How To Argue

1 Pages 159 Words

In an argumentative essay, the writer does many or all of the following things:

· Defines the issue and crucial terms or concepts associated with the issue
· Establishes a context for arguing about the issue (providing background, explaining a problems, describing a recent event, surveying and ongoing debate)
· Presents a claim about the issue
· Supports the claim with logical argumentation, collected and interpreted data, and/or appeals to values
· Presents opposing or alternative claims about the issue
· Refutes, qualifies, or concedes those alternative claims
· Suggests a policy be enacted, an action be taken, or a point of view be changed
· Predicts outcomes based on following--or not following--suggested policies



Outline

I. Introduction
Will include thesis (argument), define issue, provide context for arguing about issue, present claim about the issue.

II. Body
Support claim with logical argumentation, data, or values

II. Body
Present opposing claim about issue.

II. Body
Refute, qualify, or concede alternative claim.

II. Conclusion
Suggest a policy be enacted, an action be taken, or point of view be changed.
Predict outcomes based on following or not following suggested policies....