The questions below will help you define and identify the basic elements of an academic argument.  They should provide useful ways to think about not only the texts that you read but also the papers that you write.

Problem

• Is there in your subject a gap, tension, contradiction, ambiguity, or difficulty in the text that attracts or interests you?
• What can you imagine your audience not understanding about your subject?

Claim

• What is the main point that you want to argue?
• Could a reasonable person disagree with this point?  Is your point contestable?
• Is your point a matter of persuasion rather than of belief or taste? In other words, can it be proven?

Evidence

• How can you prove your claim?
• What kinds of evidence support your claim?
  •  Do you need to include, for instance, facts, concepts, theories, statistics, definitions, anecdotes, expert opinion, popular opinion, or interpretations

Motive

• Why should anyone read your essay?
• What are the stakes of your claim for your audience?
• What are the larger implications of your claim?
• Why is your claim not just interesting, but important?