äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾

After presenting an author’s ideas, show how these ideas lead you to your own conclusions about the topic.

Example 1A

“Although X does not say so [directly/explicitly], she apparently assumes that _____. Based on this research, I will argue _____.�

Example 1B

“X’s claim that _____ rests upon the questionable assumption that _____. While other scholarly authors have sided with X’s claim, I will argue, instead, that _____.�

Use others’ research to support the argument you are making.

Example 2a

“Although X seems trivial, it is in fact crucial in terms of today’s concerns about _____. As my argument will highlight, _____ is of utmost importance for _____.�

Example 2B

“I agree with X’s view that _____ because, as recent research has shown, _____. These ideas support my argument that _____.�

Good arguments will generally account for counter-claims. In your research, you may encounter ideas that (in your view) are oversimplified or make incorrect assumptions. Ask yourself, “Why do intelligent, rational people tend to make this argument? Why is my argument better? What data, information, or concepts are those other people overlooking?�

Example 3a

“Yet is it always true that _____? Is it always the case, as I have been suggesting, that _____?�

Example 3b

“Some readers might challenge my view that _____. After all, many believe that _____. Indeed, my own argument that _____ seems to ignore _____ and _____.�

If, for example, one of your sources is especially interesting or important, you may want to analyze and interpret it in depth.

Example 4A

“Although I [agree/disagree] with X up to a point, I cannot [accept/fully endorse] his overall conclusion that _____.�

Example 4b

“While it is true that _____, it does not necessarily follow that _____.�

Example 4c

“Whereas X provides ample evidence that _____, Y and Z’s research on _____ and _____ convinces me that _____ instead.�

It is totally okay, and likely, that you will not use all elements of all the research you found! If it doesn’t fit within the scope of your paper, let it go. Including excess information will only confuse your reader about the central points of your paper.