How can you structure an effective academic argument?

1 Define your thesis

Your thesis is the central point or message of your argument. It should be concise, specific, and debatable. It should not be a fact, a question, or a vague statement. Your thesis should reflect your position on the topic and the purpose of your argument. For example, if you are writing about the effects of social media on mental health, your thesis could be: "Social media use has a negative impact on mental health, especially among young adults, because it causes anxiety, depression, and isolation."

2 Outline your main points

Your main points are the reasons or evidence that support your thesis. They should be relevant, valid, and consistent. You should have at least three main points, each with a topic sentence that introduces the point, and a paragraph that explains and illustrates it with examples, facts, or quotes. You should also acknowledge and refute any counterpoints or objections that might challenge your thesis. For example, one of your main points could be: "Social media use causes anxiety because it creates unrealistic expectations, constant comparison, and fear of missing out."

4 Write your introduction

Your introduction should capture your reader's attention, provide some background information on the topic, and state your thesis. You can use different strategies to hook your reader, such as a question, a quote, a statistic, or a story. You should also define any key terms or concepts that are relevant to your argument. Your introduction should be brief and clear, and it should lead your reader to your thesis. For example, you can start your introduction with: "Social media has become an integral part of our lives, but how does it affect our mental health?"

5 Write your conclusion

Your conclusion should summarize your main points, restate your thesis, and provide some implications or recommendations for your argument. You should not introduce any new information or arguments in your conclusion, but you should emphasize the significance and relevance of your thesis. You should also leave your reader with a final thought or a call to action that relates to your argument. For example, you can end your conclusion with: "Social media use can have a negative impact on mental health, so we should be aware of its risks and limit its use."

6 Revise and edit your argument

Your argument should be clear, coherent, and convincing, but it also should be accurate, precise, and grammatical. You should revise and edit your argument to improve its content, structure, and style. You should check for any errors or weaknesses in your logic, evidence, or language. You should also seek feedback from others and incorporate their suggestions. You should use tools like spell checkers, grammar checkers, or plagiarism checkers to ensure the quality and originality of your argument.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?