Writing to Argue Pamela Fox

Choosing a Topic Make certain the topic is debatable: has at least two sides. Make certain the topic is relevant: still a matter of controversy—current Make certain you can compose a claim about the topic Ask questions about the topic to determine whether or not you can take a position

Develop a Claim Identify the primary facts related to the topic. Ask questions for both sides of the debate. Write statements that articulate both sides of the debate (or the several sides if necessary) Make a claim for one side or the other.

Thinking about theThesis Statement Look carefully at your claims. Example: Topic: Wild animals as domestic pets Claim: People should not be allowed to own wild animals. Claim: People should be allowed to own wild animals.

Composing the thesis statement Must be one clearly articulated sentence. Must include the topic Must take a position: agree, disagree, or qualified agreement or disagreement Must be clear and concise May include a list of reasons Must be general enough to cover all mains points and evidence But, must be specifically worded—not vague. All verbs must be in the active voice.

Classical Argument Structure Introduction: Gets the readers’ attention & includes the thesis statement Background: Gives the audience the basic information necessary to understanding the controversy and its history Body Paragraphs: Focus on one main supporting point and fully develop it with evidence and reasons (RENNS) before moving the another point. Some points require several paragraphs to develop. Paraphrase and cite. Use no or few quotes.

Classical Argument Structure Acknowledging the Opposition: This paragraph or paragraphs must discuss the opposition argument and address its strongest points. This section is often called the refutation or the rebuttal. May be lengthy if necessary. Conclusion: Sometimes summarizes the argument. Can call readers to action. No questions in any part of the essay, including the conclusion. Can include anecdotes. No new information or arguments introduced.

Guidelines for Persuasive Appeals Must be logical: check for logical organization. Should engage the readers by appealing to values and/or beliefs: Use ethical appeals. Try to appeal to the readers’ minds rather than to their hearts, so limit emotional appeals. Should demonstrate credibility because scholarly sources are used and because slanted language and logical fallacies are eliminated

Audience Write to your audience, which is scholarly and academic Make appropriate word choices Eliminate slang, “name-calling” and sexist language, and clichés Use a reasonable tone. Use scholarly, credible sources Use general plural nouns instead of singular nouns unless you are talking about a specific person, place, or thing.

How to Deal with the Opposition Examine the evidence for each opposing argument Analyze the arguments: claims and warrants Demonstrate that the opposing argument depends more on emotional appeal than on reason or ethics. Explain the negative outcomes for the opposing argument Concede that the opposition has one good point. But, explain that the one good point is insufficient in relation to the number of negative points.

Polishing Edit Revise Proofread Polish

No cover page---wastes paper. Submission Turn in the final paper on the due date Put it in a large manila envelope Include all of your sources, highlighted and annotated with the page numbers and paragraph numbers where you paraphrased the information. Cite all sources and page numbers accurately according to MLA. Use MLA format throughout the paper. Typed, double-spaced, 12 point New Times Roman font No cover page---wastes paper.