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Analysis of an Argument

       The computerized water-irrigation system to be installed by farmers will prevent crops from drying out. The soil moisture is measured by sensors in the ground that send signals back to the irrigation control system. On the basis of this information, the system automatically regulates the amount and time of irrigation.
  Discuss how logically persuasive you find this argument. In presenting your point of view, analyze the sort of reasoning used and its supporting evidence, in addition, state what further evidence, if any, would make the argument more sound and convincing or would make you better able to evaluate its conclusion.


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    AWA - Analysis of an Argument

    Test-Taking Tactics

    1. Identify the parts of the argument.
    2. State how convincing (or unconvincing) you find the argument.

    The persuasiveness of an argument depends on its logic; that is, on whether the conclusion follows from the evidence presented. You are also asked to discuss what would make the argument more sound and persuasive or would help to evaluate its conclusion. To make an argument more sound, it is necessary to provide more evidence that will buttress the conclusion.
             

                       In the example, the conclusion is found in the first sentence: the irrigation system will prevent crops from drying out. What evidence is given that the irrigation system will indeed perform this task? Overall, the argument is sound and convincing, assuming that proper irrigation is all that is needed to keep crops from drying out. What then could strengthen the conclusion? Evidence that systems similar to the one described are already in place and working. This last point is important because we have no evidence about the reliability of the system. Moreover, there may be a question of cost-effectiveness. Will farmers be willing to adopt such a system? If evidence of these factors could be provided, the conclusion would be strengthened. 

    Analytical Writing Strategies   Analytical Writing Issue   Analytical Writing Argument


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