Building an Argument

One of the main differences between critical writing and descriptive writing is that, in the latter, you are not developing an argument. In fact, descriptive writing means that you are representing a situation as it stands, without presenting any analysis or discussion or reporting ideas but not taking them forward in any way.

In this sense, when we speak on building an argument, we are considering critical writing and not descriptive writing.

Thus, how should we build an argument?

• Main rule for a good argument is: if it is worth including, it is worth telling us why.
• If you describe some evidence relevant to your argument, you need to explain to the reader why it is relevant.
• A sentence or two might describe and reference the evidence, but this is not enough in itself. The next few sentences need to explain what this evidence contributes to the argument you are making.

The structure of the argument is one of the aspects in which you need to pay attention when building an argument. An argument consists of conclusion and evidence. It is important to understand the structure of an argument because it enables a reader to comment on various works effectively.

Another aspect that one must keep in mind is the line of argument.

• For maximum effectiveness, your writing needs to have a line or lines of argument running through it from the Introduction to the Conclusion.
• Similar to how you have used paragraphs on a micro-scale to present your critical writing, you need to consider the ordering of those paragraphs within the overall structure.
• The aim is to lead your readers carefully through the thread of your argument to a well-supported conclusion.

When reading critically, the most important part of the analysis is to determine whether the reasons presented really support the main argument.

Articles

• Gladwell, Malcolm (2021). How to write a good argumentative essay: easy step-by-step guide.
• InquireHSbook (n.d.). Building strong arguments.
• Amgoud, L. (2009). Using arguments for making and explaining decisions. Artificial Intelligence, 173, 3-4, pp. 413-436.
• Fahy, K. (2008). Writing for publication: argument and evidence. Women and Birth, 21, 3, pp. 113-117.
• Oxford Royale Academy (2017). 9 ways to construct a compelling argument.

Blogs

• MyPerfectWords (n.d.). Best argumentative essay examples for your help.
• Sarikas, Christine (2019). 3 strong argumentative essay examples, analyzed.

Videos

• Big Think (2018). The art of argument.
• Business Insider (2015). How to win an argument.
• Coventry University (2016). Critical writing: how to build strong arguments.
• SNAP Language (2016). Analyzing the argument. Part 1 of 2.
• SNAP Language (2016). Analyzing the argument. Part 2 of 2.
• TheSeaHorseProject (2017). Find the main argument in Academic Writing.
• Gatt, Chris (2015). The seven building blocks of effective arguments.
• Hull University Library (2020). Building strong arguments [critical thinking 7].
• Hull University Library (2020). Structuring an argument [critical thinking 5].
• Lund University (2016). Structuring an argument.

Websites

• University of Louisville. Writing Center (n.d.). How do I write an essay that makes an “argument”?
• University of Kent. Student Learning Advisory Service (n.d.). Constructing an argument.
• University of Leeds (2020). Academic writing. Build your argument.
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (n.d.). The Writing Center. Argument. 
• Walden University (2020). Structure of an argument. 
• Walden University (2020). Types of arguments. 
• Purdue University (2021). Developing strong thesis arguments.
• Purdue University (2021). Organising your argument.
• University of Leeds (2021). Build your argument.