Study guides · 03
How to turn research into an oral argument
Build a traceable argument that connects evidence, interpretation and a personal conclusion.
Official sources checked: 2026-10-23
Separate claims from examples
Write the main claim in one sentence, then list the evidence that genuinely supports it. An interesting anecdote may illustrate a point without proving it; label that distinction in your notes.
Evaluate sources before quoting
Ask who produced the information, how it was obtained and what incentive may affect its presentation. Prefer the original report or dataset when practical, and avoid treating repeated online summaries as independent confirmation.
Explain why the evidence matters
After a figure or quotation, state the inference you draw and its limit. The audience should not have to guess why that material belongs in the argument or whether it applies beyond the example shown.
Prepare a fair challenge
Choose the most credible objection to your conclusion. Practise acknowledging what it gets right before explaining why your overall judgement still follows, or which part of your original view needs qualification.