Paper Writing: Making an Argument

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Paper WritingMaking an Argument
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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.

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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

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Writing Clearly for Arts Science

• Three main principles of good writing are
• Clarity
• Conciseness
• Forcefulness

When you are out to describe the truth, leave
elegance to the tailor. Albert Einstein
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Organizing Your Paper

• Title
• Introduction
• Thesis statement
• Body Paragraphs
• Constructing Topic Sentences
• Building Main Points
• Countering the Opposition?
• Conclusion

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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

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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

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Ways to Begin an Introduction

• personal anecdote
• example-real or hypothetical
• question
• quotation
• shocking statistics
• striking image
• brief summary of the background

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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 childrens
  viewing habits with the aid of the V-chip.
• To help parents monitor their childrens 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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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Counterarguing effectively

• Consider your audience when you offer your
  counterargument.
• Conceding to some of your oppositions 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.

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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!

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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.

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Organizing your argument

• Title
• Introduction
• Body Paragraphs
• Constructing Topic Sentences
• Building Main Points
• Countering the Opposition
• Conclusion