This paper is an argument about an aspect of your topic. In 5-7 pages you cannot cover everything about it, so you must identify some particular issue of your topic, create a thesis statement about that issue, and then come up with reasons and evidence to support your thesis position.

You will use a kind of argument called a Toulmin argument.

You begin with an attention-getting introduction leading to a statement of your thesis. You can give a little background if you think the readers need it.

You follow it with reasons to support your thesis, each of which is supported by evidence, examples, and explanations. (Think of these as the witnesses you call to support your case.) They go in an obvious order (e.g. strongest to weakest, earliest to most recent, etc.).

You conclude by conceding any points you can=t answer and rebutting those you can, then end with a windup that really makes the audience see why they=re right in agreeing with you.

You can use the Writing Center handout ATerms in a Toulmin Argument@ for help.

You will use a kind of argument called a classical argument.

You begin with an introduction that builds goodwill and states your thesis, then goes over the background of the topic.

You follow this with a statement, in a logical order, of the grounds why people should agree with you, providing explanations, evidence, and examples to show why your point is reasonable.

You follow this with an examination of reasons why people wouldn=t agree with you, and point out what=s wrong or weak in those positions.

You finish with a strong summation that shows the readers why your position is the best one to take on this issue.

You can use the Writing Center handout AThe Classical Argument@ for help.

You will use a kind of argument called a Rogerian argument.

You begin by establishing the common ground between you and your readersBthe points you do agree on. You=re trying to get them to see that you=re a reasonable person and to listen to what you have to say.

You then go through the points on which you differ; you state their positions respectfully, then explain why you differ from them, giving examples, evidence, and explanations.

Your conclusion suggests the possibility of compromise: how can the sides live together on this one? (For instance, when Jerry Falwell=s church recently met with gay activists, Falwell concluded that they should continue to talk and pray together, and that he and his parishioners should make very clear that they are condemning sin, not people, and that they never condone violence against people they don=t agree with.)

You can use the Writing Center handout ARogerian Argumentation@ for help.