Rules for writers, Tenth edition - Diana Hacker, Nancy Sommers 2021
Sample student writing: Argument
Writing arguments
Academic Reading and Writing
In the following paper, student writer Julia Riew argues that zoos have an important mission to offer safe, compassionate custody to shelter and save endangered species and protect our ecosystem. Notice how Riew appeals to readers by presenting opposing views fairly before providing her own arguments.
When Riew quotes, summarizes, or paraphrases information from a source, she cites the source with an in-text citation formatted in MLA style. Citations in the paper refer readers to the list of works cited at the end of the paper. (For more details about citing sources in MLA style, see 55.)
A guide to writing an argument essay appears on pages 105—106.
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WRITING GUIDE
How to write an argument essay
When you compose an argument, you take a position on a debatable issue. You state your position, provide evidence to support it, and respond to opposing views on the issue. A sample argument essay begins on page 98.
Key features
✵ A thesis, stated as a clear position on a debatable issue, frames an argument essay. The issue is debatable because reasonable people disagree about it.
✵ An examination of the issue’s context indicates why the issue is important, why readers should care about it, or how your position fits into the debates surrounding the topic.
✵ Sufficient, representative, and relevant evidence supports the argument’s claims. Evidence needs to be specific and persuasive; quoted, summarized, or paraphrased fairly and accurately; and cited correctly.
✵ Opposing positions are summarized and countered. By anticipating and countering objections to your position, you establish common ground with readers and show yourself to be a reasonable and well-informed writer.
Thinking ahead: Presenting or publishing
You may have some flexibility in how you present or publish your argument. If you submit your argument as an audio or video essay, make sure you understand the genre’s conventions and think through how your voice or a combination of sounds and images can help you establish your credibility. If you are taking a position on a local issue, consider publishing your argument in the form of a newspaper opinion piece or letter to the editor to provide a real-world audience.
Writing your argument
✵ 1 Explore
Generate ideas by brainstorming responses to questions such as the following:
o What is the debate around your issue? What sources will help you learn more about your issue?
o What position will you take? Why does your position need to be argued?
o How will you establish common ground with your readers?
o What evidence supports your position? What evidence makes you question your position?
o What types of appeals — ethos, logos, pathos — might you use to persuade readers?
✵ 2 Draft
Try to figure out the best way to structure your argument. A typical approach might include the following steps: Capture readers’ attention; state your thesis; give background information; support your major claims with specific evidence; recognize and respond to opposing points of view; and end by reinforcing your thesis and reminding readers why it matters.
✵ 3 Revise
Ask your reviewers for specific feedback. Here are some questions to guide their comments.
o Is the thesis clear? Is the issue debatable?
o Is the evidence persuasive? Is more needed?
o Is your argument organized logically?
o Are there any flaws in your reasoning or assumptions that weaken the argument?
o Have you presented yourself as a knowledgeable, trustworthy writer?
o Does the conclusion pull together your entire argument? How might the conclusion be more effective?