1. Planning: Graphic Organizer
Reason 1
Reason 1
Supporting Detail- explanations, examples, descriptions and/or definitions
Supporting Detail
Supporting Detail
Transition Sentence- links ideas
Thesis Statement- Must provide an argument for or against topic with (3) reasons.
Reason 2
Conclusion- Restates thesis in different way with a call to action.
Transition Sentence
Transition Sentence
Supporting Detail
Reason 3
Supporting Detail
Supporting Detail

2. Organizing Your Argument
Rationale: Welcome to “Organizing Your Argument.” This presentation is designed to introduce your students to the elements of an organized essay, including the introduction, the thesis, body paragraphs, topic sentences, counterarguments, and the conclusion. The twenty-one slides presented here are designed to aid the facilitator in an interactive presentation about constructing a well-organized argument. This presentation is ideal for the introduction of argument to a composition course, the beginning of a research unit, or the assignment of a written argument.
This presentation may be supplemented with OWL handouts, including “Developing an Outline” and “The Paragraph”.
Directions: Each slide is activated by a single mouse click, unless otherwise noted in bold at the bottom of each notes page.
Writer and Designer: Jennifer Liethen Kunka
Contributors: Muriel Harris, Karen Bishop, Bryan Kopp, Matthew Mooney, David Neyhart, and Andrew Kunka
Updated by H. Allen Brizee, 2007.
Developed with resources courtesy of the Purdue University Writing Lab
Grant funding courtesy of the Multimedia Instructional Development Center at Purdue University
© Copyright Purdue University, 2000, 2007.

3. What is an Argument?
An argument involves the process of establishing a claim and then proving it with the use of logical reasoning, examples, and research.
Activity: This slide offers a definition of the term “argument.” The facilitator may invite the audience to offer answers to the title question. Students often assume that building an argument is simply a confrontational activity designed to denigrate the opposition’s position. The facilitator may choose to explain to students that the focus of a strong argument should be upon a cohesive explanation of claims effectively paired with correlating evidence.

4. Why is Organization Important in Argument?
Guides an audience through your reasoning process
Offers a clear explanation of each argued point
Demonstrates the credibility of the writer
Key Concept: Organization is an important component in any argument. Not only does a clear sense of organization guide the reader through the reasoning process, but it also demonstrates the credibility of the writer--that the writer has a clear conception of the issues involved and has the ability to offer a well-crafted response to the topic. An argument that has a confusing organization--that jumps from point to point without establishing connections between topics--is less likely to be convincing to its audience.

5. Organizing Your Argument
Introduction
Opening Sentence(s) (1-2 Sentences)
Supporting detail (2-3 Sentences)
Thesis statement (1 sentence)
II. - IV. Body Paragraphs (2-4)
Constructing Topic Sentences (1 sentence)
Building Main Points/ Supporting detail (3 sentences)
Transition Sentence (1 sentence)
Conclusion
Closing Sentence (1 sentence)
Summary of (3) points/reasons
(2-3 sentences))
Clincher Sentence (1-2 sentences)
Rationale: This slide illustrates the topics covered in this presentation, as well as the ordering of the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion within an argument.

6. What is an Introduction?
Acquaints the reader with the topic and purpose of the paper
Generates the audience’s interest in the topic
Offers a plan for the ensuing argument
Introduction: Tell them what you’re going to tell them
Body: Tell them
Conclusion: Tell them what you told them
Key Concept: The introduction continues upon the tasks of the title--it both introduces the topic and generates audience interest in reading the entire paper. The introduction also indicates the purpose of the paper--to inform, persuade, call to action, etc.--as well as offers a plan for the ensuing argument.

7. Methods for Constructing an Introduction
personal anecdote
example-real or hypothetical
question
quotation
shocking statistics
striking image
Activity: The facilitator may ask students about effective methods for beginning an introduction.
Key Concepts: A personal anecdote illustrates the writer’s involvement within the topic, as well as moves the topic from the abstract to the real. Examples, both real (have happened) and hypothetical (have the potential to happen) can also help to illustrate the problem. Posing an interesting question can also generate reader interest; however, the question should be answered within the course of the paper. A quotation can provide a branch for discussion. Quotations, however, should be made relevant to the topic of the paper. An explanation of shocking statistics or the presentation of a striking image can also invite the audience to continue reading the paper.

8. What is a Thesis Statement?
The MOST IMPORTANT SENTENCE in your paper
Lets the reader know the main idea of the paper
Answers the question: “What am I trying to prove?”
Not a factual statement, but a claim that has to be proven throughout the paper
Key Concept: A definition of a thesis statement is offered in this slide. The facilitator may choose to emphasize to students the difference between a claim that has to be proven and a statement of fact.

