Quick Help: Checklist for constructing an argument

• What is the context of your argument? How much do you know about other arguments related to the one you are making? (9a)
• What is the purpose of your argument—to convince others? to make a good decision? to change yourself? (9b)
• Is the point you want to make arguable? (9c)
• Have you formulated a clear claim and given good reasons for it? (9d and e)
• Have you formulated a strong working thesis, and have you qualified it sufficiently? (9d)
• How have you established your own credibility in the argument? (9f)
• Have you respectfully considered, and addressed, counterarguments? (9f)
• How have you incorporated logical appeals into your argument? (9g)
• How have you used emotional appeals in your argument? (9h)
• How have you used verbal and visual sources in your argument, and how effectively are they integrated into your argument? (9i)
• Is your argument clearly organized? (9j)
• How will you deliver your argument to audiences? How effective is your design for your purpose? (9k)