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In this module, you’ll take your critical thinking skills to the next level by learning how to create your own arguments. You’ll start by clearly stating a conclusion—the main point you want to prove—and then support it with strong, logical reasons.
You’ll also learn how to:
Develop strands of reasoning that connect your ideas,
Use intermediate conclusions to build a structured and persuasive argument,
Strengthen your reasoning with key argument elements like evidence, examples, and counterarguments.
By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to craft short, well-structured arguments that are clear, convincing, and thoughtful.
It is important to understand that an argument is not an essay. If a question asks whether you agree with a particular claim or not, An argument focuses on one clear conclusion, supported by strong reasoning. If it mentions an opposing view(counter-assertion), it’s only to explain why that view is incorrect. In arguments, balance isn’t the goal—persuasion is.
The conclusion should use exact words from the prompt.
Once you’ve chosen a conclusion and listed your reasons, the next step is to develop those reasons into full strands of reasoning. This means going deeper—explaining why each reason supports your conclusion.
There are two ways to do this:
You can support a reason with further reasoning, turning that reason into an Intermediate Conclusion (IC).
Or, you can start with a reason and then explain how it leads to the main conclusion, using an IC to connect the two.
Think of each strand of reasoning as a mini-argument within your larger argument. Each one should be clear, focused, and well-structured.
To keep your writing organized:
Use one paragraph per strand of reasoning.
Leave a blank line between paragraphs to make the structure easy to follow.
You should always plan your argument before you write it
How you will be graded
How you will be graded
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