How to Write an Opening Argument
Whether preparing for a debate or writing a case for a mock trial, your opening argument is your chance to catch the audience’s attention and set the foundation for your case. An opening argument, much like an introduction, should explain the main arguments of your case and give judges a clear guide for the case you will present. Writing a strong opening argument is your first step to winning debates and succeeding at mock trial competitions.
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Instructions
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Consider the topic, or primary question, for which you are constructing the argument. Identify the main elements of your topic, such as the dangers if the audience denies your case, the relation of your argument to a larger concept and the primary assertions the audience must accept before they can accept your argument as true.
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Identify the main points of your argument, the premises by which you intend to prove your argument or establish your logical foundation. While basic arguments may only require two or three points, use as many premises as you need to establish your argument and support your topic. Use factual arguments to give your case a strong foundation, connective arguments to connect complex facts to the specific case in question and counter arguments, predicting an opponent’s objection and providing an argument against the objection.
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Write a compelling introductory paragraph to grab your audience’s attention and convince them to listen to your argument. Use statistics to demonstrate the severity of a situation, a quote to give the argument an impact or an anecdotal story to describe how a situation developed.
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Outline the basis of your argument by defining the important terms from your case or establishing the important principles by which your point is founded. Include definitions for words, which you are defining in a specific way for the purpose of your argument, or a moral statement, to define the way you are approaching the argument.
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Identify the main arguments in your case, briefly explaining each and connecting them to your central argument. Write each, in the order you intend to address them in your argument, in a single thesis statement, giving your audience a clear idea of your argument’s content.
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Close with a compelling statement, giving your audience a message to keep in mind while they hear your case. Keep the message short, but topical, giving judges a clear reason for agreeing with your argument and accepting your topic.
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References
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