Organizing Your Argument * Rationale: Welcome to “Organizing Your Argument.” This presentation is designed to introduce your students to the elements of an organized essay, including the introduction, the thesis, body paragraphs, topic sentences, counterarguments, and the conclusion. The twenty-one slides presented here are designed to aid the facilitator in an interactive presentation about constructing a well-organized argument. This presentation is ideal for the introduction of argument to a composition course, the beginning of a research unit, or the assignment of a written argument. This presentation may be supplemented with OWL handouts, including “Developing an Outline” and “The Paragraph”. Directions: Each slide is activated by a single mouse click, unless otherwise noted in bold at the bottom of each notes page. Writer and Designer: Jennifer Liethen Kunka Contributors: Muriel Harris, Karen Bishop, Bryan Kopp, Matthew Mooney, David Neyhart, and Andrew Kunka Updated by H. Allen Brizee, 2007. Developed with resources courtesy of the Purdue University Writing Lab Grant funding courtesy of the Multimedia Instructional Development Center at Purdue University © Copyright Purdue University, 2000, 2007. What is an Argument?An argument involves the process of establishing a claim and then proving it with the use of logical reasoning, examples, and research. * Activity: This slide offers a definition of the term “argument.” The facilitator may invite the audience to offer answers to the title question. Students often assume that building an argument is simply a confrontational activity designed to denigrate the opposition’s position. The facilitator may choose to explain to students that the focus of a strong argument should be upon a cohesive explanation of claims effectively paired with correlating evidence. Why is Organization Important in Argument?Guides an audience through your reasoning processOffers a clear explanation of each argued pointDemonstrates the credibility of the writer * Key Concept: Organization is an important component in any argument. Not only does a clear sense of organization guide the reader through the reasoning process, but it also demonstrates the credibility of the writer--that the writer has a clear conception of the issues involved and has the ability to offer a well-crafted response to the topic. An argument that has a confusing organization--that jumps from point to point without establishing connections between topics--is less likely to be convincing to its audience. Organizing Your ArgumentTitleIntroductionThesis statementBody ParagraphsConstructing Topic SentencesBuilding Main PointsCountering the OppositionConclusion * Rationale: This slide illustrates the topics covered in this presentation, as well as the ordering of the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion within an argument. Title: Why You Need OneIntroduces the topic of discussion to the audienceGenerates re.

1. Organizing Your Argument
*
Rationale: Welcome to “Organizing Your Argument.” This
presentation is designed to introduce your students to the
elements of an organized essay, including the introduction, the
thesis, body paragraphs, topic sentences, counterarguments, and
the conclusion. The twenty-one slides presented here are
designed to aid the facilitator in an interactive presentation
about constructing a well-organized argument. This
presentation is ideal for the introduction of argument to a
composition course, the beginning of a research unit, or the
assignment of a written argument.
This presentation may be supplemented with OWL handouts,
including “Developing an Outline” and “The Paragraph”.
Directions: Each slide is activated by a single mouse click,
unless otherwise noted in bold at the bottom of each notes page.
Writer and Designer: Jennifer Liethen Kunka
Contributors: Muriel Harris, Karen Bishop, Bryan Kopp,
Matthew Mooney, David Neyhart, and Andrew Kunka
Updated by H. Allen Brizee, 2007.
Developed with resources courtesy of the Purdue University
Writing Lab
Grant funding courtesy of the Multimedia Instructional
Development Center at Purdue University
© Copyright Purdue University, 2000, 2007.

2. What is an Argument?An argument involves the process of
establishing a claim and then proving it with the use of logical
reasoning, examples, and research.
*
Activity: This slide offers a definition of the term “argument.”
The facilitator may invite the audience to offer answers to the
title question. Students often assume that building an argument
is simply a confrontational activity designed to denigrate the
opposition’s position. The facilitator may choose to explain to
students that the focus of a strong argument should be upon a
cohesive explanation of claims effectively paired with
correlating evidence.
Why is Organization Important in Argument?Guides an
audience through your reasoning processOffers a clear
explanation of each argued pointDemonstrates the credibility of
the writer
*
Key Concept: Organization is an important component in any
argument. Not only does a clear sense of organization guide the
reader through the reasoning process, but it also demonstrates
the credibility of the writer--that the writer has a clear
conception of the issues involved and has the ability to offer a
well-crafted response to the topic. An argument that has a
confusing organization--that jumps from point to point without
establishing connections between topics--is less likely to be
convincing to its audience.

