Argumentative Paper Structure (each paragraph should be around 100-105 words each)
[Argument followed by refutation structure]
Introduction
• Hook (something to introduce the topic and grab the reader’s attention) [Not necessary; Optional]
• Background (5 or 6 pieces of information about the topic; use the WH questions as a starting point)
• A couple of sentences to present an overview of the debate/controversy and the parties involved. Make sure to emphasize the importance of the debate and why it matters.
• Thesis statement which clearly states the main argument as well as three supporting reasons (properly phrased in one sentence)
Body Paragraph 1
• Topic/Reason # 1; Topic sentence (a single clear and short sentence that identifies the reason)
• Explanation (you need to clarify for the reader exactly what the reason is, and how it connects to your main argument. This could take from one to three or more sentences depending on how complicated the reason is)
• Evidence (in the form of facts and statistics) • Examples (preferably two: one general and one specific. They can be either real or
theoretical)
• Expert opinion (quote and make sure to introduce the quote by identifying the expert)
o You must discuss the quote and present an interpretation of it for the reader. Make sure to connect it to your reason and main argument.
• Interpretation and analysis
o This is the part of each paragraph where you present your own opinion and
demonstrate your critical thinking skills. First, you need to connect together everything that you have presented so far in the paragraph to persuade the reader that your reason is correct. Then you need to demonstrate that your reason supports your overall argument.
• Transition sentence o In one sentence, provide a transition to the next paragraph.
Body Paragraph 2
• Topic/Reason # 2; Topic sentence (a single clear and short sentence that identifies the reason)
• Explanation (you need to clarify for the reader exactly what the reason is, and how it connects to your main argument. This could take from one to three or more sentences depending on how complicated the reason is)
• Evidence (in the form of facts and statistics)
ENG 101 Intensive Writing
• Examples (preferably two: one general and one specific. They can be either real or theoretical)
• Expert opinion (quote and make sure to introduce the quote by identifying the expert) o You must discuss the quote and present an interpretation of it for the reader. Make
sure to connect it to your reason and main argument.
• Interpretation and analysis
o This is the part of each paragraph where you present your own opinion and demonstrate your critical thinking skills. First, you need to connect together everything that you have presented so far in the paragraph to persuade the reader that your reason is correct. Then you need to demonstrate that your reason supports your overall argument.
• Transition sentence o In one sentence, provide a transition to the next paragraph.
Body Paragraph 3
• Topic/Reason # 3; Topic sentence (a single clear and short sentence that identifies the reason)
• Explanation (you need to clarify for the reader exactly what the reason is, and how it connects to your main argument. This could take from one to three or more sentences depending on how complicated the reason is)
• Evidence (in the form of facts and statistics) • Examples (preferably two: one general and one specific. They can be either real or
theoretical)
• Expert opinion (quote and make sure to introduce the quote by identifying the expert)
o You must discuss the quote and present an interpretation of it for the reader. Make sure to connect it to your reason and main argument.
• Interpretation and analysis
o This is the part of each paragraph where you present your own opinion and
demonstrate your critical thinking skills. First, you need to connect together everything that you have presented so far in the paragraph to persuade the reader that your reason is correct. Then you need to demonstrate that your reason supports your overall argument.
• Concluding sentence o In one sentence, write a sentence that wraps up the paragraph.
Body Paragraph 4: Refutation
• Topic sentence (a single clear and short sentence that identifies the other side’s main argument and names one of its supporters)
ENG 101 Intensive Writing
• Explanation (you need to clarify for the reader exactly what the counterargument is, and how it connects to the other side’s main argument. This could take from one to three or more sentences depending on how complicated the counterargument is)
• Refutation. In the remainder of the paragraph, you need to present a reason (or reasons) which refutes the counterargument. You must use evidence (in the form of facts, statistics, and examples) to support your refutation.
• Interpretation and analysis/concluding sentence
o This is the part of each paragraph where you present your own opinion and
demonstrate your critical thinking skills. You need to connect together everything that you have presented so far in the paragraph to persuade the reader that the counterargument is wrong and that your main argument is the correct one.
Conclusion
• Restate your main argument (i.e. your answer to the research question, which is your thesis statement)
• Summarize the main idea of each of your body paragraphs in no more than one sentence each.
• In one or two sentences, present an overall conclusion to your essay. This is where you tie everything together to persuade the reader that your argument is the correct one.
• Final thought o The last sentence of the research paper should leave the reader with something to
think about. Make a prediction, offer a solution, make a call to action
