Rules for Writers Chapter 47

In writing an argument, you take a stand on a debute issue.  The question being debated might be a matter of public policy.  When constructing a reasonable argument, your goal is to not win or have the last word.  Your aim is to explain your understanding of the truth about a subject and to provide the best solution available to solve a problem without being combative.  Examine your issue's social and intellectual.  Many readers will be aware of the social and intellectual contexts in which your issue is grounded anprd this is why its a good idea to do research before preparing your argument.  Think about skeptical readers as you prepare your document.  It's a good idea to  as you are a panel of jurors that will make up their minds by listening to all sides of the argument.  In your introduction, establish credibility and state your position.  When constructing an argument, make sure your introduction contains a thesis sentence that states your position on the issue you have chosen to debate.  Back up your thesis with persuasive lines of argument.  Arguments of any complexity contain lines of argument that when taken together, could possibly persuade readers that the thesis has merit.  If you sum up your main lines or argument, you will have a rough outline of your essay.  You will need to support your central claim and any subordinate claims with evidence such as facts, statistics, examples and illustrations, expert opinion and etc.  You need to use facts and statistics.  A fact is something that is known with certainty because it has been objectively verified.  Examples and illustrations rarely prove a point by themselves, but when used with other forms of evidence they bring the argument to life.   The views of an expert can contribute to the force of your argument.  Skeptical readers may not be persuaded by your arguments,  a reader has to see that there is a more reasonable one.  Try and build common ground with the readers who do not agree with your views.  If you can relate to the reader and share their concerns, your readers will be more likely to acknowledge the relevance of your argument.  Be careful when you are presenting your opposing views.  Make sure they are fair before providing counterarguments.