Tips to Write an Argumentative Paragraph using “TRIQAP” Formula

By: Endro DH, MA

Giving arguments is a part of students’ academic ability. Arguments are used to convince other people that your view is true. Thus, the more logical your arguments are, the better they will be. The key to successful argumentative writing is, therefore, your ability to write an argumentative paragraph. Use “TRIQAP” formula to compose your argumentative paragraph. Follow the following tips.

UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF GOOD ARGUMENTS

When you write an argumentative paragraph, the primary purpose is to convince your readers that your argument is valid. Therefore, your argument should answer the question “why” in your topic sentence.

UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF “TRIQAP” FORMULA

“TRIQAP” stands for:

T = Topic Sentence (Reason)

R = Restrictive (Specifically, …)

I = Illustration (For example, …)

Q = “Quote” (Kutipan)

A = Analysis (Explanation of how I and Q prove T. So what?)

P = Point (Point sentence)

Remember, A TRIQAP is a PARAGRAPH. Each letter = a sentence within that paragraph.

WRITE THE “T”

“T” in the “TRIQAP” means topic sentence. The first sentence of every paragraph should state the topic of that paragraph; in this case, that is your reason. Look at the following topic sentence:

The death penalty is obviously wrong because it is unnecessarily cruel.

WRITE THE “R”

“R” stands for “restrictive sentence”. You should restrict your topic sentence. In other words, make your topic sentence more specific. See the following example:

Specifically, ___________________________________________________

Specifically, the brutality of the death can inflict extreme pain upon the inmate.

WRITE THE “I”

“I” means “illustration” or example. The next sentence should be an example that supports your topic sentence or reason. The second sentence usually begins with “for example,… or for instance,… or to illustrate…”. Look at the following example:

For example/For instance,_________________________________________

For example, the electric chair can cause very painful burns if the cap is not attached properly, causing prolonged pain and suffering during the execution.

WRITE THE “Q”

“Q” stands for “Quote”. Following the illustration, is a quote from a secondary source that proves your example is relevant and true. You must use the appropriate punctuation: According to one expert, “ …” (author page). You do not have to include the whole quote; you can isolate part of it. All quotes should be cited properly.

WRITE THE “A”

“A” means analyze. These sentences should explain how your example (“I”) and quote (“Q”) prove your reason. Ask yourself, so what after the “I” and “Q”. The answer to that question is your analysis. Look at the following example:

Clearly, __________________.

Clearly, if the inmate is burned severely during his execution excessive pain is induced. Therefore, life without parole is a better solution.

WRITE THE “P”

“P” means point sentence. The final sentence of the paragraph should sum up your point.The final sentence should essentially repeat your first sentence. See the following example:

To conclude/In conclusion______________________

To conclude, The death penalty is inhumane.

PUT IT TOGETHER

Let’s see our complete paragraph:

The death penalty is obviously wrong because it is unnecessarily cruel. Specifically, the brutality of the death can inflict extreme pain upon the inmate. For example, the electric chair can cause very painful burns if the cap is not attached properly, causing prolonged pain and suffering during the execution. Clearly, if the inmate is burned severely during his execution excessive pain is induced. Therefore, life without parole is a better solution. To conclude, the death penalty is inhumane.

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