argument developing(1)
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Are you writing an argument?
An argument involves
the process ofestablishing a claim andthen proving it with theuse of logical reasoning,
examples, and research.
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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.
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Writing Clearly for Arts & Science
Three main principles of good writing are
1. Clarity
2. Conciseness3. Forcefulness
When you are out to describe the truth,
leave elegance to the tailor. Albert Einstein
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Organizing Your Paper
Title
Introduction Establishing Context
Stating Claim (Thesisstatement)
Body Paragraphs Constructing Topic
Sentences
Building Main Points
Providing CounterArguments
Conclusion
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Why is organization important inbuilding an argument?
Guides an audience throughyour reasoning process
Offers a clear explanation ofeach argued point
Demonstrates the credibilityof the writer
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Structuring an Argument
Make a claim.Anticipate objections from your
audience.
Counter those objections by supportingyour claim with solid reasons andevidence.
Submit a conclusion derived from theevidence.
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Title--why do you need one?
Introduces the topic of
discussion to theaudience
Generates readerinterest in the argument
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Thinking about Titles
Avoid titles that are toogeneral or lack character
Pick up on words orexamples offered in the
body or conclusion of thepaper
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Considering Titles
Imagine you just wrote a paper offeringsolutions to the problem of road rage.
Which do you consider to be
the most effective title?Road Rage
Cant Drive 55
Road Rage: Curing Our Highway Epidemic
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Effective Ways to Begin an Introduction
personal anecdote
example (real or hypothetical)
question
quotation
shocking statistics
striking image
brief summary of the background
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What is a thesis statement?
The MOST IMPORTANTSENTENCE in your paper
Lets the reader know the main
idea of the paper Not a factual statement, but aclaimthat has to be proventhroughout the paper
Answers the question: Whatam I trying to prove?
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Thesis Statements in Argument Essays
Everything in the essay should relate to thethesis statement.
Construct a series of arguments which willconvince the reader of the truth and validityof your position as stated in the thesis.
Use your thesis statement as the startingpoint for a plan or outline of your essay.
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3 Kinds of Thesis Statements
Analytical thesis statements:- Electronic invasion of privacy endangers American families.
Argumentative thesis statements:- Internet users should never send personal information, such as
credit card numbers, social security numbers, or even homeaddresses, through the internet.
Explanatory thesis statements:-Privacy problems on the internet are inevitable because of the
technical format, human nature, and the realities of contemporarylife.
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Which thesis statement is the most effective foran argumentabout the need for V-chips in
television sets?
Parents, often too busy to watch television shows withtheir families, can monitor their childrens viewinghabits with the aid of the V-chip.
To help parents monitor their childrens viewing habits,the V-chip should be a required feature for televisionsets sold in the U.S.
This paper will describe a V-chip and examine the usesof the V-chip in American-made television sets.
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How Can You Tell a Strong ThesisStatement?
A strong thesis takes some sort ofstand.
A strong thesis justifies the discussionin the rest of your essay.
A strong thesis expresses one mainidea.
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Body Paragraphs andTopic Sentences
Body paragraphs build upon theclaims made in the introductoryparagraph(s).
Use topic sentences to illustratethe main idea of each paragraph.
Give a brief explanation of thehistory or recent developments inyour topic within the early bodyparagraphs.
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Body Paragraphs
Paragraphs may be ordered inseveral ways, depending upon
the topic and purpose of yourargument:
General to specific information
Most important point to least
important point Weakest claim to strongest claim
(emphatic)
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Offering a Counterargument
Addressing the claims of theopposition is an importantcomponent in building a
convincing argument. It demonstrates your
credibility as a writer--youhave researched multiple
sides of the argument andhave come to an informeddecision.
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Offering a Counterargument
Counterarguments may belocated at various locations
within your body paragraphs.
You may choose to:
build each of your main points
as a contrast to oppositionalclaims.
offer a counterargument afteryou have articulated your mainclaims.
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Counterarguing effectively
Consider your audience when
you offer your counter-arguments.
Conceding to some of your
oppositions concerns candemonstrate respect for theiropinions.
Remain tactful yet firm.
Using rude or deprecatinglanguage can cause youraudience to reject your positionwithout carefully considering
your claims.
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Incorporating research into the bodyparagraphs
Researched material canaid you in proving theclaims of your argumentand disproving
oppositional claims. Be sure to use your
research to support theclaims made in your topic
sentences--make yourresearch work to proveyour argument!
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Conclusion -- The Big Finale
Your conclusion shouldreemphasize the mainpoints made in your paper.
You may choose toreiterate a call to action orspeculate on the future ofyour topic, whenappropriate.
Avoid raising new claims inyour conclusion.
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Remember:A well-organized paper is essential!
Title Introduction
Establishing Context
Stating Claim (Thesis
statement) Body Paragraphs
Constructing TopicSentences
Building Main Points Providing Counter
Arguments
Conclusion
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Credits
Presentation by Carole Chapman, Ivy Tech Community College
Adapted from a presentation by the
Purdue University Writing Lab