3. Organizing Your ArgumentTitleIntroductionThesis
statementBody ParagraphsConstructing Topic
SentencesBuilding Main PointsCountering the
OppositionConclusion
*
Rationale: This slide illustrates the topics covered in this
presentation, as well as the ordering of the introduction, body
paragraphs, and conclusion within an argument.
Title: Why You Need OneIntroduces the topic of discussion to
the audienceGenerates reader interest in the argument
*
Key Concept: The title is often an overlooked component in the
development of arguments. Indeed, the title provides the first
words the audience encounters upon reading the paper. The
title should introduce the topic of the argument as well as
generate interest in reading the argument.
Creating a TitleTry to grab attention byoffering a provocative
imagepicking up on words or examples offered in the body or
conclusion of the paperasking a questionAvoid titles that are too
general or lack character
*

4. Key Concepts: This slide offers suggestions for creating a title
that builds upon the topics discussed within a paper. A brief,
provocative image can invite the reader to find out more about
the topic. Picking up on significant words or phrases offered
throughout the paper can contribute to a sense of unity within
the argument. Asking a question can also provoke a response
from the reader; however, students should be aware that such
questions should be answered within the course of the argument.
Unanswered questions can indicate a weakness in the argument
of the topic. Titles that are too general or lack character do not
invite the reader to delve into the first paragraph and begin
reading.
Considering Titles
Imagine you just wrote a paper offering solutions to the
problem of road rage. Which do you consider to be the best
title?
Road Rage
Can’t Drive 55
Road Rage: Curing Our Highway Epidemic
*
Activity: The facilitator may have students consider which title
for a paper on road rage is the most effective. “Road Rage”
provides little to entice the reader, though it does introduce the
topic. “Can’t Drive 55,” while offering an interesting image,
would better fit a paper on the speed limit than on road rage,
which is defined by more than speeding. Also, “Can’t Drive
55” is unoriginal (a title from a popular Sammy Hagar song).
The third choice is the best selection here: it both introduces the
topic and provides an interesting analogy to describe the
seriousness of the problem.

5. What is an Introduction?Acquaints the reader with the topic and
purpose of the paperGenerates the audience’s interest in the
topicOffers a plan for the ensuing argumentIntroduction: Tell
them what you’re going to tell themBody: Tell themConclusion:
Tell them what you told them
*
Key Concept: The introduction continues upon the tasks of the
title--it both introduces the topic and generates audience
interest in reading the entire paper. The introduction also
indicates the purpose of the paper--to inform, persuade, call to
action, etc.--as well as offers a plan for the ensuing argument.
Methods for Constructing an Introductionpersonal
anecdoteexample-real or hypotheticalquestionquotationshocking
statisticsstriking image
*
Activity: The facilitator may ask students about effective
methods for beginning an introduction.
Key Concepts: A personal anecdote illustrates the writer’s
involvement within the topic, as well as moves the topic from
the abstract to the real. Examples, both real (have happened)
and hypothetical (have the potential to happen) can also help to
illustrate the problem. Posing an interesting question can also
generate reader interest; however, the question should be
answered within the course of the paper. A quotation can
provide a branch for discussion. Quotations, however, should
be made relevant to the topic of the paper. An explanation of

