Activity
Practice writing claims based on the following issue question: Should the college implement a mandatory attendance policy? Write three versions of a claim: fact, value, and policy. Be prepared to share your three claim statements with several classmates for their review.
From Claim to Draft
- With a claim in hand, you now are ready to map out your argument strategy-to create an outline of body paragraph topics, to jot down five or so details for each paragraph, and to lay out a logical order for your paragraphs. Using the strategy questions and outline (pages 63-64), you should be able to create a useful outline for your argument. Remember that your claim is your promise to your readers; it tells readers what they can expect you to deliver in the body paragraphs. Thus, write your claim out at the top of the first page of your outline, and keep your body paragraphs aligned with it. However, keep in mind that you are planning-nothing is yet set in stone, not even your claim. If you come across an essential topic or idea that your claim does not include, revise your claim to embrace this topic.
- Finally, with an outline in hand, you are ready to write that first draft. Here is how we suggest you proceed:
1. Proclaim yourself an expert on the issue; most certainly, you are more informed than many other laypersons.
2. Put your sources aside-out of sight-and write a first, fast-draft by using only your outline/planning pages and the knowledge in your head that you have gained through intensive study of the issue.
By writing this first draft-on your own-you will avoid the common pitfall of overrelying on source material and, as a consequence, losing ownership of your writing. Once you have cranked out a first draft, you can return to your sources/notes and identify relative information to flesh out your draft and, thus, enhance the authoritative basis of your argument.
Planning an Argument
When creating a plan to write an argument essay, the first step is to read the assignment carefully and to make certain you understand what the instructor expects. Some instructors will give you specific topics; some may give you more freedom. Prewriting 0 is an essential step in the writing process. Prewriting means to focus your thoughts before you begin an essay. Some might like to make lists, some might attack a blank page with thoughts as they come, and some might use note cards. There is not a single, right way to begin. After some informal prewriting and gathering ideas, it is time to get focused. Before you start writing a draft, formulate a claim and look for evidence that will build the strongest support for your argument. You might find it helpful to start by making a list or perhaps an informal outline. Try to think of this task not as a dreaded activity, but as an investment in your writing project. Taking a few minutes to write down your ideas can lead to some wonderful discoveries about your own thinking. More than likely, such an enterprise will help you ultimately structure a more formal outline to map out your paper and assist you in formulating evidence.
Creating an Informal Outline
The following structure can be useful if you want specific organizational guidelines, or it can serve as a starting point if you want to devise your own organizational plan:
Basic Structure of an Informal Outline
Introduction
- Lead-in "hook" sentences
- Concise overview of issue/rhetorical context
- Explicit claim of fact, value, or policy
Opposition
- Concise summary of key points of opposing viewpoint
- Concession/acknowledgment of legitimacy of aspects of this viewpoint
- Refutation/counterargument to address weak aspects of viewpoint
Supporting Argument
- Specific proof of claim
- Evidence grouped under three or so key points
- Strongest point presented last
Conclusion
- Restatement of claim
- Resolution, compromise, or call to action
any students feel getting started is the most intimidating part of a writing assignment. In order to kick start your writing, you might find answering the following strategy questions 1pful.
Strategy Questions for Organizing Your Argument Essay
1. Do you have a lead-in to "hook" your reader? (an example, anecdote, scenario, startling statistic, or provocative question)
2. How much background is required to properly acquaint readers with your issue?
3. Will your claim be placed early (introduction) or delayed (conclusion) in your paper?
4. What is your supporting evidence?
5. Have you located authoritative (expert) sources that add credibility to your argument?
6. Have you considered addressing opposing viewpoints?
7. Are you willing to make some concessions (compromises) toward opposing sides?
8. What type of tone (serious, comical, sarcastic, inquisitive) best relates your message to reach your audience?
9. Once written, have you maintained a third person voice? (No "I" or "you" statements)
10. How will you conclude in a meaningful way? (Call your readers to take action, explain why the topic has global importance, or offer a common ground compromise that benefits all sides?)
Creating a Draft
You have thought about your issue; discussed it with friends and classmates; and read about it in various periodicals, books, and electronic sources. You have a collection of notes, photocopies of sources, and an annotated bibliography. Now comes the time to sit down and create a draft.
Writing a Thesis/Claim Statement
The heart of an argument is its claim. Now is the time for you to make that heart come alive. To do so, you will engage in the higher-order critical thinking skill of synthesis. You will "cook down" the source information and your ideas to its essence-to one essential and arguable point.
Rereading the issue question, which has been the subject of your research efforts, you will now write your informed opinion in response to that question-the position or assertion for which you can create a compelling case. Although the claim should, finally, be a single, succinct yet specific statement, be prepared to spend some time-and many words-to discover your claim. You are cooking the pot of information and ideas down to its richest essence. This thinking and writing task should be hard-a process of writing, scratching out, writing, and rewriting as you write your way to discovering your claim. In the process of writing, you will be synthesizing information and ideas; concurrently, you will begin to see a claim emerge. Allow your first efforts in wording your claim to be rough, if not awkward and simplistic. You can revise the wording to be more specific and compelling once you can see on paper (or the screen) the point you want to argue. As you revise, keep in mind the chiseling tool for sharpening your claim: determining whether you want to focus your argument primarily as a claim of fact, value, or policy.
Following are examples of the three types of claims in response to this issue question: Should the city place a moratorium on the construction of fast-food restaurants in lower-income neighborhoods?
- Claim of fact: Residents of lower-income neighborhoods are targeted by the fast-food industry, and, as a result, they are particularly prone to health problems associated with high-fat and processed foods.
- Claim of value: A proposal to ban fast-food restaurant construction in lower-income neighborhoods unfairly stereotypes and discriminates against the residents of those neighborhoods.
- Claim of policy: The city should not implement a moratorium on fast-food restaurant construction in lower-income neighborhoods.