D1

How to Write an Effective Argumentative Paper

Do:
Do pick a topic that can be argued.
Position papers are meant to convince readers of something, to change their mind, or to incite change. If your topic is not
arguable—or if there is a definite, correct solution—your paper will automatically be ineffective.

Do formulate a thesis that contains your opinion.

From the beginning, the reader should have no doubt about your stance on the issue. A good formula to follow for a thesis
statement is to identify the situation and then make a claim about why that claim is true (ex: Because pesticides endanger the
lives of farm workers, their use should be banned).

Do rely on facts, not opinion, to make your argument.

Though most topics worth arguing about stir up strong emotional reactions, your argument should always rely on facts instead of
emotions. Statistics, expert testimony, and personal accounts are all good sources from which to draw an argument. Keep in
mind, though, that these sources should be reputable so that the reader can trust your judgment.

Do be mindful of your audience.

Certain facts and approaches are more effective for a particular audience (ex. if you are campaigning for more strict safety
regulations in coal mines, personal accounts of deaths in mining accidents would be most effective when speaking to fellow
miners. On the other hand, the coal companies would be more interested in statistics concerning reduced insurance costs).

Do remember that your writing skills still apply.

Though a position paper may be slightly different from other forms of academic writing, the same rules of grammar, formality,
and documentation apply. As always, your conclusion must tie your paper together with a summary of the main points. A
polished and professional paper helps to convince your reader.
Don't:
Don't disrespect the opposing point of view.
Even if you disagree with a particular point of view, treat the issue and the opponent with dignity. Again, any topic worth
arguing about does not have an easy answer, and all sides of the issue are likely to have valid points. The more professional your
behavior and argument, the more convincing you will be.

Don't fall victim to logical fallacies.

Fallacious arguments are errors in reasoning, and most readers will be able to detect them. Avoid arguments that depend upon
generalization or oversimplifications (ex. The prohibition of alcohol will stop drunkenness). Don't attempt to tie together two or
more logically unrelated ideas as if they were related (ex. If we can send a man to the moon, we can find a cure for cancer).
Don't assume that a complex situation can have only one correct outcome (ex. The only way to save the environment is to stop
driving cars). Avoid treating a question as if it has already been answered (ex. GSTR courses are obviously useful, or we would
not have them).

Don't rely upon emotional fallacies.

These appeals attempt to overcome a reader's good judgment by using exaggerated emotional pleas. Avoid flattery and in-crowd
appeals to convince your reader (ex. Intelligent people like you know that abortion is wrong). Don't attempt to frighten readers
into agreement by threatening them or making comparisons between two situations that are not related (ex. If you agree to go to
war, you may as well prepare for another Vietnam).

Don't employ ethical fallacies.

These tactics are unjustified attacks that are directed to the person and not the issue. Don't assume that a person's character or
association with others reflects his or her ability to make a relevant argument (ex. Because Martha Maywho is a crack addict,
whose second cousin is an axe murderer, her opinion is worthless). Always focus upon the issues at hand.
Connors, Robert and Andrea Lunsford. The New St. Martin's Handbook. Boston: St. Martin's, 1999. Print.

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