ENG 102: English Comp (Bennett): Developing an Argument

Developing Strong Thesis Statements

From OWL Purdue:

• The thesis statement or main claim must be debatable
• The thesis needs to be narrow
• The thesis states a type of claim

Organizing Your Argument

From OWL Purdue: 

The basic format for the Toulmin Method is as follows.

• Claim: The overall thesis the writer will argue for.
• Data: Evidence gathered to support the claim.
• Warrant (also referred to as a bridge): Explanation of why or how the data supports the claim, the underlying assumption that connects your data to your claim.
• Backing (also referred to as the foundation): Additional logic or reasoning that may be necessary to support the warrant.
• Counterclaim: A claim that negates or disagrees with the thesis/claim.
• Rebuttal: Evidence that negates or disagrees with the counterclaim.

Using Research and Evidence

From OWL Purdue: 

Regardless of what type of sources you use, they must be credible. In other words, your sources must be reliable, accurate, and trustworthy.... 

Using Rhetorical Strategies for Persuasion

From OWL Purdue: 

There are three types of rhetorical appeals, or persuasive strategies, used in arguments to support claims and respond to opposing arguments. A good argument will generally use a combination of all three appeals to make its case.

• Logos
• Avoid Logical Fallacies
• Ethos