How to Write an Argument Paragraph

(Note: the “argument” paragraph or essay can also be referred to as the “persuasion” paragraph or essay.)

Writing in the “argument” mode requires taking a stand on something for which there can be two opposing sides. Here are some examples:

· The hydrogen cell as a new primary source of energy: are you for it or against it?

· Divorcing parents ought to think first of their children: do you agree or disagree?

· The four-day work week: are you for it or against it?

Assuming the topic were an open-choice topic, you would start by deciding on a topic you wanted to write about; you would then decide which of the two sides you were going to take.

Three Important Considerations:

Minority opinion topics are usually better than majority opinion topics. To test this, you must imagine the opposing point of view. If the opposing point of view is not reasonable, don’t choose that topic.

your choice: People should have enough food to eat.

the opposing point of view: Some people should be starving.

In other words, it is a waste of time and printer paper to discuss a view that most everyone already agrees with. Breaking new ground or discussing the not-so-obvious is always a better choice.

Choose a fresh topic. Your instructors have read hundreds of essays on gun control and abortion. They don’t want to read another one. A paper comparing the Teletubbies to Satan would be far more interesting.

Smaller topics are better than bigger topics. Most student papers are relatively short; therefore, it is not possible to adequately cover a topic like “What is freedom” or “How to alter the global economy and save the planet.” Large topics like this invite the reader to drift off into a long string of generalities. However, a topic like “Why toilet paper should roll from the front down instead of the back down” could make a great paper. To begin with, it’s not a commonly chosen topic; also, it guarantees that the entire paper will be full of specific instead of general statements.

In summary:

· Pick a topic for which there can be two sides.

· Decide which side you will take.

· Choose smaller, fresher topics over larger, common topics.

The Argument Paragraph and the Examples Paragraph

Once you have learned to write an examples paragraph, you need only a few pieces of new information in order to write the argument paragraph. So the rest of this handout will contain an exact replica of the “How to Write an Examples Paragraph”—with a few necessary changes.

How to Write an Argument Paragraph

Step one: Make a bare-bones outline—a topic sentence plus three reasons.

Topic sentence.

· reason (that you think your topic sentence is true)

· reason

· reason

Your topic sentence should state which side of a two-sided issue you are on. It is a statement that you think is true. If possible, include the “so what” angle as well. Why should we care about reading about this topic? (If it takes you two sentences instead of one to make your statement and to provide a “so what” angle, that’s fine.)

Step two: Arrange your reasons in order from weakest to strongest.

Step three: Write your paragraph.

· Start with your topic sentence.

· Sentence two (your first “point” sentence) should read: “One reason that [what I said in the topic sentence] is …”

· Then a few sentences of concrete detail—the more specific, the better.

· Then your second point sentence: “A second reason that [what I said in the topic sentence] is …”

· Then a few sentences of concrete detail—the more specific, the better.

· Then your third point sentence: “The best reason that [what I said in the topic sentence] is …”

· Then a few sentences of concrete detail—the more specific, the better.

· As a last step, go back and give your paragraph a title.

The “So What?” of your Topic Sentence

bad: Digging holes with a shovel is an important skill.

good: As the world runs out of resources, we won’t be able to rely on electric- and gas-powered tools to do our work for us. Therefore, the ability to dig a hole with a shovel will be seen as an increasingly important skill in the years to come.

Two Options

What you see above is the standard 3-point option. But you may also write a 2-point paragraph. For a 2-point paragraph you subtract one of the three points, BUT since you now have fewer points, each of your two points must be supported by a greater amount of concrete detail.

The Templates:

Model 1—With Three Points

Topic Sentence. One reason that [what I said in the topic sentence] is … Specific supporting details. Specific supporting details. Specific supporting details. A second reason that [what I said in the topic sentence] is … Specific supporting details. Specific supporting details. Specific supporting details. The best reason that [what I said in the topic sentence] is … Specific supporting details. Specific supporting details. Specific supporting details. Summary sentence.

Model 2—With Two Points.

Topic Sentence. One reason that [what I said in the topic sentence] is … Specific supporting details. Specific supporting details. Specific supporting details. Specific supporting details. Specific supporting details. A second (or the best) reason that [what I said in the topic sentence] is … Specific supporting details. Specific supporting details. Specific supporting details. Specific supporting details. Specific supporting details. Summary sentence.

When required, quotations are placed within the “support” areas.

Sample Outlines for Argument

We should fix up Bo Diddly Park

· One reason we should fix up Bo Diddly Park is that fixing the park would make the downtown area more attractive.

· A second reason we should fix up Bo Diddly Park is that fixing the park would give a much-needed opportunity for city children to play outdoors.

· The best reason we should fix up Bo Diddly Park is that fixing the park would create a place where workers could eat their lunches outdoors.

Physical exercise should be a part of every day at Bo Diddly Elementary School.

· One reason children should exercise each day is that physical exercise is good for children.

· A second reason children should exercise each day is that children who take a break for exercise are more likely to pay attention in class.

· The best reason children should exercise each day is that exercise helps children learn social skills.

We need a twenty-four-hour pharmacy located here in the town of Bo Diddly.

· One reason we need a twenty-four-hour pharmacy is that the nearest twenty-four-hour pharmacy is a half hour’s drive from Bo Diddly.

· A second reason we need a twenty-four-hour pharmacy is that there are many retired people in Bo Diddly who have medical emergencies.

· The best reason we need a twenty-four-hour pharmacy is that many young families in Bo Diddly are concerned for their children’s medical needs.