Arguments can help us clarify what we think, express our ideas, and even change someone's point

of view. However, they can only achieve those things if we can make a good argument. To make a good
argument, you need at least three basic elements: A claim or thesis, a basis for your claim, and evidence
to support your thesis. The claim/thesis is a concise summary of the stance you want your readers to
take. When making an argument, it is important to define your position and make a claim. Having a basis
for your claim can help give structure and support to your argument. Finally, providing evidence for your
thesis is one of the most important parts because it supports the thesis and helps the audience accept it.
An example of a good argument was in the Scopes Monkey Trial.

The Scopes Monkey Trial was the 1925 trial of science instructor John Scopes for teaching evolution in a
Tennessee public school, which had been rendered unlawful by a recently passed law. The trial had two
people, Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan, argue if John Scopes was breaking the law and
whether the law prohibiting teaching evolution in schools was constitutional or not. Clarence Darrow,
who was in favor of Evolution, argued that the government's conspiracy and legislation violated the First
Amendment in an unconstitutional manner. Darrow stated that the Butler Act promoted a certain
religious viewpoint and was unlawful. Clarence Darrow attempted to bring in scientists to prove
evolution was right, but the judge said that the teacher broke the law, so scientific evidence was not
admissible.

William Jennings Bryan, the prosecutor, was against evolution. He helped prosecute John Scopes for
teaching it. William Bryan's main worry was the public's growing acceptance of Darwin's ideas and
evolution. He appealed to state governments to adopt laws prohibiting public schools from teaching
evolution. On the seventh day of the trial, Bryan was tricked by Darrow by being called to the stand as a
witness to the Bible. He was asked numerous questions by Darrow on the bible and Bryan responded
with "I am simply trying to protect the word of God against the greatest atheist or agnostic in the United
States!".

Eventually, the judge stopped the questioning. Because Darrow chose not to have a closing argument,
Bryan could not have one either. The next day, the jury pronounced John Scopes guilty. William Bryan
won the case, but he died five days after the trial ended. The Butler Act ended up being repealed by the
state legislature in 1967.