Transcript Organizing Your Argument

Paper Writing:
Making an Argument
Modified from Resources of the Purdue University Writing Lab
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.
Modified from Resources of the Purdue University Writing Lab
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
Modified from Resources of the Purdue University Writing Lab
Writing Clearly for Arts & Science
Three main principles of good writing are:
1. Clarity
2. Conciseness
3. Forcefulness
“When you are out to describe the truth,
leave elegance to the tailor.” Albert Einstein
Modified from Resources of the Purdue University Writing Lab
Organizing Your Paper
Title
 Introduction



Thesis statement
Body Paragraphs
Constructing Topic
Sentences
 Building Main Points
 Countering the
Opposition?


Conclusion
Modified from Resources of the Purdue University Writing Lab
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
Modified from Resources of the Purdue University Writing Lab
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
Modified from Resources of the Purdue University Writing Lab
Ways to Begin an Introduction
personal anecdote
 example-real or hypothetical
 question
 quotation
 shocking statistics
 striking image
 brief summary of the
background

Modified from Resources of the Purdue University Writing Lab
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?”

Modified from Resources of the Purdue University Writing Lab
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.”
Modified from Resources of the Purdue University Writing Lab
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.
Modified from Resources of the Purdue University Writing Lab
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 children’s viewing habits
with the aid of the V-chip.

To help parents monitor their children’s 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.
Modified from Resources of the Purdue University Writing Lab
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.
Modified from Resources of the Purdue University Writing Lab
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.
Modified from Resources of the Purdue University Writing Lab
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

Modified from Resources of the Purdue University Writing Lab
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.

Modified from Resources of the Purdue University Writing Lab
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.

Modified from Resources of the Purdue University Writing Lab
Counterarguing effectively



Consider your audience when you
offer your counterargument.
Conceding to some of your
opposition’s 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.
Modified from Resources of the Purdue University Writing Lab
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!
Modified from Resources of the Purdue University Writing Lab
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.

Modified from Resources of the Purdue University Writing Lab
Organizing your argument
Title
 Introduction
 Body Paragraphs

Constructing Topic
Sentences
 Building Main Points
 Countering the
Opposition


Conclusion
Modified from Resources of the Purdue University Writing Lab