Kōkiri Learn

Background reading · English

Building an argument that holds up

Thesis, reasons, evidence, counter-argument, conclusion: how strong arguments are built.

An opinion says what you think. An argument shows why someone else should agree, with evidence they can check.

The parts

  • Thesis: one arguable sentence. 'The school should install water fountains on the field' is arguable. 'Water is good for you' isn't.
  • Reasons: two or three reasons that support the thesis.
  • Evidence: facts, statistics, graphs, expert views or first-hand accounts for each reason, with the source.
  • Counter-argument: the best case against you, stated fairly, then answered.
  • Conclusion: leave the reader with something to think about or do.

    • Why include the other side?

    A reader who disagrees will be thinking of objections. If you answer them first, your argument is harder to knock down, and you show you are fair.

    Careful words

    Modal language like 'likely', 'most', 'in many cases' makes claims more accurate. 'All students hate it' is easy to disprove; 'most students surveyed said…' is harder.

    Sources and further reading

    Written for Kōkiri Learn students in our own words. Check facts against the sources.

    Used in: Crafting the Argument