Most written arguments rely on a well-established set of elements: a clearly expressed thesis statement, a thorough discussion of the reasons and evidence supporting the overall claim, careful consideration of counterarguments, and an introduction and a conclusion. The presentation of these elements, however, is as varied as the issues addressed in argumentative essays and the writers who tackle them.

Organization. As you organize your argumentative essay, give some thought to the sequence in which you present your reasons and evidence and discuss counterarguments. If you are drawing heavily on emotional appeals, for example, you might lead with a particularly striking appeal, one designed to outrage or excite your readers — or at least to get them to continue reading your essay. Similarly, you might end with a reason that would leave your readers feeling that they must do something about the issue you’ve raised. If you are crafting an argument that relies heavily on logical analysis, you should ask whether any of your appeals build on (or logically follow) other appeals. You should also ask whether some appeals are easier to understand and accept than others. If so, be sure to present them before you advance more complex or objectionable appeals. Counterarguments might all be addressed early on, discussed in turn, or withheld until you’ve established the reasons in support of your overall claim. Refer to Chapter 15 for additional guidelines on organizing and outlining an essay.

Introduction and Conclusion. Pay particular attention to your introduction and conclusion. These important elements not only provide the framework within which your readers will understand the issue you are addressing but also influence their willingness to accept your argument. Once you’ve decided how to frame your introduction and conclusion, you can use a range of strategies to put them into words. In their introductions, writers of argumentative essays frequently rely on strategies such as asking a question, leading with a quotation, and telling a story. In their conclusions, they often use strategies such as speculating about the future, asking a question, and closing with a quotation. You can read more about strategies for introducing and concluding your essay in Chapter 16.