Classic Model for an Argument No one structure fits all written arguments. Below is a basic outline for an argumentative or persuasive essay. The major sections can be reversed, starting with refuting opposition and ending with reasons for your position. Let your topic help guide you. This is only one possible outline or organization. Remember that an emphatic structure works for many arguments, although a chronological or cumulative approach could also work. I. Introduction o Your introductory paragraph sets the stage or the context for the position you are arguing for. Consider the techniques we covered in class: anecdote, quotation, dramatic fact, etc. o This introduction should include the thesis statement that provides the claim (what you are arguing for). A. Your thesis: 1. states what your position on an issue is-NO FIRST PERSON-NO ANNOUNCEMENTS 2. usually appears within the introduction 3. should be a declarative sentence and often contains emphatic language (should, ought, must) B. Sample Argumentative Thesis 1. The production, sale, and possession of assault weapons for private citizens should be banned in the U.S. II. Background Information A. This section of your paper gives the reader the basic information he or she needs to understand your position, including important theories or terms. B. This could be part of the introduction, but may work as its own section or be incorporated within the essay as needed. III. Your Position o All evidence you present in this section should support your position. This is the heart of your essay. Each supporting paragraph should have a topic sentence that clearly relates to the thesis. Remember to balance “telling” (explanation of your point) and “showing” (evidence for that point). Remember the three primary appeals: ethos, pathos, and logos. o Types of evidence include: · primary sources – interview with someone who works or studies in the field, original documents such as laws, census data etc., and surveys. · Opinions/observations from recognized authorities · Statistics, studies, published research A. Keeping assault weapons out of private citizens’ hands can lower the increasing occurrences of barbaric public slayings 1. Newtown Elementary mass shooting 2. Columbine School Shooting 3. Virginia Tech shooting 4. How did these individuals gain access to weapons? B. The ban on assault weapons is backed heavily by public opinion, major organizations, and even law enforcement. 1. 12% favor ban (Much 92 Timetable News) 2. Organizational endorsements 3. Nat'l Sherriff's Assoc./lntn'l Assoc. of Police Chiefs C. The monetary and human costs incurred by crimes committed with assault weapons are too great to ignore. 1. 10,561 murders in 1990 by handguns 2. Study of 131 injured patients’ medical expenses paid by public funds IV. Addressing the Opposite Side o Any well-written argument must anticipate and addre ...

1. Classic Model for an Argument
No one structure fits all written arguments. Below is a basic
outline for an argumentative or
persuasive essay. The major sections can be reversed, starting
with refuting opposition and
ending with reasons for your position. Let your topic help guide
you.
This is only one possible outline or organization. Remember
that an emphatic structure works
for many arguments, although a chronological or cumulative
approach could also work.
I. Introduction
o Your introductory paragraph sets the stage or the context for
the position you are arguing for.
Consider the techniques we covered in class: anecdote,
quotation, dramatic fact, etc.
o This introduction should include the thesis statement that
provides the claim (what you are
arguing for).
A. Your thesis:
1. states what your position on an issue is-NO FIRST PERSON-
NO ANNOUNCEMENTS
2. usually appears within the introduction

2. 3. should be a declarative sentence and often contains emphatic
language (should, ought,
must)
B. Sample Argumentative Thesis
1. The production, sale, and possession of assault weapons for
private citizens should be
banned in the U.S.
II. Background Information
A. This section of your paper gives the reader the basic
information he or she needs to
understand your position, including important theories or terms.
B. This could be part of the introduction, but may work as its
own section or be
incorporated within the essay as needed.
III. Your Position
o All evidence you present in this section should support your
position. This is the heart of
your essay. Each supporting paragraph should have a topic
sentence that clearly relates to the
thesis. Remember to balance “telling” (explanation of your
point) and “showing” (evidence for
that point). Remember the three primary appeals: ethos, pathos,
and logos.
o Types of evidence include:
· primary sources – interview with someone who works or

