Persuasive & Argumentative Papers

• Introduction: Above all else, an introduction should make the paper's topic clear. Remember that you have to clarify for your reader 1) your topic and 2) your stance. Your introduction should also include a strong thesis.
• Background: All arguments require context. Where this context comes is a function of how long the essay is. If you are writing a short one page essay, then it might be best to include this information in the introduction. If you are writing a five page research paper, then a paragraph or two after the introduction would be more useful. Either way, you should include only the information that is necessary for the reader to understand your argument.
• The Argument: Each of your body paragraphs that come after your background ought to be centered around one idea that supports your thesis. This idea needs to be supported by evidence and that evidence must in turn be discussed and clarified so that the connection between it and your main point becomes clear.
  • Dropping the quote "AI does most of its "thinking" behind the scenes and presents users with answers that are stripped of context and deliberation" (Arvai), does not make an argument.  You'll need to explain why the quote is relevant to your position and supports your thesis.
• The Counter-Argument: Sometimes it is a good idea to include an opposing side’s ideas. The key here is that after presenting the other side’s idea, you must respond to it. This response can be an outright contradiction (No, they’re wrong) or a qualified acceptance (That may be true but). Either way this section should strengthen, not weaken your argument.
  • Example: Gov. Newsom claims that treating underlying issues such as substance abuse will make a strong positive impact on those facing homelessness (Walters).  However the data reveals that corporate greed is often the first steps to being unhoused.  After all, 71.9% of SNAP recipients work full-time (GOA 2020).  One of the more well-known companies, whose revenue amounted to 648 billion USD worldwide last year (Statista 2024), was commonly listed as a full-time employer for a majority of SNAP beneficiaries.  If, as the data seems to suggest, this company cannot afford to pay full-time employees to the point that their workers rely on government assistance programs, then what is where exactly is that revenue going?  
• Conclusion: A good conclusion shows the larger implications of your thesis. It should show the important connections between the big issues and their own argument.

Causal

In this type of argument, you argue that something has caused something else. For example, you might explore the causes declining reading levels among K-12 students and make a case for your cause.

Evaluation

In this type of argument, you make an argumentative evaluation of something as “good” or “bad,” but you need to establish the criteria for “good” or “bad.” For example, you might evaluate internet privacy laws, but you would need to establish clear criteria for your evaluation for your audience.

Proposal

In this type of argument, you must propose a solution to a problem. First, you must establish a clear problem and then propose a specific solution to that problem. For example, you might argue for a proposal to establish a campus club to lower social anxiety.

Narrative

In this type of argument, you make your case by telling a story with a clear point related to your argument. For example, you might write a narrative about your experiences with medical gaslighting in order to make a case for reform.

Rebuttal

In a rebuttal argument, you build your case around refuting an idea or ideas that have come before. In other words, your starting point is to challenge the ideas of the past. For example, you might write that America's "War on Drugs", which was touted by proponents as a way to keep children safe, has lead to devastated communities and mass incarceration. 

Definition

In this type of argument, you use a definition as the starting point for making your case. For example, in a definition argument, you might argue for the to the two-party system of government in the United States with a focus on defining what a two-party system really is and what the laws are related to it.