Arguments on Goodpoint should be supported. Writers can do that in either of two ways:
1. With a layer of support. One way to justify an argument is to add supporting viewpoints to it. We call this adding a layer of support. No matter where you are in an outline, you can do this. When you do, readers will be able to "rabbit hole" deeper into your post. Goodpoint will simply indent the outline whenever you add a layer of support.
This also results in your support being separated into individual arguments, which helps the reader appreciate the weight of each one. Goodpoint research has found that this separation makes arguments more persuasive, because readers can clearly identify the viewpoints you're presenting.
Supporting ideas can be added to a point:
Supporting arguments can also be added anywhere in an outline:
2. With paragraphs. Instead of adding more arguments, you can simply include your support in the argument you're already working on. This will give the reader a traditional "block of text" with nowhere further to drill down. It is perfect for when you don't want to invest the time to build out a new layer of support or you don't think the subject matter warrants a lot of additional detail.
Support can be added to any idea:
Once an argument has been opened, just write your paragraphs in the description:
Pro tip: you can change an argument from one with supporting paragraphs to
one with supporting arguments. When you think it would be clearer to have
support broken out, and you have enough to say about each new argument for
the reader to have a sufficient "payoff" when they click it, then simply
copy the existing description into a notepad, delete it from the argument and
start adding supporting arguments instead.
Another pro tip: the reverse is true too. You can change supporting arguments
into written paragraphs instead. If you think the arguments are not giving
readers enough of a payoff when clicked, simply disconnect each one, open
the argument they were supporting and write paragraphs instead. You might
want to forget those disconnected arguments from your digital mind if you no
longer think they're valid, too.
See also:
An Argument Can Be Supported With Other Arguments or a Description (But Not Both)