2. The argument paper must
present a debatable point.
Mere knowledge of
the truth will not
give you the art of
persuasion.
Plato
3. When choosing a topic
for written argument, be
sure it is open for debate.
Facts are a matter of
information, not debate.
Think
An paper becomes an
argument when it takes a Hmm
position concerning the
facts. Yep!
4. ? ?
Students at Washington State College are
Fact:
required to take physical education.
Open Students at Washington College should
Debate: not be required to take physical
education.
Opposite Students at Washington College
Position: should be required to take physical
education.
5. •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.
6. 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.
7. Idea: Holidays have Thesis: The spirit of
become too the holidays is being
commercialized. destroyed by
commercialism.
Thesis: Commercial
Idea: Holidays have
uses of holidays benefit
not become too
the nation’s economy
commercialized. and lift people’s spirits.
8. Develop a thesis statement for a written argument
on the following topic:
Topic: Book censorship in libraries.
Thesis:
Thesis:
9. 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.
10. Elements in Written Argument
• Introductory S tatement
• Thes is S tatement
• B ackground Information
— if needed
• Reas ons or E vidence for
your argument
• A nticipate Likely
Objections
• Rebuttal of Objections
• C oncluding S tatement-
C all to A ction
12. Thesis sTaTemenT
Oh no!!
• 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
Don’t be upset— view.
Just think logically • It uses specific language
14. 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.
16. Anticipation of Objections and
Responses
This section will mention possible oppositions to
the argument and rebuts it briefly.
17. Concluding Sentence
Brings 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
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. Revision Checklist for argument
• 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?
