Are you writing an argument?

An argument involves
the process of
establishing a claim and
then proving it with the
use of logical reasoning,
examples, and research.

Steps in the Process
Choose a topic you can explore.
Study the issues critically.
Pick a side.

Make a claim (thesis statement).

Make a case for the defense of your position.

Consider the opposing viewpoints by either a)
refuting them or b) qualifying your own argument.

Test your argument for fairness/effectiveness.
Writing Clearly for Arts & Science
Three main principles of good writing are
1. Clarity
2. Conciseness
3. Forcefulness
When you are out to describe the truth,
leave elegance to the tailor. Albert Einstein
Organizing Your Paper
Title
Introduction
Establishing Context
Stating Claim (Thesis
statement)
Body Paragraphs
Constructing Topic
Sentences
Building Main Points
Providing Counter
Arguments
Conclusion
Why is organization important in
building an argument?
Guides an audience through
your reasoning process
Offers a clear explanation of
each argued point
Demonstrates the credibility
of the writer
Structuring an Argument
Make a claim.
Anticipate objections from your
audience.
Counter those objections by supporting
your claim with solid reasons and
evidence.
Submit a conclusion derived from the
evidence.
Title--why do you need one?
Introduces the topic of
discussion to the
audience
Generates reader
interest in the argument
Thinking about Titles

Avoid titles that are too
general or lack character

Pick up on words or
examples offered in the
body or conclusion of the
paper
Considering Titles
Imagine you just wrote a paper offering
solutions to the problem of road rage.
Which do you consider to be
the most effective title?
Road Rage
Cant Drive 55
Road Rage: Curing Our Highway Epidemic

Effective Ways to Begin an Introduction
personal anecdote
example (real or hypothetical)
question
quotation
shocking statistics
striking image
brief summary of the background
What is a thesis statement?
The MOST IMPORTANT
SENTENCE in your paper
Lets the reader know the main
idea of the paper
Not a factual statement, but a
claim that has to be proven
throughout the paper
Answers the question: What
am I trying to prove?

Thesis Statements in Argument Essays
Everything in the essay should relate to the
thesis statement.

Construct a series of arguments which will
convince the reader of the truth and validity
of your position as stated in the thesis.

Use your thesis statement as the starting
point for a plan or outline of your essay.

3 Kinds of Thesis Statements
Analytical thesis statements:
- Electronic invasion of privacy endangers American families.

Argumentative thesis statements:
- Internet users should never send personal information, such as
credit card numbers, social security numbers, or even home
addresses, through the internet.

Explanatory thesis statements:
- Privacy problems on the internet are inevitable because of the
technical format, human nature, and the realities of contemporary
life.
Which thesis statement is the most effective for
an argument about the need for V-chips in
television sets?
Parents, often too busy to watch television shows with
their families, can monitor their childrens viewing
habits with the aid of the V-chip.

To help parents monitor their childrens viewing habits,
the V-chip should be a required feature for television
sets sold in the U.S.

This paper will describe a V-chip and examine the uses
of the V-chip in American-made television sets.
How Can You Tell a Strong Thesis
Statement?
A strong thesis takes some sort of
stand.

A strong thesis justifies the discussion
in the rest of your essay.

A strong thesis expresses one main
idea.

A strong thesis statement is concrete
and specific.

Body Paragraphs and
Topic Sentences
Body paragraphs build upon the
claims made in the introductory
paragraph(s).

Use topic sentences to illustrate
the main idea of each paragraph.

Give a brief explanation of the
history or recent developments in
your topic within the early body
paragraphs.
Body Paragraphs
Paragraphs may be ordered in
several ways, depending upon
the topic and purpose of your
argument:
General to specific information
Most important point to least
important point
Weakest claim to strongest claim
(emphatic)
Offering a Counterargument
Addressing the claims of the
opposition is an important
component in building a
convincing argument.
It demonstrates your
credibility as a writer--you
have researched multiple
sides of the argument and
have come to an informed
decision.
Offering a Counterargument
Counterarguments may be
located at various locations
within your body paragraphs.
You may choose to:
build each of your main points
as a contrast to oppositional
claims.
offer a counterargument after
you have articulated your main
claims.
Counterarguing effectively
Consider your audience when
you offer your counter-
arguments.
Conceding to some of your
oppositions concerns can
demonstrate respect for their
opinions.
Remain tactful yet firm.
Using rude or deprecating
language can cause your
audience to reject your position
without carefully considering
your claims.

Incorporating research into the body
paragraphs
Researched material can
aid you in proving the
claims of your argument
and disproving
oppositional claims.
Be sure to use your
research to support the
claims made in your topic
sentences--make your
research work to prove
your argument!
Conclusion -- The Big Finale
Your conclusion should
reemphasize the main
points made in your paper.
You may choose to
reiterate a call to action or
speculate on the future of
your topic, when
appropriate.
Avoid raising new claims in
your conclusion.
Remember:
A well-organized paper is essential!
Title
Introduction
Establishing Context
Stating Claim (Thesis
statement)
Body Paragraphs
Constructing Topic
Sentences
Building Main Points
Providing Counter
Arguments
Conclusion
Where can you go for additional help with
writing your argument?

Your textbook and
handbook
The Writing Center
Purdue OWL:
http://owl.english.purdue.
edu
Your instructor

Credits
Presentation by Carole Chapman,
Ivy Tech Community College
Adapted from a presentation by the
Purdue University Writing Lab