ARGUMENTATIVE PARAGRAPH

1. What is an argumentative paragraph?

The purpose of an argumentative essay is to organize and present your well-reasoned conclusions in order to persuade the audience to accept or at least seriously consider your point of view

2. Paragraph structure and everything you need to know to write one:

a. Organize your ideas into an outline.

     - Paragraph 1 - Introduction includes thesis statement and supporting ideas

     - Paragraph 2 - Opposing argument and your refutation

     - Paragraph 3 - Opposing argument and your refutation

     - Paragraph 4 - Your strongest supporting argument

- Paragraph 5  -  Conclusion includes restatement of thesis and supporting ideas. Make a prediction, a recommendation, or a summary.

b. Choose a controversial topic that interests you.

Choosing an argumentative topic is not an easy task. The topic should be such that:

-       It should be narrowed down.

-       It should contain an argument.

-       It should be a topic that can be adequately supported (with statistics, outside source citations, etc.)

c. Begin with an introductory sentence which leads into your topic, and grabs the reader’s attention. Your introduction must relate to your topic and blend well with the rest of the paragraph.

d. Write a thesis statement.

Your introductory sentences will lead into your thesis statement.  Your thesis statement must be clearly worded and strongly stated.

e. Choose three ideas to support your argument.

After writing a thesis statement, you must clearly list the three supporting arguments you plan to use to support your thesis.  These three supporting arguments should be stated in one to two sentences only, and should not be described or expanded upon at this stage.

f. Consider the opposing arguments. Try to proof your arguments, begin with the first supporting argument listed.  Outline your first argument, provide the necessary specific evidence and examples to prove your point.  Finish by examining the significance of this evidence, and explaining how this argument supports your thesis. Then try to proof your other arguments.

g. Concluding sentences.

    After all three arguments have been proven, you need to:

-        Re-state the thesis (to remind the reader what you have proven);

-        Re-state your three supporting arguments (briefly, in one sentence);

-        Finish by commenting on the relevance, significance or impact of the topic

3. Grammar and Style

Proper spelling, grammar and form must be used consistently.  In addition to clear writing in the active voice, the following rules must be followed: 

a.    Absolutely no personal pronouns (I, me, my, you, your, we, our);

b.    No contractions (can’t, won’t);

c.    No short forms or symbols (Etc., eg.,  &, %);

d.    No slang or expressions “avoid clichés”;

e.    Always write in a very formal tone. Avoid using words that are too strong (in either a positive or a negative sense). Remember, this is not creative writing, so avoid being too dramatic.