Argumentative Structure

5 Parts 5 Parts NOT 5 ParagraphsNOT 5 Paragraphs

Part 1: Introduction

2. Background Info

What needs to be defined?

What needs to be reviewed?

What needs to be clarified?

3. Confirmation (evidence, backing, and warrants)

What supports my argument?

This constitutes several paragraphs with evidence and warrants.

4. Refutation (counterclaim and rebuttal)

What will skeptics say and how will I refute these views?

This may be woven into confirmation paragraphs or as separate ones.

5. Conclusion

What are the benefits or implications of accepting my argument?

May be a call to actionMay be an effect

The Parts of an ArgumentThe Parts of an Argument

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION(Hook, Map, Thesis)

BACKGROUND INFORMATIONBACKGROUND INFORMATION(Define, Clarify, Review)

CONFIRMATIONCONFIRMATION(Paragraphing support with evidence and warrants)

REFUTATIONREFUTATION(Counterclaims and Rebuttals)

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION(Benefits, Implications, Call to Action)

Work Cited

Adapted from Salazar, Ray. "Stop Boring

Students (and Yourself) with Five-

Paragraph Essays." Michigan

Reading Association Annual

Conference. Grand Rapids, MI. 9

Mar. 2013. Breakout Session.