Writing an Argument is Like Building a House A picture book that breaks down the argument- writing process by T. O’Hara

Step #1: Start planning your Argument by understanding the topic and the inquiry question If you don’t know what you’re looking for, that would be like trying to build a house without understanding what a house is. Don’t go any farther with your Argument until you understand the question!

Step #2: Build your foundation on Evidence Step #2: Build your foundation on Evidence. Evidence answers the question, “What do I see here?” This step usually takes the longest, because you need to pay attention to and consider Evidence that could support two or more possible answers to the inquiry question.

Step #3: Build the structure by developing watertight Reasoning This step usually happens as a thought in your mind, and it goes by so quickly that you need to press “replay” and sloooooow your brain down. Reasoning is like the roof and walls of your house. You need them to make your house watertight.

Step #4: Open the door with your Claim The Claim is like the front door of the house, because it lets the reader in by introducing her to your argument. The Claim that you finally select is the one that you think makes the most sense over any others.

Step #5: The Counterclaim is different from your claim Step #5: The Counterclaim is different from your claim. It’s important to explain here why you rejected this in favor of your claim The Counterclaim is the answer to the question that you didn’t choose. A clear explanation about why you didn’t select this will make your claim even stronger.

Sourcing in your argument tells the reader about how your evidence is trustworthy It’s like having well-known, trusted appliances in your house.

The Organization of your argument helps the reader easily move from one section to another It’s like having a house where all the rooms are where you expect them to be. You don’t have to search for things.

Your finished Argument will be like a beautiful house that any reasonable person would appreciate