Optional Peer Review: Template Tasks

2.1. Constructing an Argument

Checklist My work
In an earlier exercise you already explored some
potential arguments in favour and against.
Expand the arguments.

NOTE: While the commentators are probably

different, you can copy-paste from the previous
exercise if necessary.
Give an example of an argument with several
premises and a conclusion. Try to use premise-
and conclusion indicators.

Premise- and conclusion indicators will structure

your paper and make it more readable.
Familiarising yourself with these words will help
you spot arguments in other papers too.
In module 1, you identified key behaviours that
contributed to the problem. Analyse why these
behaviours are occurring by answering the
following questions.

1. State the issue or problem

2. Ask: but why?
3. For each answer given, repeat the
question, "But, why?" until you cannot
go further.

Based on the analysis, identify measures that

will contribute to improvement.
Aside from the content-related counter
arguments listed above, are there any objections
that might be made against your research
design?

You might encounter problems such as non-

representativeness of the data or an insufficient
sample size. It is important to address these
issues in the discussion.
What order of arguments did you use?

You can ‘start at the beginning, finish at the

end’; start big, end small; start with arguments
in favour and move to arguments against. It does
not matter which order you use, as long as it’s
supported by a proper placement of arguments
and conclusion.

Be Persuasive: Write a Convincing Position Paper or Policy Advice (Project-Centered Course) 1