How Writers Develop Arguments, Intros, and Conclusions

Argument

The central claim or thesis statement the writer is trying to prove or persuade the reader to accept.

Introduction

The opening section of an essay that introduces the topic and states the thesis.

Conclusion

The closing section of an essay that revisits the main argument and reflects on the significance of the topic.

Claim/Thesis Statement

The core idea of the argument that tells the reader what the author believes or is trying to prove.

Evidence/Support

Reasons, facts, data, and examples backing up the thesis, crucial for convincing the reader.

Reasoning

The logical connections made between the evidence and the thesis.

Hook

An attention-grabbing element in the introduction that draws the reader in.

Background Information

Necessary context or details the reader needs to understand the topic and the argument.

Restating the Thesis

The act of revisiting the main argument in the conclusion, usually in a nuanced way.

Summary of Main Points

A brief revisitation of critical points made in the essay's body, reinforcing the thesis.

Thesis Statement

A clear and concise statement presenting the main argument of an essay.

Clear and Specific

Characteristic of a thesis statement that clearly outlines the writer's position.

Arguable

A thesis that presents a claim others could disagree with, not a simple fact.

Focused

A thesis that addresses a specific aspect of a broader topic, narrowing the focus.

Debatable

A characteristic of a thesis that invites discussion and examination.

Guides the Structure

How a thesis acts as a roadmap for the essay, indicating what to expect.

Clarifies the Writer's Position

What a thesis statement does by clearly stating the argument in the essay.

Engages the Reader

A strong thesis can hook the audience by making a bold claim.

Weak Thesis Example

'Climate change is a big issue.' - This is too broad and lacks a clear stance.

Stronger Thesis Example

'Human activity is the primary cause of climate change, and immediate policy changes are necessary to reduce global carbon emissions.' - This is specific and arguable.

Determine the Purpose

Identifying what you are trying to argue or prove in your essay.

Narrow Down Your Focus

Deciding on a specific aspect of your argument to concentrate on.

Brainstorm

Writing down thoughts, ideas, or examples related to your topic.

Refine Your Ideas

Selecting the strongest ideas from your brainstorming to form a single argument.

Write a Preliminary Thesis Statement

Drafting an initial clear, concise, and arguable thesis based on your gathered information.

Revise

The process of improving your thesis statement to ensure it is strong and clear.

Test Your Thesis Statement

Checking if your thesis can be supported with evidence and arguments.

Identify the Premises

Finding key points or arguments you want to make in your essay.

Analyze Your Evidence

Evaluating the relevance and strength of your evidence supporting your premises.

Connect the Premises and Evidence

Linking your premises logically with your evidence.

Build Arguments

Creating clear arguments supported by evidence from your premises.

Use Transition Words

Employing words to link arguments and enhance clarity in reasoning.

Evaluate

Assessing the strength of your lines of reasoning to ensure clarity and support.

Repeat

Performing the development process for each argument to maintain coherence.

Refine Your Thesis Statement

Ensuring clarity and conciseness of your main argument.

Review Your Lines of Reasoning

Checking that each line supports and connects to your thesis statement.

Connect the Lines of Reasoning to the Thesis

Using transition phrases to link reasoning with the thesis.

Reiterate the Thesis

Restating the thesis in the conclusion to reinforce the argument.

Evaluate the Connection

Making sure the relationship between the thesis and reasoning is clear.

Rhetorical Analysis Introduction

Template used to introduce a rhetorical analysis, filling in relevant details.

Consider the Impact of the Author's Message

Reflecting on how effectively the author's message was conveyed to the audience.

Evaluate the Effectiveness of the Rhetoric

Assessing the author's rhetorical devices in persuading the audience.

End with a Thought-Provoking Statement

Concluding with a statement that ties together main points and leaves the reader pondering.

Discuss the Relevance of the Message

Explaining why the author's message is relevant today and how it informs current issues.

Purpose and Audience

How the purpose of a written piece is influenced by its intended audience.

Prompt of the Text

Understanding the context and date of a text to analyze the audience's values.

Language and Tone

The word choice and appeal used can reveal the author's education level and audience values.

Occasion and Context

Understanding the general event that prompted the writer to create the text.

Purpose Analysis

Understanding what the writer wants the audience to take away from the text.

Tips for RA Thesis

Guidelines for crafting a thesis that addresses the author's intended message.