Structuring an Argument

A well-structured argument is the foundation of all transactional writing. Whether you are writing an article, a speech, a letter, or an essay, your argument must be organised, logical, and purposeful. This lesson teaches you how to structure your argument from introduction to conclusion, including how to handle counterarguments effectively.

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The Structure of a Strong Argument

A strong argument follows a clear, logical progression:

Section	Purpose	Key Features
Introduction	Establish the topic, provide context, state your viewpoint	Clear thesis statement, engaging opening
Body paragraphs	Develop your argument point by point	Each paragraph = one distinct point with evidence
Counterargument	Acknowledge the opposing view	Show awareness that other perspectives exist
Rebuttal	Challenge the counterargument	Explain why your position is stronger
Conclusion	Summarise and reinforce your viewpoint	Restate your thesis, call to action, or memorable final thought

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Writing a Strong Introduction

Your introduction should do three things: