Writing a paper an introduction

Modified from Resources of the Purdue University Writing Lab

Paper Writing:Making an Argument


Are you writing an argument?

An argument involves the

process of establishing a

claim and then proving it

with the use of logical

reasoning, examples, and

research.


Steps in the Process

Choose a topic you can explore.

Study the issues critically.

Pick a side.

Make a claim (thesis statement).

Make a case for the defense of your position.

Consider the opposing viewpoints by either a) refuting them or b) qualifying your own argument.

Test your argument for fairness/effectiveness


Writing Clearly for Arts & Science

Three main principles of good writing are:

1. Clarity

2. Conciseness

3. Forcefulness

“When you are out to describe the truth,

leave elegance to the tailor.” Albert Einstein


Organizing Your Paper

Title

Introduction Thesis statement

Body Paragraphs Constructing Topic

Sentences

Building Main Points

Countering the Opposition?

Conclusion


Why is organization important

in building an argument?

Guides an audience through

your reasoning process

Offers a clear explanation of

each argued point

Demonstrates the credibility

of the writer


Thinking about Titles

Introduce the topic of discussion

to the audience

Avoid titles that are too general

or lack character

Pick up on words or examples

offered in the body or

conclusion of the paper


Ways to Begin an Introduction

personal anecdote

example-real or hypothetical

question

quotation

shocking statistics

striking image

brief summary of the

background


What is a thesis statement?

The MOST IMPORTANT SENTENCE in your paper

Lets the reader know the main idea of the paper

Not a factual statement, but a claim that has to be proven throughout the paper

Answers the question: “What am I trying to prove?”


3 Kinds of Thesis Statements

Analytical thesis statements:- “Electronic invasion of privacy endangers Canadian families.”

Argumentative thesis statements:- “Internet users should never send personal information, such as

credit card numbers, social security numbers, or even home addresses, through the internet.”

Explanatory thesis statements:- “Privacy problems on the internet are inevitable because of the

technical format, human nature, and the realities of contemporary life.”


Thesis Statements in Argument

Essays

Everything in the essay should relate to the thesis statement.

Construct a series of arguments which will convince the reader of the truth and validity of your position as stated in the thesis.

Use your thesis statement as the starting point for a plan or outline of your essay.


Which thesis statement is the most effective for an argument about the need for V-chips in television sets?

Parents, often too busy to watch television shows with

their families, can monitor their children’s viewing habits

with the aid of the V-chip.

To help parents monitor their children’s viewing habits,

the V-chip should be a required feature for television

sets sold in the U.S.

This paper will describe a V-chip and examine the uses

of the V-chip in American-made television sets.


How Can You Tell a Strong

Thesis Statement?

A strong thesis takes some sort of stand.

A strong thesis justifies the discussion in the rest of your essay.

A strong thesis expresses one main idea.

A strong thesis statement is specific.


Body Paragraphs and

Topic Sentences

Body paragraphs build upon the claims made in the introductory paragraph(s).

Use topic sentences to illustrate the main idea of each paragraph.

Give a brief explanation of the history or recent developments in your topic within the early body paragraphs.


Body Paragraphs

Paragraphs may be ordered in

several ways, depending upon

the topic and purpose of your

argument:

General to specific information

Most important point to least

important point

Weakest claim to strongest claim


Offering a Counterargument

Addressing the claims of the opposition is an important component in building a convincing argument.

It demonstrates your credibility as a writer--you have researched multiple sides of the argument and have come to an informed decision.


Offering a Counterargument

Counterarguments may be

located at various locations

within your body paragraphs.

You may choose to:

build each of your main points

as a contrast to oppositional

claims.

offer a counterargument after

you have articulated your main

claims.


Counterarguing effectively

Consider your audience when you

offer your counterargument.

Conceding to some of your

opposition’s concerns can

demonstrate respect for their

opinions.

Remain tactful yet firm.

Using rude or deprecating language

can cause your audience to reject your

position without carefully considering

your claims.


Incorporating research into the

body paragraphs

Researched material can aid

you in proving the claims of

your argument and disproving

oppositional claims.

Be sure to use your research

to support the claims made in

your topic sentences--make

your research work to prove

your argument!


Conclusion -- The Big Finale

Your conclusion should reemphasize the main points made in your paper.

You may choose to reiterate a call to action or speculate on the future of your topic, when appropriate.

Avoid raising new claims in your conclusion.


Organizing your argument

Title

Introduction

Body Paragraphs

Constructing Topic

Sentences

Building Main Points

Countering the

Opposition

Conclusion

Documents

Writing a paper an introduction