6. shocking statistics or the presentation of a striking image can
also invite the audience to continue reading the paper.
What is a Thesis Statement?The MOST IMPORTANT
SENTENCE in your paperLets the reader know the main idea of
the paperAnswers the question: “What am I trying to
prove?”Not a factual statement, but a claim that has to be
proven throughout the paper
*
Key Concept: A definition of a thesis statement is offered in
this slide. The facilitator may choose to emphasize to students
the difference between a claim that has to be proven and a
statement of fact.
Role of the Thesis StatementThe thesis statement should guide
your reader through your argument.The thesis statement is
generally located in the introduction of the paper.A thesis
statement may also be located within the body of the paper or in
the conclusion, depending upon the purpose or argument of the
paper.
*
Key Concept: This slide discusses the role of the thesis
statement in the paper. Thesis statements are often located in
the introduction, thereby setting up for the reader the claims of
the argument. However, theses may also be located in the body
paragraphs or in the conclusion, depending upon the writer’s
purpose, audience, topic, and mode of argument.

7. Activity: Additionally, the facilitator may also wish at this
point to discuss strategies for constructing a thesis statement for
a current class assignment.
Thesis Practice
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.
*
Activity: The facilitator may ask students to identify the most
effective thesis statement from the three listed examples. The
first example, while a well-phrased informative sentence, offers
a factual statement rather than an argumentative claim that
needs to be proven. The third example also fails to provide an
effective claim about the value of the V-chip. The second
example is the strongest argumentative thesis; it clearly
articulates the writer’s position on the issue and suggests that
the writer will proceed to prove this claim throughout the rest
of the paper.
Body Paragraphs and Topic SentencesBody paragraphs build
upon the claims made in the introductory paragraph(s)Organize
with the use of topic. Sentences that illustrate the main idea of

8. each paragraph.Offering a brief explanation of the history or
recent developments of topic within the early body paragraphs
can help the audience to become familiarized with your topic
and the complexity of the issue.
*
Key Concepts: This slide explains the function of body
paragraphs within an argument-to continue proving the claim
posited in the thesis statement. Clearly stated topic sentences
within each paragraph can help writers to focus their arguments
around their thesis statements. The facilitator may also suggest
that students offer a synopsis of the topic, including the history
of the issue and recent changes in current events that affect the
topic.
Body ParagraphsParagraphs may be ordered in several ways,
depending upon the topic and purpose of your argument:General
to specific informationMost important point to least important
pointWeakest claim to strongest claim
*
Key Concepts: Body paragraphs may be ordered in various
patterns, depending upon the purpose, audience, and topic of the
argument. This slide offers participants options for organizing
their work.
Activity: The facilitator may choose to offer suggestions on
organizing patterns for a current argumentative assignment.
Offering a CounterargumentAddressing the claims of the

9. 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.It shows you have considered other points of
view - that other points of view are valid and reasonable.
*
Key Concepts: Concerned with asserting the importance of
their own claims, writers sometimes overlook the importance of
considering the views of the opposition within their own
arguments. Countering oppositional claims demonstrates to the
audience that the writer has carefully considered multiple
components of the issue and has reached an educated decision.
If a writer finds that the opposition cannot be countered
effectively, he or she may need to reevaluate his or her own
opinions and claims about the argument.
Offering a CounterargumentCounterarguments may be located at
various locations within your body paragraphs.You may choose
tobuild each of your main points as a contrast to oppositional
claims.offer a counterargument after you have articulated your
main claims.
*
Key Concept: Counterarguments may be located at various
points within a paper. It is important, however, that the writer
offer a convincing response to the claims of the opposition.
Activity: The facilitator may choose to offer specific tips to
students about counterarguing in a current argumentative
assignment.

10. Effective CounterargumentsConsider 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.
*
Key Concepts: This slide suggests the importance of
considering the audience in offering a counterargument. If a
writer is trying to argue about the dangers of second-hand
smoke to a group of smokers, the writer needs to offer his or her
opinion in such a way that the opposition can see the rationality
of his or her claims. If the writer instead chooses to rant about
how much he or she dislikes smokers, it is doubtful that the
audience will feel any sympathy with the argued position and
will reject the argument. The facilitator may choose to
emphasize that tact and audience consideration are very
important elements of effective counterarguments.
Research in Body ParagraphsResearched 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.
*
Key Concepts: Writers sometimes fall into the trap of letting
research material overwhelm the paper, rather than using
sources to prove their own argumentative claims. It is

