Analysis of an Issue Template

Paragraph 1 – Introduction Acknowledge the complexity of the issue:

The issue/belief/opinion that ____________________ is a complex/controversial/interesting

one.

Upon first glance at ___________________, it would appear that the speaker is correct.

However, _________________.

____________________________________ is a complex issue.

Many/Some people believe __________________________, but these people overlook

_________________.

Thesis statement:

I agree/disagree with the statement that ______________ because ____(overview of paragraph

2&3)___________.

My opinion is that ___________________________.

I will show that _____________________________.

I shall present arguments to show that __________________________.

However, I intend to agree that ___________ is __________________________ because

_____________.

In this essay I will argue that _____________________.

Paragraph 2 – First Point Transition:

First, __________________

Statement of Point

Example

Relate the Example

Paragraph 3 – Second Point Transition:

Second, _____________________

Statement of Point

Example

Relate the Example

Paragraph 4 – Rejection of the Counter-Point Statement of Counter Point:

On the other hand, some may argue that _________________.

One compelling argument against/for_______ is that ________________. A second compelling

argument ________________.

Rebuttal to Counter Point

Examples Supporting Rebuttal

Relate the Example

Paragraph 5 – Conclusion Transition Phrase:

In conclusion/sum, ____________.

Recap of Thesis Statement

Summary of Outline

Analysis of an Argument Template

Paragraph 1 - Introduction Dissection of the argument (name the parts: premises, conclusions, assumptions)

Thesis Statement:

The argument that ____________ is flawed because __(paragraph 2 overview)___ and

____(paragraph 3 overview)___.

Though his claim may well have merit, the author presents a poorly reasoned argument, based

on several questionable premises, and based solely on the evidence the author offers, we

cannot accept his argument as valid.

Paragraph 2 – First Point Transition:

First, __________________

Statement of Point

Example

Relate the Example

Paragraph 3 – Second Point Transition:

Second, _____________________

Statement of Point

Example

Relate the Example

Paragraph 4 – How to Fix Argument Transition Phrase:

Moreover,

How to fix the argument

Valid research studies, statistics would _____________.

_____________ would better be able to state his case.

______________ would be better able to prove that ___________.

___________ will make it more likely to believe the statement.

Gap between evidence and conclusion ___________.

__________ explain robustly _______.

Paragraph 5 – Conclusion Transition Phrase:

In conclusion/sum, ____________.

Iffy research

Poor reasoning

Recap of Thesis Statement

Summary of Outline

Other Words/Phrases to use

________ may be true, but ________

Vague, unsubstantiated fact

______________ muddies his conclusion.

Unspecific, unimpressive and unrelated facts.

No reason to trust its validity,

Weak and unconvincing statement

Refers, cites,

Bring into question

Credible

Trust the information that/validity of __.

Insightful /thoughtful.

Transition:

In addition,

Furthermore,

However,

For example,

First of all,

In fact,

Finally,

____ then leads into the claim that ____

The article goes on to say that _______.

Reference:

Author

Article

Argument

Writer