Writing Persuasively

The Chief Stages in the Construction of a Logical Argument

1. Identify Your Purpose

i.e. To ask the principal to help develop a girls' soccer team.

2. State Your Central Claim

i.e. "Our school should organize a girls' soccer team."

3. Identify Supporting Evidence

• enough girls are interested in joining a soccer team
• the team would benefit the girls and the school
• there is a need for additional sports activities for girls
• the school can provide the necessary staff

 4. Explain How the Evidence Supports Your Claim (clearing the connection)

How and Why the reader should accept your evidence.

5. Reaffirm Your Claim (conclusion)

Is your claim logical? Can it be put into action? How?