Writing an Argument Writing an Argument PaperPaper

Argument vs. PersuasiveArgument vs. Persuasive

They are similarThey are similar Persuasive writing is more about Persuasive writing is more about

convincing the reader with ideas and convincing the reader with ideas and emotions emotions

Argument writing uses facts and research Argument writing uses facts and research to support an opinion on a topicto support an opinion on a topic

Choose a TopicChoose a Topic

Choose a topic about which you have an Choose a topic about which you have an opinionopinion

You have to pick a side, you can’t be in You have to pick a side, you can’t be in the middlethe middle

Pick the side you want write about, it Pick the side you want write about, it doesn’t have to necessarily be your actual doesn’t have to necessarily be your actual opinion. opinion.

The Structure: Introductory The Structure: Introductory ParagraphParagraph

First introduce the topic. First introduce the topic. Tell about the topic in detail. Tell about the topic in detail. Describe the topic before you assert your Describe the topic before you assert your

side. side. Start neutralStart neutral

Towards the middle to bottom of the intro Towards the middle to bottom of the intro paragraph assert your opinion about the paragraph assert your opinion about the topictopic Remember, we DO NOT use “I” statements. Remember, we DO NOT use “I” statements.

State it as a fact. State it as a fact.

The Structure: Body ParagraphsThe Structure: Body Paragraphs1 & 21 & 2

For the first two body paragraphs you willFor the first two body paragraphs you will Present a reason that your opinion on the topic is Present a reason that your opinion on the topic is

correctcorrect• Support that reason with research from a trusted source. Support that reason with research from a trusted source.

Use a direct quotation. Use a direct quotation. Cite your Source accurately Cite your Source accurately

Each body paragraph presents a Each body paragraph presents a differentdifferent supporting reason and sourcesupporting reason and source

You may use multiple sources in one paragraph You may use multiple sources in one paragraph if you have a lot of good research. if you have a lot of good research.

The Structure: Body Paragraph 3The Structure: Body Paragraph 3

Counter Argument Counter Argument You think of what your opponent would say You think of what your opponent would say

• Present their findings, then prove them wrong by Present their findings, then prove them wrong by using actual research to prove your point. using actual research to prove your point.

The ConclusionThe Conclusion

In your conclusion you need to recap the In your conclusion you need to recap the reasons that your opinion is the correct reasons that your opinion is the correct one. one.

You restate your arguments. You restate your arguments. You do not have to use a citation, but you You do not have to use a citation, but you

may. may.

Other InfoOther Info

Use MLA formatting, header, heading, Use MLA formatting, header, heading, margins, fonts. Etc. margins, fonts. Etc.

You must have a works cited page! You must have a works cited page! Use proper MLA formatting for the works Use proper MLA formatting for the works

cited. See the MLA guide for help. cited. See the MLA guide for help. Do not say “I think” or “I feel” etc. Do not say “I think” or “I feel” etc. Do not use personal examples. Do not use personal examples.

The assignmentThe assignment

You will write an argument paper. You will write an argument paper. There is not a specific set length, but it should There is not a specific set length, but it should

be no less than 5 paragraphs of 4- 6 be no less than 5 paragraphs of 4- 6 sentences each. sentences each.

You will choose a side on a specific topic. You will choose a side on a specific topic. You will need at least 3 sources, at least You will need at least 3 sources, at least

one of those needs to be a print source: one of those needs to be a print source: Newspaper, magazine, book, etc. Newspaper, magazine, book, etc.

Example Paper: Intro Example Paper: Intro

Example Paper: BodyExample Paper: Body

Example Paper: Counter-ArgumentExample Paper: Counter-Argument

Example Paper: ConclusionExample Paper: Conclusion