11. important to be selective when using source material; just
because a source may relate to your topic does not mean it will
necessarily be useful or relevant to proving your claims.
Offering clear topic sentences that articulate claims relating to
the thesis can be a useful strategy for offering a frame to
researched material. Sources can then be used to back the claim
provided in the topic sentence.
ConclusionYour 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.Introduction: Tell them
what you’re going to tell themBody: Tell themConclusion: Tell
them what you told them
*
Key Concepts: The conclusion is also an important paragraph
in a paper--it provides the last words that a writer will present
to his or her audience. Therefore, it should have a lasting
impact. The conclusion should work to reemphasize the main
claims of the argument, articulating the importance of the
argued position and, when appropriate, the reader’s need to take
action on the issue. Writers should also avoid raising new
claims in concluding paragraphs--there is no more room to
argue points comprehensively or convincingly. Such new points
would be better repositioned within the body paragraphs.
Recap: Organizing Your ArgumentTitleIntroductionBody
ParagraphsConstructing Topic SentencesBuilding Main
PointsCountering the OppositionConclusion

12. *
Rationale: This slide reemphasizes the main points covered in
this presentation.
Activity: The facilitator may at this time choose to field
questions about the organization of an argument.
Where to Go for More HelpPurdue University Writing
LabHeavilon 226Grammar Hotline: (765) 494-3723Check our
web site: http://owl.english.purdue.eduEmail brief questions:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/writinglab/topic/owlmail/
*
Rationale: As the presentation concludes, the facilitator can
remind students that they can come to the Writing Lab for extra
help with organizing their arguments.
The End
*
1
4Title of PaperStudent NameCourse/Number
Due Date

13. Faculty Name
Title of Paper
Triple click your mouse anywhere in this paragraph to replace
this text with your introduction. Often the most important
paragraph in the entire essay, the introduction grabs the reader's
attention—sometimes a difficult task for academic writing.
When writing an introduction, some approaches are best
avoided. Avoid starting sentences with “The purpose of this
essay is . . .” or “In this essay I will . . .” or any similar flat
announcement of your intention or topic. Read more: Center for
Writing Excellence>Tutorials and Guides>Essay
Development>Guidelines for Writing Academic Essays.
Level One Heading
Replace the level one heading with the words for your heading.
The heading must be in bold font. Headings are a necessary part
of helping your audience track the sub-topics discussed in the
body of the essay or report.
Be sure to indent the first line of each paragraph between five
and seven spaces by pressing the Tab key one time on the
keyboard. In addition, remember to double space the entire
paper using the double space functionality in Word. This
template is already formatted for double spacing. Read more:
Center for Writing Excellence>Tutorials and Guides>Software
Tutorials and Guides>Formatting Tutorial for APA.
In addition, keep in mind an academic essay should contain at
least five paragraphs, which includes the introduction
(introductory paragraph), the body (which is generally at least 3
paragraphs), and the conclusion (generally one paragraph). Most
well-developed paragraphs contain at least 3-5 sentences, one of
which is the topic sentence. Limit each body paragraph to one
sub-topic.
Level Two Heading
Replace the level two heading with the words for your heading.

14. The heading must be in bold font. Read more about APA
headings on the APA Style Blog.
Conclusion
The closing paragraph is designed to bring the reader to your
way of thinking if you are writing a persuasive essay, to
understand relationships if you are writing a
comparison/contrast essay, or simply to value the information
you provide in an informational essay. The closing paragraph
summarizes the key points from the supporting paragraphs
without introducing any new information.
References
This is a hanging indent. To keep the hanging indent format,
triple click your mouse on this line of text and replace the
information with your reference entry. You can use the
Reference and Citation Examples (Center for Writing
Excellence>Tutorials and Guides>Reference and Citation
Examples) to help format your source information into a
reference entry.
The reference page always begins on the top of the next page
after the conclusion.