Argumentative Paper Format 1551

Please note that although there are multiple ways to organize an argumentative paper, you are
asked to follow the format below.
INTRODUCTION
1-2 paragraphs
Purpose: to set up and state ones claim
Optional Elements: Make your introductory paragraph interesting. Find a way to
draw your readers in.
What background information, if any, do we need to know in order to understand
your claim? (If you do not follow the introductory paragraph with a background info
paragraph, insert the info in the introduction.
Required Elements
If you are arguing about an issue or theory-provide a brief explanation of your issue
or theory.
Your thesis statement (claim) needs to be at the end (last sentence) of your
introductory paragraph. (Please bold thesis statement)
BACKGROUND PARAGRAPH
1-2 paragraphs max: optional (can omit for some papers). Sometimes this info is
incorporated into the introductory paragraph
Include brief historical context if applicable
Purpose: lays the foundation for proving your argument
Often includes: summary of works being discussed
definition of key words (define terms as used in text if
necessary)
explanation of important theories
SUPPORTING EVIDENCE PARAGRAPH #1
Purpose: To prove your argument. Usually one paragraph but can be longer.
Topic Sentence: What is one item, fact, detail, or example that you can tell your readers
that will help them better understand your claim/paper topic? Your answer should be the
topic sentence of this paragraph.
Explain Topic Sentence: If you need to explain your topic sentence, do so here.
Introduce Evidence: Introduce your evidence either in a few words: (As Dr. Brown
2009 states ) or in a full sentence. (To understand this issue we first need to look at
statistics).
State Evidence: Include reasons, examples, facts, statistics, or quotations that will
prove/explain or support your topic sentence. Each supporting para. should have these.

Explain Evidence: Tell the reader how he/she should read or interpret the evidence you
are providing. How does this evidence prove the point you are trying to make in the
paragraph. Can include your opinion and is often 1-3 sentences.
Concluding Sentence: End the paragraph with a concluding sentence that reasserts how
the topic sentence of the paragraph helps the reader to better understand or prove your
papers overall claim.

SUPPORTING EVIDENCE PARAGRAPHS #2,3,4,5 ETC.

Follow the above pattern.
COUNTERARGUMENT PARAGRAPH (this should be near the end of your paper) Use
the heading and bold it.
Purpose: To anticipate objections to your claim and to make yourself sound more
objective and reasonable Begin with a sentence such as: Those who oppose Those who
argue that (There are many)
Usually 1-2 paragraphs
Should include: What possible argument might your reader pose against your argument or
some aspect of your reasoning?
Cite an expert who agrees with the other side of your argument. Include his/her stats or
facts.
REBUTTAL PARAGRAPH (use the heading and bold it)
This paragraph (1 or 2 max) should refute or give strong evidence for your side.
You should begin the paragraph with a sentence that acknowledges the other side.
Example: While it may be true in some cases. (there are many ways to state this)
In this paragraph you should reassert that your evidence is stronger
Cite an expert from your side and include his/her facts, stats, or an example.
End the rebuttal with a sentence that reaffirms your position and its strength.
CONCLUSION (YOUR SO WHAT PARAGRAPH)
Purpose: To illustrate that you have thought critically and analytically about the issue.
Do Not simply restate your intro paragraph.
Your conclusion should tell us why we should care about your paper. What is the
significance of your claim? Why is it important to the reader? What should the reader
take away from reading your paper?
Your conclusion should create a more complex understanding of the subject of your
paper.
The conclusion is the climax of your paper. Save a strong analytical point for the end of
the essay in order to drive your conclusion.
The conclusion determines your readers final impression of your essay.

WARNING: Do not make any new claims in the concluding paragraph. You certainly
may use an effective quote or final effective info on your topic. Synthesize the
information you have provided in your paper to make a strong case for your claim.
Demonstrate that you have thought critically about and have analyzed your issue.
Introducing new material that requires additional support will throw you off track.

RESEARCH PAPER OUTLINE

First page : obstruct 1-2 paragraph
INTRODUCTION (one paragraph)
BACKGROUND (1-2 paragraphs) if separate from para. #1
REASON #1 AND SUPPORTING EVIDENCE
REASON #2 AND SUPPORTING EVIDENCE
REASON #3 AND SUPPORTING EVIDENCE
*REPEAT PATTERN THROUGHOUT
COUNTERARGUMENT 1-2 paragraphs max
REBUTTAL 1-2 paragraphs max
CONCLUSION (SO WHAT?) May offer solution/s, but not required.