How Writers Develop Arguments, Intros, and Conclusions
4.0 What are arguments, introductions and conclusions?
1. Argument:
Definition: An argument is the central claim or thesis statement the writer is trying to prove or persuade the reader to accept. It is not just a statement of fact, but a position that requires support through reasoning, evidence, and logical explanations.
Purpose: The goal of an argument is to persuade the reader to adopt the writer's point of view on a particular issue. To do this, the writer presents valid reasons and evidence that back up their position.
Key Components:
Claim/Thesis Statement: This is the core idea of the argument — it tells the reader what the author believes or is trying to prove.
Evidence/Support: The reasons, facts, data, and examples that back up the thesis. This is crucial in convincing the reader of the argument's validity.
Reasoning: The logical connections made between the evidence and the thesis to show how the evidence supports the claim.
2. Introduction:
Definition: The introduction is the opening section of an essay or paper. It sets the stage for the argument by introducing the topic, providing some background information, and stating the thesis.
Purpose: The introduction's primary function is to engage the reader's attention, provide necessary context about the topic, and establish the focus of the essay. It prepares the reader for the argument that follows and ensures that they understand the importance of the topic.
Key Components:
Hook: This is an attention-grabbing element, such as a surprising fact, a provocative question, or a relevant anecdote, designed to draw the reader in.
Background Information: This offers any necessary context or details the reader needs to understand the topic and the argument.
Thesis Statement: The final sentence of the introduction is typically where the thesis is stated. It directly presents the main claim or argument the essay will support.
3. Conclusion:
Definition: The conclusion is the closing section of an essay or paper. It revisits the main argument and reflects on the significance of the topic.
Purpose: The conclusion's role is to wrap up the essay, restate the thesis in light of the evidence presented, summarize the key points, and offer a final reflection or call to action. It gives the reader a sense of closure and often leaves them with something to think about.
Key Components:
Restating the Thesis: The conclusion often restates the thesis or main argument, though in a more nuanced way, considering the evidence presented.
Summary of Main Points: It briefly revisits the critical points made in the body of the essay, reinforcing how they supported the thesis.
Why are they important?
Arguments, introductions, and conclusions are all important in an essay because they each serve a specific purpose and work together to create a cohesive and effective piece of writing.
An argument is important because it is the backbone of the essay and the reason for the writing. Without a clear argument, the essay lacks direction and purpose, and the reader will be left unsure of what the author is trying to convey.
An introduction is important because it sets the stage for the argument and provides the reader with background information and context. A good introduction should grab the reader's attention, introduce the topic, and clearly state the thesis or main argument.
A conclusion is important because it brings the essay to a close and leaves the reader with a final impression. A good conclusion should restate the thesis and main points, provide closure, and leave the reader with something to think about or a call to action.
4.1 Developing and connecting thesis statements and lines of reasoning
What is the thesis statement?
A thesis statement is a clear, concise statement that presents the main argument or claim of an essay or research paper. It serves as the guiding idea or central point that the writer will support and develop throughout the essay. Typically, the thesis is located at the end of the introduction.
Key Characteristics of a Thesis Statement:
Clear and Specific: It clearly outlines the writer's position or perspective on the topic.
Arguable: It presents a claim that others could potentially disagree with, which means it should not be a simple fact or statement everyone already agrees with.
Focused: It addresses a specific aspect of a broader topic, narrowing it down to a manageable scope for the paper.
Debatable: The thesis invites discussion or examination, and the body of the paper will offer evidence and reasoning to support it.
Purpose of a Thesis Statement:
Guides the Structure: It acts as a roadmap for the essay, giving readers a sense of what to expect. The points made in the body of the essay will be designed to support or elaborate on the thesis.
Clarifies the Writer's Position: It tells the reader exactly what the writer is arguing or proving in the essay.
Engages the Reader: A strong thesis statement can hook the reader by making a bold claim or offering a unique perspective.
Example of a Thesis Statement:
Weak thesis: "Climate change is a big issue."
This is too broad and doesn’t take a clear stance.
Stronger thesis: "Human activity is the primary cause of climate change, and immediate policy changes are necessary to reduce global carbon emissions."
This is specific, arguable, and provides a clear direction for the essay.
How do you develop a thesis statement?
Determine the purpose of your essay: What are you trying to argue or prove in your essay? What is the main point that you want to make?
Narrow down your focus: Once you know what you want to argue, you need to narrow down your focus. What specific aspect of your argument are you going to focus on in your essay?
Brainstorm: Write down any thoughts, ideas, or examples that you have related to your topic.
Refine your ideas: Look over your brainstormed list and pick out the strongest ideas. Think about how these ideas can be combined into a single argument.
Write a preliminary thesis statement: Use the information you’ve gathered to write a preliminary thesis statement. It should be clear, concise, and arguable.
Revise: Revise your thesis statement as necessary. Make sure it is strong and clearly states your argument.
