Structuring and Drafting Academic Arguments

This week’s topics

Structuring and Drafting Academic Arguments

1. The Toulmin model of argumentation
2. Aligning claims, warrants, and backing
3. Paragraph-level structure using the PEEL method
4. Outlining a coherent argument on a chosen business topic
5. Structuring an argument in writing
6. PEEL Paragraphs (OR: how do I make sure my academic writing is doing what it needs to do?)

What you will be able to do

• 4.1 Explain the key components of a reliable and valid academic argument.
• 4.3 Suggest an argument structure for a given topic.

Activity

Start with this week’s 2 videos, then: Seminar, guided reading and a short written task: explain the key components of a reliable and valid academic argument.

Study materials

Videos

• Structuring an argument in writing · YouTube · Mark Saunders on Research Methods · 10 min · for registered students
• PEEL Paragraphs (OR: how do I make sure my academic writing is doing what it needs to do?) · YouTube · University of Staffordshire Student Life · 8 min · for registered students
• The Academic Writing Sandwich | How To Write A Paragraph · YouTube · Dr Hayley Stainton | Tourism Teacher · 5 min · for registered students

Further resources

• Writing Guide with Handbook, ch. 10: Position Argument: Practicing the Art of Rhetoric · PDF · OpenStax, textbook chapter; pp. 327–364 · for registered students
• Writing for Success, ch. 9.2: Writing body paragraphs · PDF · Saylor Academy, textbook chapter; pp. 345–352 · for registered students