Arguments

Arguments

Guidelines for Developing an Arguable Claim
- Choose an issue that has no easily identifiable solution and that has something significant at stake. (Pick a subject that is actually going to make an impact on people’s thoughts or actions.)
- Choose an issue or problem that readers might have varying perspectives on. (In other words, don’t argue about something that everyone already agrees is fact. IE. Don’t’ argue that the sky is blue. Everyone knows it is.)
- Attempt to persuade readers to believe or do something. Your ultimate goal is to change the way the reader thinks or feels on a subject. It is the purpose of your writing.

What makes a Good Argument
- ¬A good argument has a strong and clear thesis. “A clear limited thesis is vital because it indicates (for you, and for your reader) what is at stake” (Ede 124). It also keeps you on track when you are writing. All of your statements thereafter should be directly related to the thesis.
- Your thesis is your claim.
- You must support your claim with evidence. (Do not state something without providing examples of and/or evidence of it.)
- A good argument also acknowledges possible counterarguments. (Demonstrates you have analyzed the argument from a variety of perspectives.