Test: Test your thesis statement by seeing if it can be supported with evidence and arguments. If it cannot be supported, revise it until it is strong and arguable.
How do you develop lines of reasoning?
Identify the premises: Identify the key points or arguments that you want to make in your essay. These are the premises that will form the foundation of your lines of reasoning.
Analyze your evidence: Analyze the evidence you have gathered to support your premises. Make sure that the evidence is relevant and strong enough to support your argument.
Connect the premises and evidence: Connect the premises with the evidence in a logical manner. Make sure that the evidence supports the premises and that the premises are connected in a way that makes sense.
Build arguments: Build arguments based on the premises and evidence. Make sure that the arguments are clear and that the evidence supports each argument.
Use transition words: Use transition words to connect the arguments and make the lines of reasoning clear and easy to follow.
Evaluate: Evaluate the strength of your lines of reasoning. Make sure that the arguments are clear and well-supported. If necessary, revise the arguments to make them stronger.
Repeat: Repeat the process for each argument you want to make. Make sure that each argument supports your thesis statement and that the lines of reasoning are logically connected.
How can we connect the two together?
To connect your thesis and lines of reasoning, you need to ensure that the lines of reasoning support your thesis statement and that the thesis statement is reinforced by the lines of reasoning. Here are the steps to connect your thesis and lines of reasoning:
Refine your thesis statement: Make sure that your thesis statement is clear and concise. It should state the main argument of your essay.
Review your lines of reasoning: Review the lines of reasoning you have developed. Make sure that each line of reasoning supports your thesis statement.
Connect the lines of reasoning to the thesis: Make sure that each line of reasoning is connected to the thesis statement. Use transition words and phrases to connect the lines of reasoning and the thesis statement.
Reiterate the thesis: Reiterate the thesis statement in the conclusion of your essay. This helps to reinforce the connection between the thesis statement and the lines of reasoning.
Evaluate the connection: Evaluate the connection between the thesis statement and the lines of reasoning. Make sure that the connection is clear and that the thesis statement is supported by the lines of reasoning.
Example
"The use of plastic bags should be banned because they harm the environment and pose a threat to wildlife."
Here are the lines of reasoning that connect to the thesis statement:
Plastic bags can take hundreds of years to decompose in the environment, causing harm to wildlife and ecosystems.
Plastic bags are a significant source of pollution, affecting air and water quality.
Plastic bags pose a threat to wildlife, as they can be mistaken for food and cause harm or death to animals.
Each of these lines of reasoning supports the thesis statement by providing evidence that plastic bags harm the environment and wildlife. The lines of reasoning are connected to the thesis statement through the use of transition words and phrases, such as "causing harm to wildlife and ecosystems" and "affecting air and water quality." The thesis statement is also reinforced in the conclusion of the essay, where the writer reiterates the argument and emphasizes the importance of banning plastic bags.
Text Sample:
The use of plastic bags has been a controversial issue in recent years, with many people advocating for their ban due to the harm they cause to the environment and wildlife. The thesis statement of this argument is "The use of plastic bags should be banned because they harm the environment and pose a threat to wildlife." This statement is supported by three lines of reasoning. Firstly, plastic bags can take hundreds of years to decompose in the environment, which causes harm to wildlife and ecosystems. Secondly, plastic bags are a significant source of pollution and affect air and water quality. Finally, plastic bags pose a threat to wildlife, as they can be mistaken for food and cause harm or death to animals. Each of these lines of reasoning provides evidence that plastic bags are harmful to the environment and wildlife, and they are connected to the thesis statement through the use of transition words and phrases. The argument is reinforced in the conclusion, where the writer reiterates the importance of banning plastic bags and emphasizes the harm they cause to the environment and wildlife. The strong connection between the thesis statement and the lines of reasoning makes this argument well-organized and convincing, and it provides a compelling case for banning the use of plastic bags.
By connecting the thesis statement and lines of reasoning, you ensure that your essay is well-organized and that the arguments are logically connected. This makes it easier for the reader to understand and follow your argument, and increases the strength of your essay.
4.2 Developing introductions and conclusions
Importance of Intros and Conclusions
Introductions and conclusions are critical components of a well-written essay for the College Board AP Language and Composition Exam. These two sections of an essay serve to frame the argument and provide structure for the rest of the essay. The introduction is where the writer presents the topic and provides a thesis statement that establishes the focus of the essay. A strong introduction should grab the reader's attention, provide background information, and establish the writer's credibility. In the body of the essay, the writer will develop their argument, using evidence and analysis to support their thesis. The conclusion, on the other hand, is where the writer summarizes the main points of the essay and provides a final thought on the topic. A strong conclusion should leave the reader with a sense of closure and should reiterate the thesis in a new way. Introductions and conclusions are essential for ensuring that the essay is well-structured and that the argument is clear and easy to follow.
