Test on Chapter 7 and 8

When comparing a fact to a definition, I consider my argument to be both a fact and a definition. My reasoning for this is due to several causes. Lunsford explains that in order for an argument to be a fact, it has to contain some key features. These key features include things such as describing a situation that leads you to raise questions, and making a claim that addresses the status of the facts. My argument is that children’s writing skills are actually improved by computers. In order for this argument to be a fact, I have to have evidence that supports my claim. This is exactly what I have done with my argument paper. When looking at what makes an argument a definition, Lunsford explains that definitions come in many forms, such as formal, operational, and by example. If an argument is a definition, you format a claim and then you come up with a reason as to why this is so. I am doing this with my argument, because I have claimed that computers increase children’s writing skills and I am proving evidence as to why I believe it improves them. Also, I pointed out the opposing views to my argument, which makes it a definitional argument. Selber uses a definition for his argument on computer literacy. He expresses why computer technologies in the classrooms are not a good idea because too few teachers are trained to teach students how to learn using this technology. This is a perfect example of a definitional argument because Selber is using a claim involving a question of definition. Also, Selber considers alternate views and counterarguments. For example, Selber says that others seem to think that, “computers level the playing field.” He addresses this idea and explains that there will never be equality with computers because people such as women, and the poor, are not able to be connected to networks computers and have are less likely to be able to have access to a computer. In the article by Malcolm X, he explains why learning to read helped him become free while he was in prison. Malcolm read the dictionary and copied it by himself to teach himself how to read. He expresses that something as simple as reading made him feel free, and in his essay he explains the events that made him want to study and read. Malcolm claimed that after he learned to read, his mind was taken out of the fact that he was in prison and focused on how to make himself a better reader. In a factual argument, a claim can be presented as a hypothesis. I believe that this is what makes Malcolm X’s article a factual argument. He is making a claim that learning to read made him a free man, which is his hypothesis, and then he explains why he felt like a free man after he learned to read. In addition, arguments of fact often involve a story. This is another reason why Malcolm’s article is an argument of fact. In conclusion, my argument about computer technology in the classroom involves both an argument of fact and definition. I make a claim and provide evidence to support it, which makes my argument a fact, and I also consider the opposing views, which makes my argument a definition as well.