Modified from Resources of the Purdue University Writing Lab Paper Writing: Making an Argument

Modified from Resources of the Purdue University Writing Lab

Paper Writing:Making an Argument


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

Thesis statement Body Paragraphs

Constructing Topic Sentences

Building Main Points Countering the

Opposition? 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


Thinking about Titles

Introduce the topic of discussion to the audience

Avoid titles that are too general or lack character

Pick up on words or examples offered in the body or conclusion of the paper


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?”


3 Kinds of Thesis Statements

Analytical thesis statements:- “Electronic invasion of privacy endangers Canadian 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.”


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.


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 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.

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 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


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 counterargument.

Conceding to some of your opposition’s 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.


Organizing your argument

Title Introduction Body Paragraphs

Constructing Topic Sentences

Building Main Points Countering the

Opposition

Conclusion

Documents

Modified from Resources of the Purdue University Writing Lab Paper Writing: Making an Argument