On the pages that follow, you will encounter information, exercises, activities, and assignments that will prepare you to write effective researched arguments. Since argumentation has been studied, researched, and written about for 2500 years, it would be difficult to cover everything about it in one publication. Therefore, this publication, or “un-book,” is a minimalist guide—the least you need to know about writing researched arguments.

Writing arguments may not be high on your list of things you like doing. However, everyone at some point in their lives will have to make a case for something they believe to be true or right. Much of the time putting your case in writing is the most convincing way to get your message across to others. As you will see, there are a number of organizational structures, ways of incorporating others ideas, and persuasive strategies that will aid in your ability to make your case in writing. Some approaches work better in academic settings, some in political or public ones. Some work better for conflict resolution. Some approaches can entertain as they convince. You will have to determine which approach to take based on the situation you find yourself in. But how do I do that, you might ask?