How to Argue: A Student's Guide

Smarter Study Skills

by Alastair Bonnett

How to Argue aims to address student fears. Being asked to present an argument is a challenge and is probably the most difficult thing most students will be asked to do at university. However, by applying the techniques described in this book, students should find the challenge easier. Packed with exercises, examples and case studies, the chapters take students through the techniques of forming an academic argument, from contradictions and tensions, to empirical adequacy, structure and presentation.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference

Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Alastair Bonnett is a professor of social geography at Newcastle University. He is the author of several books, including What Is Geography?, How to Argue, Left in the Past, and The Idea of the West. He has also contributed to history and current affairs magazines on a wide variety of topics.

Reviews

[Tobi ﾄﾋﾞ · Rating 3 out of 5]

note i didn’t read the chapter on oral arguments.

so far in my university experience i have never written an argued essay, everything i have written has been rather general and informative rather than argumentative. i’ve never really had any instruction on how to do any different, and while while making an argument in a university essay is very valid and in my case welcomed, in school (before university) the goal is basically to instruct you how not to argue, how to absorb “facts” (which the state instruct we learn… sure…) and how to reproduce textbook sentences into an exam in order to get our final grades and still not really understand anything in the real world outside of school.

anyway. the book is quite good. a little bit basic maybe, but i learned some things and it gave me some ideas. nice.

[Folker de Witte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book makes you wonder why universities neglect to teach you these essential, yet simple, ideas and concepts. It is a book which teaches you how to dissect an argument in order to gain knowledge in contrast with other books which promote egocentric goals, such as to win an argument irrespective of the truth.

[Samar Almossa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found chapter one very useful . I would recommend it if you are totally lost in the middle of nowhere. Also, if you are a seeker of a step by step guide to learn how to argue, go for it!.

[Harry Fulgencio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essential for students who want to improve their argument skills.

[Mise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Essential reading in my life that prevented me from falling victim to unnecessary bulshit

[Sim · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good book but more aimed towards social sciences and humanities rather than natural sciences.