Argument and Analysis

You are already fabulous at presenting an argument! 

Think of writing a persuasive argument the same way you would try to persuade anyone of anything: present your main point (thesis statement), offer supporting reasons backed by evidence, and ensure that the way you present your argument makes sense to your audience (any educated layperson). Here is a real-world scenario:

"Since we don't have plans for dinner, let's go try that new restaurant."

• (thesis statement + significance/"so what")

"I am hungry, but I don't know if I feel like going out..."

• (Your argument matters to me, but I still need some convincing.)

"It has good reviews (4.9 stars with 136 reviews!), it's relatively inexpensive ($11 entrees), and George really enjoyed it (he even went again for lunch today)!"

• (reasons + evidence)

"That does sound good..."

"I know you might be thinking we just went out a few days ago, but the newspaper says their potstickers are the best on the Peninsula."

• (address counterargument and rebut it with strong evidence)
   

In a paper, you would finish with a conclusion here; in real life, you might just hear the following: "Sold!" (you won!).

Argument Links

• Handout (printable): "Argument," UNC Chapel Hill Writing Center
• Handout (printable): "Writing an Argument," UC-Riverside Graduate Writing Center
• GWC workshop video (1:11:29): "Crafting Convincing Arguments"
• Webpage with 11-minute "Science of Persuasion" video and many more resources: "Persuasive Writing," Mater Christi
• Book: Statistical Reasoning for Everyday Life, 4th ed., Jeffrey O. Bennett, et al., Pearson Education