CAJCS Extended Essay Guide: HOW TO WRITE YOUR ARGUMENTS

Thesis-a brief opening line ( or two) establishing the key element to be covered in the paragraph.

Development-an elaboration of your principal thesis. The meaning of your thesis, the areas it touches upon and so forth.
•    It should flow naturally from the thesis.
•    It can offer mini-analyses as you wrestle with the implications of what you're saying.

 Evidence-the most important part of each paragraph. All theses and points raised in your development should be supported by evidence. This could take the shape of:
•    quotes from secondary sources
•    examples from real-life situations (news, articles, events and so forth)
•    examples and/or events from personal experience (the knower's perspective)
•    facts and data (such as statistical information and measurements)
•    illustrations and diagrams (both primary and secondary in nature).

Balance-attempts should be made in either the existing paragraph
or in a completely new one to offer alternative perspectives to the
key thesis under consideration.
Analysis-at the end of each paragraph there should be a line (or two) linking the information back to the overall research question.
•    Students should be able to answer the following question in each paragraph:
What insight does this paragraph offer to the overall question?
•    It could also suggest any contradictions/unresolved issues.

PEEL SENTENCE STARTERS

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• The Toulmin Method uses logical reasoning to present an argument. This is one of the more straightforward, as it uses a standard structure of thesis, data, bridge, and a foundation. They also include the counter-thesis just to be familiar with both sides, but eventually come back with a rebuttal to return to your main thesis.  
• The Rogerian Method uses a tactic similar to compromise between two sides to show empathy and that you understand both sides. This is good for controversial topics, to seem less biased and more agreeable. 
• The Classical Method uses facts and definitions to explain your argument and make it very clear that your information and argument is correct. It plays on the evidence given and how both sides can be understood but one will be a clear answer.

The main body of your essay should present a clear and logical response to the question. You should use focussed and connected paragraphs to further your argument.

You should discuss and evidence a few key points in detail, rather than include lots of points that are dealt with in a superficial way. 

Construct focussed paragraphs

• You will develop your own writing style but, as a general rule, your paragraphs should contain one main idea or argument. This should be outlined in the first sentences.
• A reader should be able to look at just the first and last sentence of each paragraph and grasp what your main ideas are. 
• Each paragraph should provide new evidence to support the main idea. If you don’t have evidence to support a point, do not include it.
• Evidence might include data, facts, quotations, arguments, statistics and research from your readings as evidence. Make sure that you include a reference and explain how and why you think this evidence supports your point.
• Your paragraph should end by stating the significance of the point to the overall argument or idea, or link to the next paragraph if you are going to build upon that main point further (eg examine the same point from a different perspective).

This short video, The Power of the Paragraph, gives a basic explanation of how to structure a paragraph.

Connect your paragraphs

• Your paragraphs should connect to each other and follow on in a logical order.
• Generally, you should not start a paragraph by reiterating what you have just talked about. Your first sentence of a paragraph should alert the reader to a change of focus, and each paragraph should build to show how your ideas are progressing.
• Once you have finished the essay, read the first sentence of each paragraph (it can be helpful to read out loud). You should be able to follow your ideas or argument even without the details of the rest of the paragraph.