How do you use evidence and logic to support your arguments in group work?

1 Identify the purpose and audience

Before you start making your arguments, you need to identify the purpose and audience of your group work. What is the goal or question that you are trying to answer or solve? Who are you communicating with or trying to convince? Knowing the purpose and audience will help you tailor your arguments to their needs, expectations, and background knowledge.

2 Gather and evaluate evidence

Evidence is the information or data that you use to support your claims or arguments. You need to gather evidence from credible and relevant sources, such as academic articles, reports, statistics, or experts. You also need to evaluate the evidence critically, by checking its accuracy, reliability, validity, and bias. You should avoid using evidence that is outdated, incomplete, contradictory, or based on opinions or assumptions.

3 Apply logic and reasoning

Logic and reasoning are the tools that you use to connect your evidence to your claims or arguments. You need to apply logic and reasoning to show how your evidence supports your arguments, and how your arguments answer the purpose or question of your group work. You should avoid logical fallacies, such as hasty generalizations, false dilemmas, circular reasoning, or ad hominem attacks. You should also acknowledge and address counterarguments, or alternative perspectives, that might challenge or weaken your arguments.

4 Organize and structure your arguments

Organizing and structuring your arguments will help you present them clearly and coherently to your audience. You need to follow a logical order and sequence, such as problem-solution, cause-effect, or comparison-contrast. You also need to use transitions and signposts, such as firstly, secondly, however, or therefore, to guide your audience through your arguments. You should also use headings, subheadings, bullet points, or diagrams to make your arguments easier to follow and understand.

5 Use clear and concise language

Using clear and concise language will help you communicate your arguments effectively and persuasively to your audience. You need to use appropriate and accurate vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation. You also need to avoid jargon, slang, or vague terms that might confuse or alienate your audience. You should also use active voice, rather than passive voice, to make your arguments more direct and assertive.

6 Seek feedback and revise your arguments

Seeking feedback and revising your arguments will help you improve the quality and impact of your arguments. You need to seek feedback from your group members, peers, instructors, or mentors. You also need to be open-minded and constructive when receiving and giving feedback. You should also revise your arguments based on the feedback, by adding, deleting, modifying, or clarifying your evidence, logic, or language.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?