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.

An paper 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.

•A thesis is a statement that gives a position about a topic that can be supported by evidence, reasons, and examples.

•The thinking process that moves you from a topic to a defensible position calls for you first to make an have a thesis.

The exact wording of the thesis is important; nonetheless, it may change. A thesis serves as a focus for your thinking and writing.

Topic: The commercialization of holidays.

Thesis: Holidays have become too commercialized.

Thesis: Holidays have not become too commercialized.

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.

Develop a thesis statement for a written argument on the following topic:

Topic: Book censorship in libraries.

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 Statement

• Thesis Statement • Background

Information—if needed• Reasons or Evidence

for your argument• Anticipate Likely

Objections • Rebuttal of Objections• Concluding Statement-

Call to Action

Introductory Statement

• Sets the context for the position that is argued.

• Identifies the situation.

Thesis Statement

• It states the position being argued.

• A thesis is debatable.• It states the paper’s

subject.• It reflects the paper’s

purpose.• It includes a focus that

conveys 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 neededfor understanding the position beingargued.

Reasons or Evidence

Supports the position being argued.

This is the core of the paper.

The reasoning must be logical and solid as a rock.

Each reason consists of a general statement backed up with specific examples.

What has been done?

What can be done?

This section will mention possible oppositions to the argument and rebuts it briefly.

Anticipation of Objections and Responses

Concluding SentenceBrings the paper to

an end that flows logically and gracefully from the thesis.

Does not cut reader off abruptly.

Call for awareness, action, or similar type of resolution.

Look 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: in your writing 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 of your argument more reasonable.

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

argument rather than distort it.• Never insult the other side.

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