A simple scheme for structuring an argument

Set up a question or problem
Thesis
Show that there is a problem
      Define terms
Your explanation of how your thesis applies (any historical or background information we need to know? Plot structure?)
Guide us through evidence
***respond to OPPOSING VIEWS, and explain why you disagree with those views--and say if you accept some of your opponent's ideas

Or, in an interpretive paper, show possible alternative readings

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Detailed OUTLINE of an ARGUMENT PAPER

Note: Most parts of this scheme can be switched around. Any of the subclaims could be turned into your main thesis.

Also, remember to make transitions between sections. A good way to make a transition is to pick up an idea from the clincher sentence at the end of the previous section and respond to it.

Remember too that each section may need several paragraphs to explain and to support with evidence. You do not need to restrict yourself to 5 paragraphs.

Underline or italicize all titles of books or whole volumes (newspaper titles, for example); put the titles of essays, articles, short works, or chapters in "quotation marks."

Title
Give your essay a title that conveys your topic and hints at your approach to it, in a way that should catch readers' attention.
Center your title and put quotation marks around it.

First paragraph: Introduction

• Lead your reader in. What got you started on this topic? What is the problem or issue that you want to resolve? What question needs to be answered?
• What materials/sources will you use to study this topic? Are you *responding* to something or to some opinion you came across? Are you challenging the views of your source(s)?
• (If possible, add:) What approach or method will you use in thinking about your materials?
• Thesis/CLAIM: Your main point about the problem + some sort of explanation. Think of yourself as offering a BECAUSE, reasons, or an answer to the question "so what"?:

Body of paper - as many paragraphs as you need

Subclaim # 1 - Describe the problem or question.
That is, you are claiming that there IS a problem, or a question, raised by the material. (Quote evidence from your materials to describe the problem.) This is a good place to describe the background or history of the problem. You will also want to DEFINE any terms or concepts that you will use to explain the problem. Make sure that all terms you use in your thesis statement are clearly explained.
Clinch your view of the problem with a strong statement.

Subclaim # 2 - Make your argument about how the problem can be fixed or explained (elaborate your thesis point).
Argue your reasons strongly, and explain why the evidence supports your reasons ("warrant").
Provide "backing" for your explanations. That is, find authoritative sources or ideas (quote them) that support the connection you make between your thesis and your evidence.
Clinch your view of the problem with a strong statement.

Subclaim #3 - Refute opposing views.
Gather ideas or evidence that would challenge or oppose yours. Who would be likely to disagree with you? Provide sources.
Refute (prove wrong) these challenges to your argument, point by point.

Here's another important thing to realize: Your opponents are probably NOT totally wrong. What part of their ideas would you accept? Could you actually turn some of their ideas into helps for your own argument? Could you use them to make a more precise point? Grab onto whichever of their ideas could be turned into support for yours.
Clinch your argument by reasserting your own thesis--perhaps in a fuller way--against these opposing views.

Subclaim #4 - Explain why your views are significant or meaningful.
Explain what consequences follow from the problems and solutions you have studied. These are the implications of the debate. Show how your views can be applied to other cases/examples.
Clinch your view of the significance of the problem with a strong statement.

Conclusion

Leave your reader with a clearer, fuller vision of your thesis. By now, after full discussion, you can allow us to see a more complex and nuanced view than a simple thesis can offer.

Soar. Move us. Or leave us with a parting shot.