Tips for Writing an Argument

Claim Statements: Make sure to have a clear claim statement at the end of your introductory paragraph. Don’t use a question (“Shouldn’t people be legally responsible to intervene?”)….just state it (“People should be legally responsible to intervene.”).

Data: Use clear transitions with each data sentence (it helps your reader and keeps you organized). Common transitions: first, next, finally, one, another, also, in addition, furthermore, consequently

Warrant: You are not experts, so you need specific examples or research (stats) as support. Use examples from class to support your claim. Also, don’t assume your reader knows what was discussed in class. Give some background. Don’t just end that paragraph with the example. Make sure to conclude by tying the case back into your claim.

Claim: People should be legally accountable to intervene if witnessing a crime. Data: First, people should be required to help because… Warrant: For example, David Cash… Data: Also, people should intervene because… Warrant: …

Make sure to have an opposition paragraph. It should start something like this: Some people may say that it is not a good idea to hold people legally accountable to intervene.

Other tips: Don’t use personal pronouns (I, you, we). When you use YOU it sounds like you are talking to the reader. Don’t. Try not to sound too emotional. Your reader won’t buy an irrational/emotional argument.

Make sure to have a title. That is the first thing your reader notices, so it should be original and eye- catching. Titles are capitalized! Don’t write “I think…”, “I believe…” or “In my opinion…”. We already know this.

My comments: INC = incomplete sentence AWK = sentence sounds awkward Huh? = I’m confused Run-on = sentence is too long = grammatical mistakes = change to lower case

What you can do (yeah, you can fix this!): You are allowed to rewrite if you received 89% 0r less for a new grade (late work still gets points taken off)…as many times up to a 90%. Rewrites must be completed within one week.

You must go to the writing center and have a draft looked at before you can turn in a new draft (you must also turn in the wc notes). You must turn in the original with the rewrite and wc notes. You do not need to write a new cover letter.

The Writing Center is now located in room 409. Sign ups are outside room 409 on a bulletin board. You will need to sign up in advance. Bring with you a copy of your essay and be prepared to articulate what you need help with the most.

One last thing… Your next writing assignment will NOT be accepted without a cover letter.