Organizing your argument

1. Organizing your argument Ana Gutiérrez From Essays and Arguments by Ian Johnston http://records.viu.ca/~johnstoi/arguments/argument1.htm

2. Introduction • Describe the argument in precise terms, with all necessary definitions, as completely as possible • Describe the general terms, what is the big picture? • Narrow it down to the focus; what is the question really about? • Introduce your claim/argument (thesis) • Do not clutter up your introduction with useless information.

3. Good thesis statements: • Show your personal opinion (commitment) • Mixed opinions are valid • Are researched • Do not rush or cram. • Are bold/assertive • Always have an argumentative edge

4. Key Terms • Define all necessary terms clearly and with detail. Remember to consider your audience. • Supplement as necessary considering your argument • Keep it as “neutral” as possible • Take care with disputed definitions

5. Main Body • Move forward one point at a time. Take the time you need, do not skip back and forth • Select the best points • Do not disgress from your thesis • Pick a focus

6. Topic Sentences • Frame your body paragraphs • They all express argumentative opinions • Establish the topic firmly (take time as needed) • Announce single, specific points. • Set up the new topic

7. Topic sentence don’ts • Statements of fact that stand alone • Major generalizations about anything related or especially unrelated to the topic. • Any topic sentence that introduces a point not directly relevant to the thesis.

8. Conclusion • Do not continue the argument of introduce new material • Sum up and re-emphasize the thesis • Leave the reader thinking about the argument; a good way is to “reverse” the thesis • Don’t say things like “But this is just my opinion.” Conclusions are confident reassertions of the main point.