Guide to Academic writing (part 2)

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Welcome to part 2 of the guide to Academic writing!

PS. Some of this may or may not apply to high school writing =)

Part 1 (Grammar, plagirism, language etc) >> https://atarnotes.com/forum/index.php?topic=166576

•   The Thesis and Arguments in an essay
The main overall "theme/position" in an essay or report is usually called the “thesis”.

The thesis captures your position on a topic and integrates it inside the sentence (or sentences). An example of a thesis is:
“The war on drugs has not been effective at all, resulting in direct and indirect effects on society.”

Every paragraph in an essay must relate or link back to the thesis in a way! This is done using a topic sentence (which are based on the arguments that support your thesis) …
> Drug wars (Drug wars have been a direct result of the war on drugs)
> Stigma for drug users (Stigmas for drug users have been created as a result on the prohibition of drugs)
> Economics arguments (Economic theories like demand and supply predict that the war on drugs will not be effective at all)


•   Structure of an argument?
(loosely based on the classical argument)
1. Confirmation
Supports the thesis through detailed arguments. They answer the question in a convincing way (using proof and facts).

2. Concession
Opposing views are discussed and recognised. Other perspectives on an issue or topic are discussed (proof is provided too).

3. Refutation
This is where you explain why the notions in the concession (opposing views) are not good enough. If you have good enough ideas, then you will have persuaded the reader.

•   Presentation
Arguments can be presented using things such as paragraphs, transition signal and referencing.

Paragraphs…
You may decide to have one paragraph on the confirmation, followed by some paragraphs for the concession with a final big paragraph for the refutation.
Alternatively, the refutation and concession can be included in one paragraph.

Transitions... 
These are things like
-   It is now necessary to….
-   Other things are also examined such as…
-   In contrast……

EXAMPLE….
Remember our thesis?
“The war on drugs has not been effective at all, resulting in direct and indirect effects on society.”

Let’s use the argument of Drug wars. …
Drug wars have been a direct result of the war on drugs. Every year thousands of people die in the crossfire between rivalry gangs and more than 23000 were killed in 2017 (Aljazeera) in Mexico City alone.  In many other nations, gangs continue to arise and exist that seek to gain the highest market share of drugs. (Confirmation)  Some may argue that if the war on drugs was heavier, all gangs would be eradicated and so would the drugs. (Concession) This has not been the case. Year in year out, the cost of fighting this war has gone up for the US and Portugal. (Refutation) This leads into the next effect (economics).