Contact Your Librarians
. Text 860.407.6081
Email to
Phone 860.932.4007
Library Hours
Fall Semester Hours for QV Danielson Campus Library
-
Monday. 8am-8pm
-
Tuesday. 8am-8pm
-
Wednesday. 8am-8pm
-
Thursday. 8am-8pm
-
Friday. 8am-2pm
Fall Semester Hours for QV Willimantic Campus Library
- Monday. 11am-7:00pm
- Wednesday. 3pm-7pm
Argument and Communication
Argument is how you make a clear, evidence-based point, and communication is how you organize and express that point in a way others can understand. This involves developing a strong thesis or research question, using sources to support your reasoning, and structuring your writing clearly. Academic writing isn't about having the "right" opinion - it's about showing why your position is reasonable and worth considering.
Professors want to see: that you can take a stand, explain your thinking, and guide your reader through your ideas. A clear and well-supported argument shows that your writing has a purpose and a point.
You're using argument and communication skills when you...
- Craft a strong thesis statement or research question
- Support your argument with evidence
- Anticipate counterarguments
- Critically engaging with sources
Boost Your Argument / Communication Skills
-
Sh*tty First DraftsWriting doesn't have to start our perfect - and it rarely does. In this funny and honest essay, Anne Lamott reminds us that messy first drafts are a normal part of the writing process, even for experienced writers. This piece encourages you to let go of perfectionism, trust your voice, and build confidence.
-
Cluster & Sequence: A Two-Step OutlineTo make a strong argument, organizing your ideas is just as important as coming up with them. This resource walks you through a two-step outlining process. This will help you turn your brainstorming into a clear argument and give you a flexible way to plan your essay before you start writing.
-
Using Quotes Effectively: The ICE MethodEffectively using evidence in your writing is essential to making strong, persuasive arguments. This handout shows you how to introduce, cite, and explain your evidence so your reader can easily follow your reasoning. Using this process strengthens your academic communication and helps you build well-supported, compelling arguments.