3. studies in the field, original
documents such as laws, census data etc., and surveys.
· Opinions/observations from recognized authorities
· Statistics, studies, published research
A. Keeping assault weapons out of private citizens’ hands can
lower the increasing
occurrences of barbaric public slayings
1. Newtown Elementary mass shooting
2. Columbine School Shooting
3. Virginia Tech shooting
4. How did these individuals gain access to weapons?
B. The ban on assault weapons is backed heavily by public
opinion, major organizations,
and even law enforcement.
1. 12% favor ban (Much 92 Timetable News)
2. Organizational endorsements
3. Nat'l Sherriff's Assoc./lntn'l Assoc. of Police Chiefs
C. The monetary and human costs incurred by crimes committed
with assault weapons
are too great to ignore.
1. 10,561 murders in 1990 by handguns
2. Study of 131 injured patients’ medical expenses paid by
public funds
IV. Addressing the Opposite Side

4. o Any well-written argument must anticipate and address
positions in opposition to the one
being argued.
A. Strict gun control laws won't affect crime rate
1. Low murder rate in Britain, Australia (etc., where strict
controls are in
force).
B. Outlaws would still own guns
1. Any effort to move trend in opposite direction would benefit
future
generations
V. Conclusion
o The conclusion should bring the essay to a logical end. It
should explain what the
importance of your issue is in a larger context. Your conclusion
should also reiterate why
your topic is worth caring about.
o Some arguments conclude with a call to action or make
prediction on the future of the topic.
Adapted from: Simon & Schuster Handbook for Writers. Ed.
Lynn Quitman Troyka, 6th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Prentice Hall, 2002.
The Writer’s Workplace. Ed. Sandra Scarry and John Scarry.
6th ed. Boston: Thomson Wadsworth, 2008.

5. Title
ABC/123 Version X
1
Leadership Blog Template
LDR/300 Version 7
2
University of Phoenix Material
Leadership Blog Template
Headline
[The title or overall description of the blog]
Blogging Tips
1. Spend quality time in the planning & research phase of your
blog. Your facts must be accurate.
2. Carefully consider your readers so that your message is
understood and useful.
3. Create an engaging opening to your blog; you want them to
read everything so be careful not to be boring!
4. Add an image, photo, chart, or graph to convey an important
point in your blog.
5. Keep your paragraphs short, using clear, concise sentences to
convey the essence of your topic to your readers.
Opening
[A statement that describes the recent changes to the company
and the reason for these changes]

6. Message #1
[A description of the need to adapt and lead within a changing
business environment]
Message #2
[A description of the Team Leadership Model and how it applies
to this business transition]
Message #3
[A description of how this diverse, international business
structure will improve overall business performance]
Message #4
[A statement that focuses on one or two positive aspects of
change that will help to motivate your employees]
Wrap- Up/Conclusion
[A statement that summarizes your overall message]
*Visit several of your favorite websites to see how blogs are
written.
Resources for Readers
[Additional resources for your employees to reflect upon]
*Use may use this template as a guide.

7. Citations (APA)
[References for any citations or additional resources]
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reserved.
Copyright © 2017 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.
English Composition
Eng. 211C
Argument
Essay #4
Min. 2000 words
Summer 2020
For the fourth essay, you are to argue a position on a
controversial issue (excluding abortion and capital punishment).
This argument requires research, at least 6 sources (one of
which may be an interview with someone who works or studies
primarily in that field and/or a survey of at least 100 people and
one of which must be a book), and depth, at least 1600 words.
In order to argue your position effectively, vary your types of
evidence, use reliable research to support your claims, address
the opposition, and apply sound logic. Be sure to include a
strong, clear thesis that defines your position and stay focused
on your purpose and audience. Develop your points thoroughly
and structure your argument clearly.
Follow MLA documentation faithfully and use the correct
format. Revise carefully, proofreading closely for mechanical
errors.

8. Outline due on Research Journal
Rough Draft due on Bb
Peer review due on Bb
Final Draft due on Bb