LibAnswers: Understanding your feedback

What is an argument?

In academic writing, an argument is usually a main idea, often called a “claim” or “thesis statement,” backed up with evidence that supports the idea. Your argument is the statement of your response to the question you have been set. When beginning your assignment, ask yourself, “What is my point?” “What do I want to say?”

The most important voice to get across in your academic writing is your own; it is how you can show the reader (usually your lecturer) what you are thinking, what your views are and how you have engaged critically with the topic being discussed. You do this by creating an effective and persuasive argument.

Your argument determines your structure, evidence, reasoning, quotations, introduction and conclusion. Make sure your argument runs throughout your writing and that everything you include is relevant to it. Try to sum up your argument in a few words before you start writing and keep checking that it remains the focus as you research and write your work.

Structure your argument

Guide you reader through your argument in a logical way. Make sure you use transitions and signposting. Your introduction should set out your claim or line of argument and your conclusion should make your position clear.

Evidence

Do not stop with having a point. You have to back up your point with evidence. The strength of your evidence, and your use of it, can make or break your argument.

One way to strengthen your argument and show that you have a deep understanding of the issue you are discussing is to anticipate and address counterarguments or objections. By considering what someone who disagrees with your position might have to say about your argument, you show that you have thought things through.

Your Voice

Your voice will emerge through your discussion, interpretation, and evaluation of the sources.

Tips

• Plan your work beforehand - this can help you keep track of what your argument is
• Talk through ideas to help work out your argument – people on your course, friends, family