reading response to Ballenger's "Writing a Argument"

An argument paper has the power to make people change their minds about a topic, or allows them to really understand and accept your position as a valid one.  In order to have a good argument you must have a good basic knowledge on your topic of argument and then support it with researched facts and info as Ballenger explained.  "Argument is really about trying to get to the truth" as stated by Bruce Ballenger. 

In Ballenger's essay he helps you get a better knowledge of how to go about writing a argumentative paper by giving you great examples and info as to how to write a argument or persuasive paper.  He also goes into depth about arguing.  Giving specific examples like "arguing can be a similar process of discovery.." or "arguments make claims".  All these facts that are related to arguing gives you a more better understanding of the arguing process.

Ballenger describes many different ways of how to go about approaching an argument paper.  All of which deals with what you already know and supporting it with hardcore evidence.  If you do the research and get more information on your subject the more prepared you are persuading your audience.  The more prepared you are about arguing both sides.  The chances of you getting people to be on your side are greater.

Overall what Ballenger is trying to say is that an argumentative essay is taking a side of an issue and being able to give evidence as to which side is right according to the person's opinion.  That an argument paper is a heated discussion and that you should know both sides of the subject.  He also is trying to say that a argumentative essay should be well structured, well reasoned, and well supported.

In the end I learned a lot from this reading.  I feel that I have a good understanding of how to write a argumentative paper and what to work on to better persuade my audience to see my way.