The Art of the Short Argument
A short argument challenges every writer from beginner to expert professional. However, the short argument allows authors to convey precise information and/or arguments speedily to their chosen audiences.

Pithy, precise communicators succeed. Outside the classroom, you will be able to use your short-argument composing skills to prepare briefings, presentations, executive summaries, abstracts of much larger documents, grant proposals, creative pitches, letters of application, etc. accessible to a diverse range of audiences.

Remember, too, that as you are composing in a digital environment, you may deploy images, links, graphics, video, audio and other multimedia elements to support and clarify your argument. Indeed, you should integrate these elements to illustrate your command of the medium.

When confronted with a short-argument assignment, you need:

  • a clearly defined subject and thesis
  • a precise argument, supported with convincing evidence and compelling, short quotations (as relevant)
  • no extraneous words and phrases

As you are composing a short argument (500 - 750 words) you also need to be prepared to edit your first draft to:

  • introduce your thesis briskly
  • eliminate words and phrases that add nothing to your argument
  • tidy up sloppy sentence constructions
  • showcase your evidence succinctly
  • express your conclusions forcefully

In this learning community, we'll focus on the persuasive short argument. You'll identify an issue whose importance is debated, for example, or a question (practical, technological, existential, etc.) for which several competing answers exist, and argue your own perspective on that issue or question. Or you may apply the theories you have encountered to analyze a personal set of experience or observations representative of critical issues inherent in our lives within a digital environment.

Remember that to build a full argument, even in a short form, you may need to undertake additional research (reputable, authoritative sources only, please). As with the reading responses, please include in-text citations and a list of works cited or references, even although it will probably be short.

I'm always delighted to read drafts, but I can't read and respond to a draft without time to do so. So if you send me a draft just before a paper is due, I may not have time to respond. I'm really looking forward to reading about your ideas