Explain the process of constructing arguments in formal Russian writing to present claims supported by evidence, including appropriate citation formats.

Constructing arguments in formal Russian writing involves presenting a clear thesis statement, providing supporting evidence, and adhering to established citation formats. The thesis statement, typically placed at the beginning of the essay or research paper, should clearly articulate the main argument or claim. This statement serves as the central point that the rest of the paper will support. Evidence is then presented to substantiate the thesis. This evidence can include statistical data, expert opinions, historical facts, or textual analysis, depending on the subject matter. Each piece of evidence should be clearly linked back to the thesis statement, demonstrating how it supports the overall argument. Logical reasoning and clear transitions are essential for creating a coherent and persuasive argument. Connectives like 'следовательно' (sledovatel'no - therefore), 'таким образом' (takim obrazom - thus), 'однако' (odnako - however), and 'в то же время' (v to zhe vremya - at the same time) are used to show the relationship between different ideas and evidence. The conclusion should summarize the main points and restate the thesis, emphasizing how the evidence has supported the argument. Proper citation formats are crucial for academic integrity. The two main citation styles used in Russian academic writing are GOST (ГОСТ) and APA. GOST is the Russian national standard. Regardless of the style, citations should include the author's name, the title of the work, the publication details (place, publisher, year), and the page number(s) being referenced. Plagiarism, which is the presentation of someone else's work as one's own, is strictly prohibited and must be avoided through meticulous citation practices.