Argument

In a single-paragraph essay or similar short-answer format, you only have the space to make one claim. You back up this claim with an argument. When creating arguments for single-paragraph essays, you need to make your argument clear and concise. You do not have nearly the room you have in other types of essays. So, to make your short answers pop, you need to 1. understand The Argument and 2. make that argument as short as possible! Keep on reading for the Definition of argument, types, and more.

Argument Definition

An argument is not your claim. Rather, it supports your claim.

Say that the following is your claim.

You would then support this claim with several arguments, such as these:

Arguments, in turn, require Evidence or other logical support. For instance, you might use studies and examples of history to support your arguments.

In a single-paragraph essay, you'll only have 1-2 arguments in support of your claim.

Fig. 1 - You'll be golden if your arguments are logical.

Argument in a Sentence

After reading the prior Definition, you might be wondering, "Gosh, have I been using the term argument wrong my whole life?"

No, you haven't been. "Argument" is one of those words that can mean different things depending on the level of formality. The above definition of "argument" is the most formal definition, which pertains to the study of logic. "Argument" has many definitions, though, and you can use it in many ways in sentences.

This example uses "argument" to mean a "fight."

This example uses "argument" to mean "claim." This definition is confusing because the formal definition of "argument" makes it distinct from the claim.

In this final example, the sentence beginning with "my argument" uses argument in the formal sense of the word.

Argument in Writing

Now it is time to write arguments for the one-paragraph essay. To do this, choose a good argument and make that argument clear.

Choosing Your Argument

In a longer essay, you can afford to spend time and space on multiple arguments. If you only have space for one or two arguments in a single paragraph, you need to make sure you pick your absolute best arguments.

But what makes a better argument?

Choose an Emphatic Argument

In basic terms, a strong argument shows that your claim must be true. This is superior to an argument that shows your claim might be true.

For instance, let's say that your claim is, "The state needs to enact drought relief policies." To show this, it would be better to prove the negative impact of no policy than to prove the positive impact of a policy. Proving the negative impact shows that "change must be made," while proving a positive impact only shows that "change should be made."

The first example is far more emphatic.

Choose an Argument with Evidence

Second, you want to choose an argument that has strong evidence to support it. For instance, in the above example, the emphatic argument, "If we don't enact policy, 60% of the state's crops will become unsustainable" requires evidence to support the statistic of 60%.

An emphatic argument is worthless if its evidence is not true or not well-researched.

If you connect your argument to solid evidence, you will have a good shot at creating a great short answer or single-paragraph essay.

Fig. 2 - Good arguments sprout from strong evidence.

Clarity of Your Argument

So you've picked your best argument. Now you need to make that argument as clear as possible. This is important because you only have so much space. You need to pack that space with meaning!

To create clarity in your response, work on your coherence and conciseness.

Clarity in Coherence

Coherence is key to your short answer.

You simply don't have the space to use a whole paragraph to help someone understand half your point. Coherency means people will more easily follow your Line of Reasoning.

One way to achieve coherence is by using Transitions.

Here's an example.

In the above example, "for that reason" is a transition. It helps guide the reader along.

There are many levels of coherence, including coherence between sentences and coherence within sentences.

Clarity in Conciseness

The shorter your sentences are, the more likely it is people will understand them. For that reason, especially in a short answer format, limit yourself to simpler sentences.

Here are three other ways to create clarity in your argument.

1. Try to combine sentences and ideas! Look for similar ideas and sentences and see what you can blend together or get rid of entirely.
2. Don't repeat yourself. Repetition isn't needed in a short answer or single-paragraph essay.
3. Avoid the semi-colon and dashes. You want to create sentences that no one can confuse.

Argument Example

The following is an example of a long-winded argument. Using what you've learned about picking a strong argument and making it clear, try to turn this into a strong argument!

Here is one way you might have fixed this argument.

This version focuses on the strong argument that without job growth, rampant inflation will hit the economy. It also cuts out the semi-colon, the dash, the repetition, and it combines many ideas. Most importantly, it leaves plenty of room to cite evidence.

Types of Argument

There are many arguments, but the two main types are deductive and inductive. Whether an argument is deductive or inductive depends on the kind of evidence it uses. Here is information about each and how to tailor the arguments to the one-paragraph essay.

Deductive Argument

The deductive argument is the strongest form of argument. It uses Deduction, also called deductive reasoning.

Here is a deductive argument.

Inductive Argument

Inductive arguments are not as strong as deductive arguments because they rely on sample size.

Here is an inductive argument.

Induction tries to use the power of instances to prove a point. The more something occurs, the more it indicates that result.

How to Write Brief Inductive Arguments

To make your inductive argument brief for a single-paragraph essay, analyze how strong it is.

If your inductive argument is strong, it shouldn't take you long to explain it. If your inductive argument is weak, you will need more time to explain your reasoning.

If your inductive argument requires more than three sentences to explain, it is probably too weak to be included in your single-paragraph essay. Try to come up with a deductive line of reasoning that is stronger and shorter!