Building a case.
WHAT AN ARGUMENT IS
A position, supported by reasons and evidence.
WHAT IT IS NOT
A description of what others have said A list of facts An opinion asserted
WHAT EACH PARAGRAPH SHOULD DO
Make one point Support it Explain the support Connect to the argument
WHAT THE FIRST SENTENCE SHOULD DO
State the point.
WHY
So a reader scanning the first sentences follows the argument.
WHAT TO CHECK
That reading only the first sentences produces a coherent case.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT COUNTER-ARGUMENTS
Address them.
WHY
Ignoring the obvious objection is noticed, and it weakens the work.
HOW TO ADDRESS ONE
State it fairly, then explain why your position still holds.
WHAT NOT TO DO
State it in a weakened form and dismiss it.
WHY
A reader who knows the field will recognise it.
WHAT TO AVOID
Paragraphs with several unrelated points Evidence presented without explanation Conclusions not following from what preceded
