Issue Statements for Memos and Briefs

This lesson introduces a modern approach to writing issue statements for traditional memos and briefs. The lesson steers users away from single-sentence issue statements. It bases much of its approach on the syllogism.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the lesson, the student will be able to:

1. Define the purpose of an issue statement (also called a question presented).
2. State the two parts of an issue statement.
3. Explain the use of a syllogism in an issue statement.