Argument paper

Argument Paper

Write a five-page (double-spaced, 12-point font (like Times New Roman)) argument paper persuading an academic audience of a thesis of your choosing. The paper must have the following clearly distinguished sections, with one paragraph for each:

Introduction: Start by creating interest, then help your reader get thinking about the topic you are writing on. In the last sentence of the introduction paragraph, clearly state the thesis you are arguing in the rest of the paper, beginning with the words “I argue that…”)

Background: Now that your reader knows what you’re trying to prove, what information will be helpful for them to know, before you start arguing? What’s the history of the disagreement you’re engaging in? Are there any words you might want to define to make sure they know what you’re talking about? Are there any recent stories around your issue that show how it’s still important?

Reason 1: What is one reason that your thesis is true? Start with a topic sentence with the main idea of the whole paragraph, that says, “One reason that [your thesis] is because…” and complete that sentence with your first reason. Then, explain (with your own thoughts, or, if you want, with evidence you find) why that reason is true. Make sure to use evidence that will work with a wide audience (your classmates and teacher,) and if you use any outside information, make sure to say where you got it. (We’ll do citation more formally in the next paper.)

Reason 2: What is another, different reason your thesis is true? You can start with a similar topic sentence as with the first reason, as in, “Another reason that [your thesis] is because…” and make sure it makes sense. Again, check to make sure that this reason is sufficiently different than your first reason. Then, again, give an explanation and evidence to convince your reader that your reason is true.

Reason 3: What is a third reason that your thesis is true? Again, make sure it directly proves your thesis (starting with a topic sentence), and that it’s different than the other two reasons, then give sufficient relevant, related, organized evidence.

Counter-argument: Think of the strongest reason someone would disagree with your thesis, and then disprove it in the following steps (all together in the same paragraph):

– counterargument statement: Beginning with the words, “Some people say that …” explain why some people would disagree with your thesis. Think of the strongest, trickiest disagreement you can (otherwise your reader might think of it on their own!), and spell it out in language that a person who disagrees with you would agree is a fair way to say what they’re thinking.

– concession: Think of part of this counterargument that you can agree with, and say what part of it is you agree with. This is showing that you are listening and disarms their defenses, even if you disagree with their main idea.

– refutation: End by saying why the counterargument is wrong, and why your thesis is still right. Don’t forget to include this, or you’ll be arguing against your own thesis right near the end of your paper!

Conclusion: Remind your reader of the point of your argument, without not simply restating it. What other questions are left to answer? What are some implications of what you’ve proven? What do you want your reader to be thinking of as they leave your paper?