Designing Your Argument
- 1. Arguments should have certain elements By Isabel DeFeo at Frederick Community College Copyright ©2011
- 2. In an argument essay, you make a claim and then go about proving it through Logic Research Examples
- 3. When trying to persuade someone, an author should Show the audience how he arrived at his opinion Offer a clear explanation for each point he makes Show that he is knowledgeable and can be trusted
- 4. Arguments follow an organizational pattern Title Introduction Body Main points Supporting Points Likely objections Refutation Conclusion
- 5. Introduces topic Hooks reader Be bold with your title Use an image Use a phrase from your paper or a quote Ask a question
- 6. At the same time you are hooking your reader, your introduction should also Introduce your topic and your stance Offer the road map for your paper
- 7. Remember? Ask a question Use a few well-chosen words Present a bold, challenging statement (shocker) Use a teaser lead Incorporate a quote
- 8. It is the most important sentence of the entire paper. Why? Offers main idea Offers direction (skeleton) Makes a claim that must be proven
- 9. Depends on the topic, but it should Build on claim in introduction Follow pattern set forth in thesis and introduction Make audience familiar with topic and the issues at hand
- 10. General to specific (or vice versa) Most important to least important or vice versa) Weakest claim to strongest claim (or vice versa) Side by side comparison Block comparison
- 11. Builds your credibility Builds a more convincing argument
- 12. In various places within the essay With each main point you make After you have finished with your main points
- 13. Think about your audience Admit when an objection might be valid Avoid rude or derogatory language Remain respectful and tactful
- 14. To back up your claims To show knowledge What should I look for? Find facts and statistics that support each point you make (logos) Find real life examples that illustrate your point (pathos)
- 15. Supports your points Leaves a final thought Tells the reader what you want calls to action changes opinion warms