How to Write a Argumentative Paper

Structure of a Paper Including a Conclusion Introduction Tell the reader what they are going to read Thesis Statement Body Three Pieces of Evidence Counterclaim: a claim made to rebut a previous claim. Refutation: the action of proving a statement or theory to be wrong or false. Rephrased Thesis Statement Conclusion Tell the reader what they just read

Introduction -Tells the reader what they are going to read -Broad idea then goes very specific with Thesis

The thesis statement is the sentence that states the main idea of a writing assignment and helps control the ideas within the paper. It is not merely a topic. It often reflects an opinion or judgment that a writer has made about a reading or personal experience.

The body of your paper supports your thesis statement. -Each piece of evidence will support/back up your thesis/claim. -You need 3 pieces of evidence. -You can find these in your interview and the two articles that we worked on in class. These were your research.

Counterclaim -A counterclaim is the opposing side to your argument, the side that disagrees with your argument. -To full understand something, you must first understand both sides to an argument.

The conclusion shows the reader how you have proven your thesis, gives you the last word, and gives the reader a sense of closure from your paper.

The conclusion should end on a positive note and it should make the reader glad they read your paper.

What to include in your conclusion You can begin with: In conclusion, to sum things up, or in summary Restate (rephrase) your thesis or claim. Restate your topics and why they are important. Address opposing viewpoints and why readers should align with your position.

Examples of Conclusions Thesis Statement: For the most part, oppressed people made real strides toward equality during the Progressive Era. Conclusion: The Progressive Era represented a time of genuine progress for all oppressed people in the U.S. Thesis Statement: For the most part, oppressed people were unable to make any real progress during the Progressive Era. Conclustion: The Progressive Movement did little to help oppressed people in the U.S. Thesis statement: it is hypothesized that Progressivism was a wide and varied movement that changed American values and lifestyles having everlasting impact on American history. Conclusion: Efforts have been made in the paper to present everlasting impact of Progressivism - a wide and varied movement from 1880 to 1920- that brought tremendous changes at the economic, social, and political levels of America. Goals of the movement and people who took part in it have also been highlighted. On the basis of arguments presented in paper it is concluded that Progressivism movement had an everlasting impact on America changing American values and lifestyles.

So What? Game

Get in groups of two. Read your conclusion to your friend Get in groups of two. Read your conclusion to your friend. Whenever you make a statement from your conclusion, your friend should say, “So what?” or “Why should anybody care?” Then ponder that question and answer it. This can also help if your stuck on how to write your conclusion as our example below shows. Here’s how your conclusion conversation might go: You: Basically, I’m just saying that education was important to Douglass. Friend: So what? You: Well, it was important because it was a key to him feeling like a free and equal citizen. Friend: Why should anybody care? You: That’s important because plantation owners tried to keep slaves from being educated so that they could maintain control. When Douglass obtained an education, he undermined that control personally.