The document provides guidance on writing an effective argument paper. It should begin with an introductory paragraph that sets up a debatable topic and thesis. The body should provide background information, reasons supporting the thesis with examples, and anticipate and rebut opposing positions. The conclusion should call the reader to action without an abrupt ending. Tone should be fair, credible, and avoid exaggeration.

1. The Argument Paper
Karen S. Wright

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
A paragraph becomes
an argument when it takes Hmm
a 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. 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.

6. Take out paper and develop an idea and thesis
statement for a written argument on the following
topic:
Topic: Book censorship in libraries.
Idea for it:
Idea against it:
Thesis:
Thesis:

7. 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.

8. Elements in Written Argument
• Introductory Sentences
• Questions to Consider
• Thesis Statement
• Background Information
if needed.
• Reasons, Examples, or
Evidence
• Anticipation to Likely
Objections and Rebuttal
• Concluding statement-
Call to Action/Suggest an
action

9. First few sentences
• Sets the context for the position that is
argued.
• Gives a pertinent statistic or statistics.
• Asks a provocative question or questions.
• Uses an appropriate quotation.
• Makes a useful analogy.
• Identifies the situation.

10. What has What can
been done? be done?

11. Thesis sTaTemenT
Oh no!!
• It states the position
being argued.
• It states the paragraph’s
subject.
• It reflects on the purpose.
• It includes a focus—your
idea that will convey your
point of view.
• It uses specific language
Don’t be upset— —vague words are
Just think logically avoided.

12. Background Information
 Gives the reader basic
information.
 Adds needed information
for understanding the
position being argued.

13. Reasons, Examples, or Evidence
 Supports the position
being argued.
 The core of the
paragraph.
 The reasoning must be
logical and solid as a rock.
 Each reason consists of a
general statement backed
up with specific
examples--and don’t
forget---develop these
ideas.

14. Anticipation of Objections and
Responses
• This section mentions possible
oppositions to the argument and rebuts it
briefly.
• In classical argument, this “refutation”
appears immediately BEFORE the
concluding sentences and summation.
• An alternative placement is immediately
after the introductory sentence, as a
“bridge” to the rest of the paragraph.

15. Concluding Sentences
 Brings the paragraph
to a logical end that
flows gracefully from
the topic
sentence/thesis.
 Does not abruptly cut
off reader.
 Calls for awareness.
 Looks ahead to the
future—a call to
action.

16. 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:
show that you, as the
writer, can be relied
upon as a
knowledgeable person
with good sense.

17. 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 more reasonable.
• Choose your words carefully.
• Don’t exaggerate.
• Use similes and metaphors to enhance your
argument rather than distort it.
• Never insult anyone.

18. Revision Checklist for argument
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?