The Science Of Scientific Writing Set 11 Set 11-A challenge • Bases • Copremises • Evaluations • Example • Polishing • Pick your challenge • Final.
OVERVIEW: The way to well-written science
PART I: Paragraphs and Sentences
SET A: Paragraphs: The Maps Behind Them
SET B: Paragraphs: Using Maps to Meet Readers' Expectations
SET C: Paragraphs with Something Extra: Points and Tails
SET D: The Generic Section: Expectations and Maps as Blueprints
SET E: Scientific Sections: The Methods and Results
SET F: Scientific Sections: The Discussion
SET G : Scientific Sections: The Introduction
SET H : Sentences
SET I : The Paper as a Whole
PART II: The Paper and its Sections
SET 1: Argument Parts
SET 2: Indicator Words
SET 4: Locating Arguments in Prose
SET 5: Rationale's Essay Planner
SET 6: Evidence in Arguments: Basis Boxes
Synthesis 1: Position-Early Paragraphs
Synthesis 2: Position-Final Paragraphs
Synthesis 3: Writing a Discussion I
Synthesis 4: Writing a Discussion II
Example
Let's put everything we've just learned together to write an essay based on this map:
Here's the model answer:
I believe that democracy is the best system of government.
My main reason depends on the claim that democracy reflects the will of the governed. This claim should be accepted as it is true by definition.
My reason assumes that the best system of government is one that reflects the will of the governed. This assumption could be challenged by the claim that the best system of government is one capable of taking necessary but unpopular steps. I reject that objection, as democracy via a representative parliament can take such steps. This is a good but weak rebuttal because representative parliaments can take unpopular steps in theory, but in practice elected representatives may not do so for fear of risking their future election prospects.
Since the challenge
to the assumption fails, we should accept that my reason is a good one.
It provides only weak support for the position that democracy is the best system
of government, as the complex matter of which system of government is best should
be decided with reference to additional factors, e.g. whether it promotes fairness
and justice.
Based on the argument considered, we should accept the conclusion that democracy
is the best system of government.
Here's a step-by-step explanation of how we arrived at this essay.
Content of this page drawn in whole or part from the Austhink Rationale Exercises with permission from Austhink.