9. Role of the Thesis Statement
The thesis statement should guide your reader through your argument.
The thesis statement is generally located in the introduction of the paper.
Setting up the Thesis for 3.5 Essay
Because it makes a claim and not states a fact, a good way to begin a thesis statement is as follows:
By using a “should” statement followed by (3) reasons
Ex: “Teachers should be allowed to bring handguns to school because (reason 1), (reason 2), and (reason 3).”
Key Concept: This slide discusses the role of the thesis statement in the paper. Thesis statements are often located in the introduction, thereby setting up for the reader the claims of the argument. However, theses may also be located in the body paragraphs or in the conclusion, depending upon the writer’s purpose, audience, topic, and mode of argument.
Activity: Additionally, the facilitator may also wish at this point to discuss strategies for constructing a thesis statement for a current class assignment.

10. Thesis Practice
Which thesis statement is the most effective for an argument about the need for V-chips in television sets?
Parents, often too busy to watch television shows with their families, can monitor their children’s viewing habits with the aid of the V-chip.
To help parents monitor their children’s viewing habits, the V-chip should be a required feature for television sets sold in the U.S.
This paper will describe a V-chip and examine the uses of the V-chip in American-made television sets.
Activity: The facilitator may ask students to identify the most effective thesis statement from the three listed examples. The first example, while a well-phrased informative sentence, offers a factual statement rather than an argumentative claim that needs to be proven. The third example also fails to provide an effective claim about the value of the V-chip. The second example is the strongest argumentative thesis; it clearly articulates the writer’s position on the issue and suggests that the writer will proceed to prove this claim throughout the rest of the paper.

11. Body Paragraphs and Topic Sentences
Body paragraphs build upon the claims made in the introductory paragraph(s).
They should go into detail about each reason presented in introductory paragraph.
Organize with the use of topic sentences that illustrate the main idea of each paragraph.
Best way to organize Body paragraphs
Transition word or phrase indicating the order of importance. (Ex: First, Firstly, the first reason, etc.)
List your first reason that you agree or disagree with topic (Topic Sentence)
Give supporting detail (Ex: describe what you are talking about and/or give examples)
Write a sentence that leads into your next reason
Key Concepts: This slide explains the function of body paragraphs within an argument-to continue proving the claim posited in the thesis statement. Clearly stated topic sentences within each paragraph can help writers to focus their arguments around their thesis statements. The facilitator may also suggest that students offer a synopsis of the topic, including the history of the issue and recent changes in current events that affect the topic.

12. Body Paragraphs
Paragraphs may be ordered in several ways, depending upon the topic and purpose of your argument:
Most important point to least important point
Weakest claim to strongest claim
Key Concepts: Body paragraphs may be ordered in various patterns, depending upon the purpose, audience, and topic of the argument. This slide offers participants options for organizing their work.
Activity: The facilitator may choose to offer suggestions on organizing patterns for a current argumentative assignment.

13. Conclusion
Your conclusion should reemphasize the main points made in your paper.
You may choose to reiterate a call to action or speculate on the future of your topic, when appropriate.
Avoid raising new claims in your conclusion.
Introduction: Tell them what you’re going to tell them
Body: Tell them
Conclusion: Tell them what you told them
Key Concepts: The conclusion is also an important paragraph in a paper--it provides the last words that a writer will present to his or her audience. Therefore, it should have a lasting impact. The conclusion should work to reemphasize the main claims of the argument, articulating the importance of the argued position and, when appropriate, the reader’s need to take action on the issue. Writers should also avoid raising new claims in concluding paragraphs--there is no more room to argue points comprehensively or convincingly. Such new points would be better repositioned within the body paragraphs.

14. RECAP Organizing Your Argument
Introduction
Opening Sentence(s) (1-2 Sentences)
Supporting detail (2-3 Sentences)
Thesis statement (1 sentence)
II. - IV. Body Paragraphs (2-4)
Constructing Topic Sentences (1 sentence)
Building Main Points/ Supporting detail (3 sentences)
Transition Sentence (1 sentence)
Conclusion
Closing Sentence (1 sentence)
Summary of (3) points/reasons
(2-3 sentences))
Clincher Sentence (1-2 sentences)
Rationale: This slide illustrates the topics covered in this presentation, as well as the ordering of the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion within an argument.

15. Transitions
Copy down (10) transitions that you will use for your TCAP Writing Assessment next week.

16. Power Writing Practice (5 min) Introduction
Writing Situation: A school board is considering keeping school in session all year. Instead of a long summer vacation, there will be many shorter breaks throughout the year.
Think about the effects of a twelve-month school year. Do you agree or disagree that schools should be in session all year?

17. Where to Go for More Help
Purdue University Writing Lab
Heavilon 226
Grammar Hotline: (765)
Check our web site:
brief questions:
Rationale: As the presentation concludes, the facilitator can remind students that they can come to the Writing Lab for extra help with organizing their arguments.

18. The End