One of the best ways to learn how a machine works is to take it apart. Academic arguments are no different.

Arguments are multifaceted and are made of multiple parts, and it’s important to be aware of those parts when breaking down (or analyzing) another writer’s argument and also when building up (or creating) your own argument.  This section will give you more information about those parts so you can be more aware of them.  Reading critically requires you to consider the form of argument used by others so you can then respond strategically in your own argument.

Also, when building up your own argument, you’ll read articles and books, research data, and find lots of pertinent information.  This section gives your suggestions for ways to organize that material into an argument through synthesis, or bringing together pieces to make something new.  Bringing together this researched material with your own ideas will create something new — your argument!