Argumentative Paper Format
*Note that this is only a sample format. There are multiple ways to organize an
argumentative paper
INTRODUCTION
o 1-2 paragraphs tops
o PURPOSE: To set up and state one’s claim
o OPTIONAL ELEMENTS
Make your introductory paragraph interesting. How can you draw your readers in?
What background information, if any, do we need to know in order to understand your claim? If you don’t follow this paragraph with a background information paragraph, insert that info here.
o REQUIRED ELEMENTS
If you’re arguing about a literary work—state author + title
If you’re arguing about an issue or theory – provide brief explanation or your of issue/theory.
If you’re arguing about a film—state director, year + title
STATE your claim at the end of your introductory paragraph
BACKGROUND PARAGRAPH
o 1-2 paragraphs tops; Optional (can omit for some papers). Also, sometimes this info is incorporated into the introduction paragraph (see above).
o PURPOSE: Lays the foundation for proving your argument.
o Will often include:
Summary of works being discussed
Definition of key terms
Explanation of key theories
SUPPORTING EVIDENCE PARAGRAPH #1
o PURPOSE: To prove your argument. Usually is one paragraph but it can be longer.
o Topic Sentence: What is one item, fact, detail, or example you can tell your readers that will help them better understand your claim/paper topic? Your answer should be the topic sentence for this paragraph.
o Explain Topic Sentence: Do you need to explain your topic sentence? If so, do so here.
o Introduce Evidence: Introduce your evidence either in a few words (As Dr. Brown states ―…‖) or in a full sentence (―To understand this issue we first need to look at statistics).
o State Evidence: What supporting evidence (reasons, examples, facts, statistics, and/or quotations) can you include to prove/support/explain your topic sentence?
o Explain Evidence: How should we read or interpret the evidence you are providing us? How does this evidence prove the point you are trying to make in this paragraph? Can be opinion based and is often at least 1-3 sentences.
o Concluding Sentence: End your paragraph with a concluding sentence that reasserts how the topic sentence of this paragraph helps up better understand and/or prove your paper’s overall claim.
Courtesy the Odegaard Writing & Research Center
SUPPORTING EVIDENCE PARAGRAPH #2, 3, 4 etc.
o Repeat above
COUNTERARGUMENT PARAGRAPH
o PURPOSE: To anticipate your reader’s objections; make yourself sound more objective and reasonable.
o Optional; usually 1-2 paragraphs tops
o What possible argument might your reader pose against your argument and/or some aspect of your reasoning? Insert one or more of those arguments here and refute them.
o End paragraph with a concluding sentence that reasserts your paper’s claim as a whole.
CONCLUSION PART 1: SUM UP PARAGRAPH
o PURPOSE: Remind readers of your argument and supporting evidence
o Conclusion you were most likely taught to write in High School
o Restates your paper’s overall claim and supporting evidence
CONCLUSION PART 2: YOUR “SO WHAT” PARAGRAPH
o PURPOSE: To illustrate to your instructor that you have thought critically and analytically about this issue.
