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Argument analysis exercise
Practise argument analysis
In this article, note how the writer has structured the paragraphs by focusing on one key argument that has its claim as the topic sentence. Each argument is supported by evidence and use of language to persuade the reader. There are also assumptions used to support the writer’s argument and overall contention.
Steps for analysing the argument
1) Read the text and instructions carefully.
2) Identify the contention, the arguments, the claims, the evidence and underlying assumptions as well as the use of language to persuade you as the reader.
3) Consider the quality of the overall argument in this text.
- Think of what specific additional evidence might weaken or lend support to the claims.
- Ask yourself what changes in the argument would make the reasoning more sound.
Key argument: A key message that a writer wants to convey to the readers to support their contention. The writer will use of range of key arguments to support their contention. The writer will use language and evidence to try to persuade you to a particular point of view.
Activity
Select the buttons to explore each part of the paragraphs.
Introduction
The global financial crisis of 2007 (GFC), was a severe worldwide economic crisis so severe that is was labelled as the most serious financial crisis since the Great Depression. Yet many economists argue that the problem could have been avoided, if ideologues supporting the economics models of the time weren’t so vocal, influential and inconsiderate of others’ viewpoints and concerns. As the negative consequences of the GFC unfolded in Australia, key influencers demanded that lessons be learned so as to minimise the risk of such events occurring in the future. Key critics are concerned that, despite calls from key regulatory agencies for rapid and widespread change to offset the risk of a future financial crisis, little has changed leaving the Australian finance sector vulnerable to future economic collapse.
Key argument 1
The global financial crisis (GFC) of 2007 rocked the global banking and financial sectors however, the lessons learned from the GFC have not heeded by the Australian Banking Sector. The 2007 GFG witnessed the loss of trillions of dollars from banking and finance sectors worldwide resulting in the collapse of banks, economies and devastating the personal lives of millions (Montague et. al. 2016). We have all been affected by this collapse yet, despite this state of destruction,with over 70 inquiries or reviews into related aspects of the Australian financial services industry since 2007, little has changed to ensure better protection for the Australian financial section (APRA, www.apra. gov.au). Australia has a limited number of large banks on a comparative global scale but all are well capitalised and underpinned by a robust retail base, developed capabilities in regard to wealth management and fully serviced activities in trade finance and commercial and corporate advisory infrastructure impacting on the South East Asian Region (Austrade, 2011). However, the reputations of the Australian banks are tarnished too as they have harmed many clients who followed what they considered to be professional and ethical advice.
Activity
Elements of the paragraphs will be outlined at the beginning and end of each section in [ ].
Introduction
The global financial crisis of 2007 (GFC), was a severe worldwide economic crisis so severe that is was labelled as the most serious financial crisis since the Great Depression. Yet many economists argue that the problem could have been avoided, if ideologues supporting the economics models of the time weren’t so vocal, influential and inconsiderate of others’ viewpoints and concerns. [contention-start]As the negative consequences of the GFC unfolded in Australia, key influencers demanded that lessons be learned so as to minimise the risk of such events occurring in the future. Key critics are concerned that, despite calls from key regulatory agencies for rapid and widespread change to offset the risk of a future financial crisis, little has changed leaving the Australian finance sector vulnerable to future economic collapse. [contention-end]
Key argument 1
[claim-start]The global financial crisis (GFC) of 2007 rocked the global banking and financial sectors however, the lessons learned from the GFC have not heeded by the Australian Banking Sector. [claim-end] [strong-start]The 2007 GFG witnessed the loss of trillions of dollars from banking and finance sectors worldwide resulting in the collapse of banks, economies and devastating the personal lives of millions (Montague et. al. 2016).[strong-end] [assumption-start] We have all been affected by this collapse yet,[assumption-end] [language-start-] despite this state of destruction, [language-end] [strong-start]with over 70 inquiries or reviews into related aspects of the Australian financial services industry since 2007, little has changed to ensure better protection for the Australian financial section (APRA, www.apra. gov.au). Australia has a limited number of large banks on a comparative global scale but all are well capitalised and underpinned by a robust retail base, developed capabilities in regard to wealth management and fully serviced activities in trade finance and commercial and corporate advisory infrastructure impacting on the South East Asian Region (Austrade, 2011). [strong-end] [weak-start] However, the reputations of the Australian banks are tarnished too as they have harmed many clients who followed what they considered to be professional and ethical advice. [weak-end]