3.2 Organizing an Argument

Arrangement matters

How you order claims shapes persuasion. Common patterns include order of importance, chronological, cause and effect, and comparison and contrast. The best arrangement fits the argument's logic.

Introductions and conclusions

An introduction orients the audience and states the thesis; a conclusion does more than repeat — it extends the argument's significance, answering 'so what?'

Paragraphing

Each body paragraph should develop one clear point with a topic sentence, evidence, and commentary. Paragraph breaks guide the reader through the reasoning.

Key terms

Arrangement

The order in which claims and evidence are presented.

Order of importance

Structuring points by their significance.

Topic sentence

A sentence stating a paragraph's main point.

Introduction

Orients the audience and states the thesis.

Conclusion

Extends the argument's significance ('so what?').

Try an AP-style question

The classical argument structure includes…

1. question, answer, and question again
2. intro, narration, confirmation, refutation, close
3. claim, data, and warrant only
4. hook, summary, and a short conclusion