How to Structure Arguments

Whether you're writing a persuasive essay for English, a speech for Debate class, or an editorial for the local newspaper, structuring your argument so that it makes sense is an important skill to learn. 📝

There are a few essential elements that every well-thought-out argument has:

1. Clear Stance

2. Compelling Introduction

3. Cohesive Body Paragraphs

1. Research

2. Analysis

3. Rebuttal

4. Concise Conclusions

This article will highlight the four C’s of writing compelling arguments and the most common mistakes people make when trying to write argumentative pieces. 🌟

1 Clear Stance

Before you even start writing anything on your paper, think deeply about your argument. What exactly is it that you want to argue? Most positions are not either-or, and there is often a gray area that your argument may fall under. 🤚

Wait, what if you don’t know exactly how you feel about the topic? ❔

1. Research the topic. Use newspaper articles, scholarly journals (often accessible through school-provided research databases), and conversations with experts. 🧠

2. Make a pros and cons list for each stance. Whichever one you believe has the most significant disparity between pros and cons is likely your subconscious position on the topic. ➕➖

2 Compelling Introductions

When you are arguing for a particular stance, make that apparent from the get-go. You don't want your reader to get confused about your meaning because you may lose them quickly!

Also, make sure to use some rhetorical device to pull the reader in with. For example:

1. Appeal to pathos by detailing a personal tragedy or triumphant moment of someone who lends credibility to your case. ⚡

2. Appeal to logos by highlighting unknown and surprising facts about the topic that helps prove your point. 📜

3. Detail a personal anecdote that makes the reader feel as if you are a reliable source of information. 🤛

3 Cohesive Body Paragraphs

A convoluted and messy body paragraph structure can often leave a bad taste in the reader's mouth. If you are inexperienced with writing persuasive pieces, make sure to follow this foolproof method:

1. Start with a concise topic sentence (not multiple sentences but one broad sentence encompassing your argument). You want to give the reader enough information for them to keep on reading but withhold enough so that they are intrigued by the premise of your argument. 😲

2. Next, introduce some solid research. It should be as short as possible and can be paraphrased by you if it is too long. Remember, the more unbiased the source, the more likely you are to change your reader's mind. Below is a chart outlining the most credible media outlets. 🤔

• 💡 Interested in research? You may love an AP Research class. 

Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

3. Analyze your evidence. Although it may be evident to you, it's not apparent to your reader. Explain how the research you provided relates to your central argument. Try not to overcomplicate this! If your evidence is self-explanatory, try to make connections (whether social, historical or personal) to prove your point. 🔌

• If there are any relevant rebuttals to your argument, address them. It shows you have done your research and can often provide answers to those with similar questions. It also highlights your willingness to engage in a civil discourse which is always a plus. ✅

4 Concise Conclusions

Your conclusions shouldn't be too long, and they should either rehash your argument in simple terms, or they should describe the dangers of pitfalls of the other side's argument. This is your time to hammer it home, so don't shy away from being more dramatic than in the rest of your argument! 💥

Your conclusion is also the last thing your reader will remember, so make it memorable. Here is a guide for writing conclusions for academic papers specifically. 👋

Conquer the World

Your opinions matter, but the only way to make them matter is to explain them articulately. By following the above steps, you'll find yourself effectively relaying your thoughts about a wide range of topics. Good luck! 💯

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