Synthesis
Introduction
Begin with an attention-grabbing statement: The introduction should capture the reader's attention and create interest in the topic. An attention-grabbing statement could be a surprising fact or statistic, a provocative question, or a relevant quote.
Provide background information: After grabbing the reader's attention, the student should provide some context and background information on the topic. This information should help the reader understand the topic and its significance.
Introduce the prompt and claim: The student should introduce the prompt and the claim provided in the prompt. This will help the reader understand the focus of the essay and what the student is expected to do.
State the thesis: The student should state their thesis, which is their position on the topic and the main argument of the essay. The thesis should be clear, concise, and specific.
Provide an overview of the essay: Finally, the student should provide an overview of the essay, outlining the main points that will be covered in the body paragraphs
Conclusion
Restate the thesis: The conclusion should begin by restating the thesis statement in a new way. This reminds the reader of the main argument of the essay.
Summarize the main points: The student should summarize the main points of the essay. This should be done in a concise and clear manner, highlighting the key ideas that support the thesis.
Provide a final thought: The conclusion should end with a final thought on the topic. This could be a call to action, a prediction, a recommendation, or a reflection. It should leave the reader with something to think about.
End with a closing statement: The conclusion should end with a strong closing statement that brings the essay to a satisfying end. This could be a memorable quote or a statement that emphasizes the main point of the essay.
Rhetorical Analysis
Introduction
Use the following template and replace the bolded words with whatever is relevant to the text that you are provided.
In the title of the work, the author/speaker’s name writes of the subject. Author/speaker’s name writes of this during context/occasion because of exigence in order to purpose/message. Author/speaker’s name uses devices you will discuss to express purpose/message to the audience.
Conclusion
Consider the impact of the author's message: In the conclusion, reflect on the impact of the author's message and how effectively it was conveyed to the audience through the use of rhetorical devices.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the rhetoric: Evaluate the effectiveness of the rhetorical devices used by the author to persuade the audience. Discuss the ways in which the author's use of language, tone, and structure enhanced the message.
End with a thought-provoking statement: End the essay with a thought-provoking statement that ties together the main points of the essay and leaves the reader with something to consider. This could be a question, a call to action, or a prediction.
Discuss the relevance of the message: Explain why the author's message is still relevant today and how it can inform our understanding of current issues.
Argument
Introduction
State your thesis: Your thesis statement should clearly state your position on the issue and provide a roadmap for the rest of your essay. Make sure it is clear, concise, and debatable.
Provide background information: Provide some context for your argument by introducing the topic and explaining its significance. This could involve discussing the history of the issue or outlining the current debate.
Preview your arguments: Preview the main arguments you will make in support of your thesis. This helps to guide the reader through the essay and prepares them for the evidence you will present.
Conclusion
Restate your thesis: Begin your conclusion by restating your thesis statement. This reminds the reader of the main argument and helps to tie the essay together.
Summarize your main points: Provide a brief summary of the main points you made in the body of the essay. This helps to reinforce your argument and remind the reader of the evidence you presented.
Provide a final thought: End the essay with a final thought that leaves the reader with something to consider. This could be a call to action, a suggestion for further research, or a prediction for the future.
4.3 Adjusting An Argument to Address New Evidence
Purpose and Audience--
The purpose of any written piece of work can and will be influenced by it's INTENDED AUDIENCE. The purpose of the text is specifically targeted and made for (say it again!) it's INTENDED AUDIENCE.
Considerations for a targeted audience can be general things such as age group, gender, and specific values. Values tend to be geared toward groups such as liberals, conservatives, Christians, or Muslims.
Prompt of the Text--
Prompts can help us figure out important information that we may not know already. Such as the date this text was written. When you know the date you can better analyze the values of the intended audience.
Language and TONE --
The diction (word choice) used can not only help us reveal the author's own educational level but the education level of their INTENDED AUDIENCE. Appeals matter too! Which appeals an author uses can also demonstrate the values of their intended audience.
Occasion and Context--
Occasion comes from more than a simple urge to write, but rather from context (the magic word). Context of the period, which takes in account trends, issues, and culture. Figure out what the event was that made the writer feel the need to write.
Remember! Occasion is the whole event, no specifics all general. Exigence is that specific moment. Occasion is focused on the intended audience while exigence is concerning the writer.
Purpose--
This is possibly the biggest thing you want to focus on! What does the writer want the audience to understand! Purpose comes from occasion and exigence because they set the stage for the purpose.
Use cause and effect by analyzing the occasion and exigence. This takes on the role of result and impact in your essay. Figure out the appeals the author has used! Use these too in your own RA essay! Your introduction should include as many aspects of SPACECAT that you can correctly analyze.
Tips--
Remember RA thesis is about the point the author wants to make to their intended audience.
Conclusion should include a connection to your own life to broaden your argument.
Always begin any argument with a claim, or a big opinion you want to prove to be true.
Reasoning explains why your claim is true.
Evidence provides proof your claim is true, use lots of evidence!!! Always pack on the evidence