The Writing Assignment

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Compose a position argument on a controversial issue: Before you take a position, learn more about the issue and the debate surrounding it. Then frame the issue so readers recognize that it merits their attention, consider and respond to views that differ from yours, and develop a well-supported, clearly organized argument that will confirm, challenge, or change your readers’ views.

This Guide to Writing will help you compose your own position argument and apply what you have learned from reading other position argument. The Starting Points chart here will help you find answers to many of your questions. Use the chart to find the guidance you need, when you need it.

STARTING POINTS: ARGUING A POSITION

Click the Starting Points chart to download.

A Focused, Well-Presented Issue How do I come up with an issue to write about?

  • Consider possible topics: Issues concerning fairness.

  • Consider possible topics: Issues facing students.

  • Consider possible topics: Issues concerning privacy.

  • Choose a controversial issue on which to take a position.

  • Test Your Choice: Choosing an Issue

How can I effectively frame the issue for my readers?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: A focused, well--presented issue.

  • A Focused, Well-Presented Issue: Framing an Argument for Your Audience

  • A Focused, Well-Presented Issue: Framing an Argument for a Diverse Group of Readers

  • A Focused, Well-Presented Issue: Reframing through Contrast

  • Frame the issue for your readers.

  • A Troubleshooting Guide: A Focused, Well-Presented Issue

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A Well-Supported Position How do I come up with a plausible position?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: A well-supported position.

  • Formulate a working thesis stating your position.

  • Develop the reasons supporting your position.

  • Research your position.

  • Use sources to reinforce your credibility.

How do I come up with reasons and evidence supporting my position?

  • A Well-Supported Position: Using Anecdotes and Examples

  • A Well-Supported Position: Using Statistics

  • A Well-Supported Position: Using Sources

  • Formulate a working thesis stating your position.

  • Develop the reasons supporting your position.

  • Research your position.
An Effective Response to Opposing Views How do I respond to possible objections to my position?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: An effective response to opposing views.

  • An Effective Response: Conceding and Refuting

  • Identify and respond to your readers’ likely reasons and objections.

  • Write the opening sentences.
How do I respond to possible alternative positions?

  • Assess the genre’s basic feature: An effective response to opposing views.

  • An Effective Response: Conceding and Refuting

  • An Effective Response: Presenting and Reinterpreting Evidence to Undermine Objections

  • An Effective Response: Refuting by Demonstrating the Effects

  • Research your position.

  • Identify and respond to your readers’ likely reasons and objections.

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A Clear, Logical Organization How can I help my readers follow my argument?

  • Assess the genre’s basic features: A clear, logical organization.

  • A Clear, Logical Organization: Creating Closure

  • A Clear, Logical Organization: Providing Cues for Readers

  • A Clear, Logical Organization: Using Cueing Devices

  • Create an outline that will organize your argument effectively for your readers.

  • A Troubleshooting Guide: A Clear, Logical Organization