A developed moral argument includes exposition to define the idea of morality that the argument is based on. Since morality is an abstract and often subjective concept, there is no definitive argument for morality versus immorality. For example, most religions extensively incorporate moral ideas into the religious teachings. However, the specific ideas of morality vary greatly between different religions. To properly develop an idea or theory, a moral argument therefore must describe the various parameters of morality that the argument invokes.
For the moral basis of an argument to have meaning, the argument should include a theory on what creates morality. For example, most religions contend that morality is instilled in humanity by a deity. In contrast, naturalist theories on morality often contend that morality is an evolutionary sentiment that stems from a species' drive to preserve itself. If a moral argument fails to include a description of the basis for its ideas of morality, the argument will seem unsound or incomplete.
Since morality is an abstract concept, concrete examples should be included in a moral argument to help solidify the concept of morality in readers' minds. These examples also help support the argument's idea of morality, in that they give real-world examples of morality in action. Examples of moral action should also be included in moral arguments that contend that morality does not truly exist. In such an argument, a theory should be developed alongside the examples that shows why moral-seeming actions are not necessarily due to a presence of true morality.
For a moral argument to be complete and effective, the argument should explore some of the argumentative points that refute it. For example, a religious-based moral argument may contend that the presence of morality is evidence for a higher power. Such an argument should explore counter arguments that account for the presence of morality to show why those arguments are invalid or unsound. If an argument fails to explore refuting points, it will seem undeveloped to readers with contesting opinions.