidence with their own opinions and do not notice the evidence itself. Another fallacy is false analogy. You cannot assume that two things are alike even if they both have the same challenges. In order to keep your arguments on track, trace the causes and effects of your statement. To have enough evidence to back up your argument make a connection to see what causes the outcomes.

After reading this chapter, it helped me determine what type of arguments are fair. I know that when I’m writing an argumentative essay I tend to use hasty generalization. Being human, I believe that we all do confirm most of our evidence because of our own opinions. Stereotypes are used everyday, so some feel that they may be true. It will be difficult to step back and look at the causes and effects of what makes each statement true. But in the end, your essay will be hard to argue with.