Organizing Your Argument

What is an Argument?

An argument involves the process of…

establishing a claim and then

proving it with the use of

• logical reasoning,

• examples, and

• research.

Persuasion vs. Argument

Both types of essays try to prove a point and attempt to convince the reader of its validity, but persuasion is able to use a broader range of support. Argumentation uses: •Logic supported by verifiable examples and facts•Evidence-based argument builds the case for its claim out of available evidence.

Persuasion can use: •Unverifiable personal anecdotes and a more apparent emotional appeal to make its case. •In persuasion, the claim usually comes first; then the persuader builds a case to convince a particular audience to think or feel the same way.

Trying to convince your friend to see a particular movie with you is likely persuasion. Sure, you may use some evidence from the movie to back up your claim, but you may also threaten to get upset with him or her if he or she refuses—or you may offer to buy the popcorn if he or she agrees to go.

Making the argument for why a movie is better (or worse) than the book it’s based on would be more argumentative, relying on analysis of examples from both works to build a case.

An Example…

o The claim (answers the question: “What do I think?”)

o The reason(s) (answers the question: “Why do I think this?”)

o The evidence (answers the question: “How do I know this is the case?”)

Components of an Argument

o The warrants (answer the question “Why is the evidence presented relevant to the claim at hand?”)

o The Counterargument (answers the question: “What’s the opposition?”)

– --The Rebuttal (answers the question: “How will you refute the oppositions argument?”

Components Continued…

What is a Thesis Statement?

It is the most important sentence in your paper.

It lets the reader know the main idea of the paper.

It answers the question: “What am I trying to prove?”

It is not a factual statement, but a claim that has to be

proven throughout the paper

The thesis statement should guide your reader through

your argument.

It is generally located in the introduction of the paper.

Thesis Practice

V-chips in television sets:

Parents, often too busy to watch television shows with their families, can monitor their children’s viewing habits with the aid of the V-chip.

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

I don’t like the V-chip in my television because it doesn’t allow me to make my own choices on what I want to watch.

Now, look at the thesis statements below…decide if they are: strong, broad, narrow

1. Media violence is harmful to society.2. The death penalty is wrong.3. I hate my school uniform because it’s too

boring. 4. School uniforms provide many benefits to

students, parents and educators.5. My phone has been useful to me.6. The election will do more harm than good.7. Participating in volunteer work is essential

to the development of strong character.

Change the Following Thesis Statements to Make Them Stronger…

Television commercials have an influence on children.

One hobby many young people especially enjoy is reading.

Playing team sports has many benefits.

What is an Introduction?

Introduction: acquaints the reader with the topic

and purpose of the paper.

An introduction offers a plan for the ensuing

argument:

Introduction: Tell them what you’re going to tell

them.

Body: Tell them.

Conclusion: Tell them what you told them

Methods for Constructing an Introduction

Example—real or hypothetical

Question

Quotation

Shocking statistics

Striking image

Body Paragraphs andTopic Sentences

Body paragraphs: (1) build upon the claims made

in the introductory paragraph(s); (2) are organized

with the use of topic sentences that illustrate the

main idea of each paragraph.

Body Paragraphs

Paragraphs may be ordered in several ways,

depending upon the topic and purpose of your

argument:

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.

It shows you have considered other points of view - that other

points of view are valid and reasonable.

Locating 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.

Effective Counterarguments

Consider your audience when you offer your counterargument:

Conceding to some of your opposition’s concerns can

demonstrate respect for their opinions.

Using rude or deprecating language can cause your audience to

reject your position. Remain tactful yet firm.

The Conclusion

Conclusion: Reemphasizes 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.

Why You Need A Title

Title: (1) introduces the topic of discussion to the

audience and (2) generates reader interest in the

argument.

Tip: Use active verbs in titles

For example:

Clean Campus Cleaning up Campus With

Recycling Bins or Reducing Rubbish: Recycling on

Campus

Considering Titles

Imagine you just wrote a paper offering solutions

to the problem of road rage.

Which do you consider to be the best title?

Road Rage

Can’t Drive 55

Road Rage: Curing Our Highway Epidemic