Intro to Arguments

Writing Arguments

Writing an argument paper is an important skill all college students must posses. The format for a classic argument is specific and easy to follow. This presentation will introduce you to the argument and the format.

The Parts

A classic argument has 5 parts

1. Introduction
2. Narration
3. Confirmation
4. Refutation and Concession
5. Summation

The Introduction

The introduction, which warms up the audience, establishes goodwill and rapport with the readers, and announces the author’s claim.

An author's claim is the main idea or argument that they are trying to communicate in their writing

The Narration

The narration summarizes relevant background material, provides any information the audience needs to know about the environment and circumstances that produce the argument. In this part you can also add any personal information that pertains to your claim.

The Confirmation

The confirmation lays out in a logical order the support. The support is the points used to defend the author’s claim. The support should include evidence for each point. Usually it should be strongest to weakest point or most obvious to most subtle point. The best way to win any argument is to use evidence and objectivism.

The Refutation

The refutation and concession looks at opposing viewpoints to the writer’s claims, anticipating objections from the audience, and allowing as much of the opposing viewpoints as possible without weakening the thesis. In other words this section describes why the other sides point and why it is wrong.

The Summation

The summation provides a strong conclusion, amplifying the force of the argument, and showing the readers that this solution is the best at meeting the circumstances.

Empty Outline with Argument

Here is my example of an argument outline. You will be completing an outline for our research paper. In the Intro you need to write a solid author's claim (thesis). You do not need to write complete sentences except for the author's claim. My example is short. Your work should be a bit more detailed.

​

Capital Punishment

Out of 195 countries in the world, 55 still retain and use the death penalty.

So, 55 out of 195 countries still have the death penalty in practice.

​

As of 2023, out of the 55 countries that retain and use the death penalty, 16 carried out executions during the year.

​

This indicates that approximately 29% of the countries that retain the death penalty actively implemented it in 2023.

Citations

Marcus, Paul. 2007. "Capital Punishment in the United States, and Beyond." College of William & Mary Law School 838-866.

Michael L. Radelet, Ronald L. Akers, Deterrence and the Death Penalty: The Views of the Experts, 87 J. Crim. L. & Criminology 1(1996-1997)

Mitchell, Jonathan F. 2017. "Capital Punishment and the Courts." HARVARD LAW REVIEW FORUM. May 2017. https://harvardlawreview.org/2017/05/capital-punishment-and-the-courts/.

Epilogue

The classic argument is a simple pattern to follow. The best way to win any argument is to use evidence and objectivism.

Introduction

Narration

Confirmation

Refutation and Concession

Summation