Writing an Argument is Like Building a House
A picture bookthat breaks downthe argument-writing process by T. OHara Step #1: Start planning your Argument by understanding the topic and the inquiry question
If you dont know whatyoure looking for, thatwould be like trying tobuild a house withoutunderstanding what ahouse is. Dont go anyfarther with yourArgument until youunderstand the question! Step #2: Build your foundation on Evidence
Step #2: Build your foundation on Evidence. Evidence answers the question, What do I see here? This step usually takesthe longest, because youneed to pay attention toand consider Evidencethat could support twoor more possibleanswers to the inquiryquestion. Step #3: Build the structure by developing watertight Reasoning
This step usually happensas a thought in your mind,and it goes by so quicklythat you need to pressreplay and sloooooowyour brain down.Reasoning is like the roofand walls of your house.You need them to makeyour house watertight. Step #4: Open the door with your Claim
The Claim is like thefront door of the house,because it lets thereader in by introducingher to your argument.The Claim that youfinally select is the onethat you think makes themost sense over anyothers. Step #5: The Counterclaim is different from your claim
Step #5: The Counterclaim is different from your claim. Its important to explain here why you rejected this in favor of your claim The Counterclaim is theanswer to the questionthat you didnt choose. Aclear explanation aboutwhy you didnt selectthis will make your claimeven stronger. Sourcing in your argument tells the reader about how your evidence is trustworthy
Its like havingwell-known,trusted appliancesin your house. The Organization of your argument helps the reader easily move from one section to another
Its like having ahouse where all therooms are where youexpect them to be.You dont have tosearch for things. Your finished Argument will be likea beautiful house that any reasonable person would appreciate