31 Developing an Argumentative Style

How does argumentation begin?

One of the best, and easiest, ways to begin argumentation is to research what others are already discussing. Just as you do not walk into a room and immediately start talking without some form of reference to the other people in that room, writers, too, need to orient themselves within a particular discourse community. What are the current topics of a particular discourse community? What are the various opinions/viewpoints on that topic?  Who are the prevalent authors on that topic? How has the conversation changed over time? Additionally, you want to remain as balanced in your argument as possible and avoid being biased. In other words, your tone and diction should be thought-provoking, but not accusatory.