Chapter 1 from Jack Selzer and Lester Faigley’s book Good Reasons: “Making an Effective Argument

In the chapter “Making an Effective Argument” by Lester Faigley and Jack Selzer, it explains 4 main topics that would make an effective argument. The four topics were how arguments in college writing and casual conversation are different, people that argue responsibly give their evidence and cite their sources with their claims, written arguments turn into an ongoing conversation, and if you convince your readers that you are well informed, concerned, and fair they would take you seriously. According to chapter, an argument can be different from a casual conversation and a college course because it is explained when making an argument, people having a casual conversation do not support their argument unlike a student in a college course that needs evidence to suppose their argument. Writing an argument in college is different depending on the course you are taking, however, in written arguments you would need a thesis, supporting details and evidence, and a conclusion. In most claims, you will state your opinion as well as the facts backing up your claim because most people would think it is valid and dismiss your argument. you can also state a counterclaim and as well as knowing how to respectfully argue your claim. In arguments, it can turn into ongoing conversations among yourself and you can learn from your research and expand your views so in a way add your voice to the argument you are making. During the process of making your claim, you would want the reader to take you seriously. You would want them to trust you and your work. You can build that trust by knowing what is at stake, being honest, think about your audience or readers, write well, and think about other's point of view. That would help you portray an amazing, credible argument to your audience.