Arguments should have certain elements

By Isabel DeFeo at Frederick Community CollegeCopyright ©2011

In an argument essay, you make a claim and then go about proving it through

Logic Research Examples

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

Arguments follow an organizational pattern

Title Introduction Body

Main points Supporting Points

Likely objections Refutation

Conclusion

Introduces topic Hooks reader

Be bold with your titleUse an imageUse a phrase from

your paper or a quote

Ask a question

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

Remember? Ask a question Use a few well-

chosen words Present a bold,

challenging statement (shocker)

Use a teaser lead Incorporate a

quote

It is the most important sentence of the entire paper. Why?

Offers main idea Offers direction

(skeleton) Makes a claim

that must be proven

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

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

Builds your credibility

Builds a more convincing argument

In various places within the essay

With each main point you make

After you have finished with your main points

Think about your audience

Admit when an objection might be valid

Avoid rude or derogatory language

Remain respectful and tactful

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)

Supports your points

Leaves a final thought

Tells the reader what you wantcalls to actionchanges opinionwarms

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