Write a Short Argument

Writing an argument is the reverse of mapping one. Begin with the conclusion, stated in a sentence someone could disagree with. Then give two reasons, each in a sentence of its own, with the link to the conclusion made clear.

Next, meet the strongest objection you can think of, and answer it fairly. This is the step most people skip, and it is what makes a reader trust you. Finally, stop. A short argument is stronger without padding.

Then give it to someone else to map. If they find the conclusion and premises in under a minute, the argument is clear. If they cannot, revise the sentences, not the reader.

The bike lane

Lea wants her street to add a bike lane. She writes: “The street should add a protected bike lane. It would make the crossing safer for children, and it would cut short car trips.”

She adds the objection: “Some neighbors fear losing parking. But the lane needs only one row of spaces, and two rows remain.” A friend maps it in a minute, and Lea knows the argument is clear.

Try this today Write a five-sentence argument for something you believe, and ask a friend to map it.