EXAMPLES (page 3)

 

Let's look at an example of a point supported by a quotation that might have come from a student paper.

If I wanted to argue that Gandhi thought modern Western civilization was corrupt specifically because of its promotion of material greed, I might write the following:

Gandhi sees modern civilization as a threat to the Indian people because it promotes an endless cycle of selfish want. He says, "the railways, machineries and the corresponding increase of indulgent habits are the true badges of slavery of the Indian people" (p. 118). In Gandhi’s mind, such things are unnecessary because happiness is "largely a mental condition" (p. 123). For Gandhi, accordingly, if acquiring material goods will not make us happier, then the money and energy we devote to getting more things should be considered a form of slavery.


Element
Text
The
Claim

What are you trying to demonstrate?


Gandhi sees modern civilization as a threat to the Indian people because it promotes an endless cycle of selfish want

 

The Evidence

What proof do you have?
He says, "the railways, machineries and the corresponding increase of indulgent habits are the true badges of slavery of the Indian people" (p. 118). In Gandhi’s mind, such things are unnecessary because happiness is "largely a mental condition" (p. 123).


The Warrant

Why do you think that your proof is relevant to your claim?
For Gandhi, accordingly, if acquiring material goods will not make us happier, then the money and energy we devote to to getting more things should be considered a form of slavery.

Some things to note about the paragraph:

1) Note that in the sentences with quoted material, I use an introductory phrase such as "he says," or "in his mind" to introduce the quotation. The quotation is, therefore, part of my own sentence. Again, a quotation must always form part of your own sentence. It cannot stand alone.

You can't simply drop a quotation into your paper.

 

Incorrect Gandhi sees modern civilization as a threat to the Indian people because it promotes an endless cycle of selfish want. "The railways, machineries and the corresponding increase of indulgent habits are the true badges of slavery of the Indian people." (p. 118)."happiness is largely a mental condition." (p. 123).

Correct

 

 He says, "the railways, machineries and the corresponding increase of indulgent habits are the true badges of slavery of the Indian people" (p. 118). In Gandhi’s mind, such things are unnecessary because happiness is "largely a mental condition" (p. 123).

2) MOST IMPORTANTLY, note that warrant explains and interprets the quoted material in the context of my claim that I wish to support. This last sentence does NOT merely repeat the claim; instead it interprets the evidence and demonstrates how it is relevant to the claim. Look again at the warrant:

 


The Warrant

Why do you think that your proof is relevant to your claim?
For Gandhi, accordingly, if acquiring material goods will not make us happier, then the money and energy we devote to to getting more things should be considered a form of slavery.

 

 

Let's look at an example from pages 34-5 of your reading for this week about the Dominican Republic:

Another simultaneous attempt to include and exclude certain elements of Dominican ethnicity is found in a display of what are termed “typical” Dominican dolls. These ceramic dolls, which are an extremely popular item in tourist shops, are usually made with long flowing dresses, hats, and flowers or baskets. The most intriguing aspect of the dolls is that they are faceless. Dominicans are quick to explain that the dolls have no face because the Dominican as such have no face—he or she is a mix of three cultures. Interestingly, the dolls’ skin is a bronze color reminiscent of the Taino and never black. Though called “traditional,” these dolls have only been in production since the 1980s. They are a popular form of exporting a desired identity through tourist consumption. Lining the shelves of tourist and displayed in the Museum of the Dominican Man to remind Dominicans of their official identity, they give a subtle and unintentional glimpse of a people who desire to embrace a reality that does not exist.

 

Notice how this paragraph uses claim/evidence/warrant elements to make its point perusasively:

 

Element
Text
The
Claim

What are you trying to demonstrate?

 

Another simultaneous attempt to include and exclude certain elements of Dominican ethnicity is found in a display of what are termed “typical” Dominican dolls.

 

The Evidence

What proof do you have?

 

The most intriguing aspect of the dolls is that they are faceless. Dominicans are quick to explain that the dolls have no face because the Dominican as such have no face—he or she is a mix of three cultures. Interestingly, the dolls’ skin is a bronze color reminiscent of the Taino and never black.

 


The Warrant

Why do you think that your proof is relevant to your claim?


 Lining the shelves of tourist and displayed in the Museum of the Dominican Man to remind Dominicans of their official identity, they give a subtle and unintentional glimpse of a people who desire to embrace a reality that does not exist.


Much of the time, your evidence will take the form of quotations. There are some easy ways to make your use of quotations more powerful in your paper. Let's look at those now.

(continue on to next page on quotations)