Persuasive/Argument PapersElements of Persuasive/Argument Papers
Persuasive and argument essays contain some common
elements.
They must
Clarify the relevant values of the topic so that the audience
can see the position of the paper.
Remember that there are many parts of any argument. The topic
of the paper should be specific to the issue that you plan
to address.
Present facts that support the side of the argument that
you plan to present and to persuade for or against.
Facts can consist of statistics, researched information, and
other materials that are found in scholarly journals, government
publications and other academic or professional fields.
Remember to cite all information that is not your own original
idea. The Academic Center has copies of both the
APA
and MLA Quick Guides available online and in the Center.
Sequence or prioritize the facts in a manner that builds
the argument in the most influential way.
The presentation of facts for the argument should follow the
same organization presented when clarifying the relevant values.
The first issue stated in the thesis should be the first topic
approached in the persuasion/ argument section of the paper
and so on.
Form and state conclusions.
The conclusion should never be thought of as just a summary
of the essay. If you answer the question, “So, why
am I writing this paper to this audience?” you can
create a stronger conclusion that does what it was intended
to do, persuade.
Continue to Prewriting Strategies
Copyright 2003 by the Academic Center and the
University of Houston-Victoria.
Created 2003 by Bernice Dobbins. |
