Types of Writing
Argument Paper
Information on the argument paper comes from the NURS 465/HSCI 465 syllabus and Chris Thaiss' Write to the Limit (Fort Worth: Holt, Rinehart and Winston), 177-83. For more exact directions, please consult your professor's assignment.
What are the evaluation criteria for a position
statement in NURS 465/ HSCI 465?
An argument paper should have a concise introductory paragraph that clearly
states the position on a particular issue and identifies the appropriate
audience for persuasion. The paper should provide sufficient factual and
observational background discussion for a professional/nonprofessional
reader to understand the terminology, impact, and effects of the issue.
Also, there should be defensible documentation and discussion to support
an understanding of the issue and a clear rationale for the position.
Both pros and cons of the issue should be presented, with supportive documentation.
A concluding paragraph should synthesize the major points. The entire
paper should follow APA format and include a title page.
What else should an argumentative paper do?
An argument paper should include logical thinking or systematic reasoning.
According to Chris Thaiss, "one of our goals is to be convincing,
so that the reader agrees with our conclusion." To be convincing,
each argument paper should include:
"1. a thesis statement, your main point
2. evidence that the reader will understand
3. your awareness of other possible conclusions and reasons why you believe
in yours."