Writing Help: Argument and Organization

"This handout will define what an argument is and explain why you need one in most of your academic essays." From UNC-Chapel Hill.

Be sure to address possible counter-arguments.

Use logic and avoid fallacies. From OWL Purdue.

How to "hedge," or soften your claims to avoid seeming "radical or overconfident." Note that in some writing contexts, hedging is not preferred.

This resource provides several examples of common ways to organize a paper.

An excellent tutorial from RMIT University's Learning Lab.

Create smoother transitions between sentences and paragraphs.

A clear explanation of two types of outlining: linear and graphic.

A process for checking the structure of your paper after writing a draft.

A series of engaging videos on essay writing skills and strategies.

A series of worksheets to complement the video series.

A guide from the University of Wisconsin.

A guide from the Harvard University Writing Center, with steps and examples.

This online tool from Ashford University can help you to get "unstuck."

The website consists of a bank of common “skeletal” phrases used in academic writing.

"'They Say / I Say' identifies the key rhetorical moves in academic writing, showing students how to frame their arguments in the larger context of what others have said and providing templates to help them make those moves"