1. Main Idea, Claim or Thesis
What is an Argument?
Main Idea, Claim or Thesis
Reason
Evidence
A very basic argument
Commentary
Evidence
Commentary
Commentary
Evidence
Commentary

2. Argumentation In a Argumentative writing:
has a clear position and is focused on that position.
has more than one argument to support a position.
is elaborated by using reasons, well-chosen and specific details, examples, anecdotes, facts, and/or statistics as evidence to support arguments.
is organized to make the best case for a position.
anticipates and refutes the opposing position.

3. begins with an opening, including a background and a statement of position, and ending with an effective argumentative conclusion, such as a call for action, a solution to the problem, or a predicted outcome.
uses transitions to connect position, arguments, and evidence.
shows commitment to position by writing in a voice appropriate for audience and purpose.
uses words, phrases, and argumentative strategies that urge or compel the reader to support a position.

4. Purpose of Argumentation

5. Recursiveness of Argumentation

6. Claim and Background
The writer must have a clear and focused on that position. Generally, the position is stated in the opening paragraphs or introduction.
The background to the issue, the complexity of the topic, needs to be outlined so your reader knows the controversies.

7. Evidence and Analysis
Strong supporting evidence for your claim is needed (credibility of source, perspective, relevancy, etc.).
Analysis of this evidence as it supports your claim—your arguments that support your claim—is needed. Why is the information strong, valid, needed to understand and adopt your claim?

8. Warrants
Warrants are used to show the implied or hidden assumptions in the argument, especially as it pertains to the evidence. It is another, sophisticated type of analysis used to support the claim.
A warrant is the glue that holds an argument together. It links the evidence to the claim. It says something like “This evidence supports the claim because…”
Example:
CLAIM — I think you should join my t’ai chi class.
EVIDENCE — T’ai chi clears the mind and brings peace to the soul.
WARRANT — As an airline pilot, you need a clear mind and a peaceful soul.

9. Concession/Refutation
Recognizes the opposing viewpoint
Concedes something may have some merit
Then counters with another, stronger argument
A reader of your essay is more likely to listen to you if you show you can see and articulate his/her point of view before you counter that argument
_____
Again, in a :
Concession is when you acknowledge or consider the opposing viewpoint, conceding something that has some merit
Rebuttal is when your own argument proves the other side to be flawed, and shows your argument is stronger

10. Conclusion Purpose Offers a solution
clearly connects the introduction and body of the paper
gives a sense of completion
does more than restate your arguments and position
gives the reader something to think about

11. Conclusion Strategies
Call to Action: the writer implores the audience to change and usually gives a solution.
Offer a Solution: the writer suggests some possibilities to resolve the problem posed.
Disprove an idea: a commonly held belief is shown to be misguided and/or wrong.
Make a Prediction: similar to a startling statement, this can be a warning or an encouragement.

12. Fini Argumentative essays are complex and sophisticated (and fun!)
They are the pinnacle of college writing (as is authentic research that you will do next year)
Your ability to balance the components of argumentation with credibility of source, relevancy of evidence, analysis—warrant—of evidence as it supports your claim are key
And you need to have a strong conclusion with a solid call to action and solution