The Argument Paper

Karen S. Wright

The argument paper must present a debatable point.

Mere knowledge of the truth will not give you the art of persuasion.Plato

Think

Hmm

Yep!

When choosing a topic for written argument, be sure it is open for debate.

Facts are a matter of information, not debate.

A paragraph becomes an argument when it takes a position concerning the facts.

? ?

Fact:

Open Debate:

OppositePosition:

Students at Washington College should be required to take physical education.

Students at Washington College should not be required to take physical

education.

Students at Washington State College are required to take physical education.

Idea: Holidays have become too commercialized.

Thesis: The spirit of the holidays is being destroyed by commercialism.

Idea: Holidays have not become too commercialized.

Thesis: Commercial uses of holidays benefit the nation’s economy and lift people’s spirits.

Take out paper and develop an idea and thesis statement for a written argument on the following topic:

Topic: Book censorship in libraries.

Idea for it:

Idea against it:

Thesis:

Thesis:

Structuring Written Argument

• No one structure fits all written arguments.

• Most college writing uses a structure based on the classical pattern of argument developed by the Greeks and Romans, which is still highly respected today.

Elements in Written Argument

• Introductory Sentences• Questions to Consider• Thesis Statement • Background Information if needed.• Reasons, Examples, or

Evidence• Anticipation to Likely

Objections and Rebuttal• Concluding statement-

Call to Action/Suggest an action

First few sentences• Sets the context for the position that is

argued.• Gives a pertinent statistic or statistics.• Asks a provocative question or questions.• Uses an appropriate quotation.• Makes a useful analogy.• Identifies the situation.

What has been done?

What can be done?

Thesis Statement

• It states the position being argued.

• It states the paragraph’s subject.

• It reflects on the purpose.

• It includes a focus—your idea that will convey your point of view.

• It uses specific language—vague words are avoided.

Don’t be upset—Just think logically

Oh no!!

Background Information

Gives the reader basic information.

Adds needed information for understanding the position being argued.

Reasons, Examples, or Evidence

Supports the position being argued.

The core of the paragraph.

The reasoning must be logical and solid as a rock.

Each reason consists of a general statement backed up with specific examples--and don’t forget---develop these ideas.

• This section mentions possible oppositions to the argument and rebuts it briefly.

• In classical argument, this “refutation” appears immediately BEFORE the concluding sentences and summation.

• An alternative placement is immediately after the introductory sentence, as a “bridge” to the rest of the paragraph.

Anticipation of Objections and Responses

Concluding Sentences

Brings the paragraph to a logical end that flows gracefully from the topic sentence/thesis.

Does not abruptly cut off reader.

Calls for awareness.Looks ahead to the

future—a call to action.

Use Effective Reasoning

Be logical: use sound reasoning.

Enlist the emotions of the reader: enlist the values and beliefs of the reader by arousing “the better self” of the reader.

Establish credibility: show that you, as the writer, can be relied upon as a knowledgeable person with good sense.

How to Establish a Reasonable Tone

• Be fair to opposing arguments.• When you alert your readers to other ways of

thinking about the issue, you demonstrate that you have not ignored other positions.

• This kind of respect for the other side makes the tone more reasonable.

• Choose your words carefully.• Don’t exaggerate.• Use similes and metaphors to enhance your

argument rather than distort it.• Never insult anyone.

1. Does the thesis statement have a debatable topic?

2. Is the material properly structured for a written argument?

3. Do the reasons and evidence support the thesis statement?

4. Are the generalizations supported by specific detail?

5. Are opposing positions mentioned and responded to?

6. Is the tone reasonable?

Revision Checklist for argument