ArgumentArgumentative ative

EssaysEssays

Use When you have an opinion When you have an opinion

and try to convince your and try to convince your listener or reader to accept listener or reader to accept your opinion.your opinion.

When you are agreeing or When you are agreeing or disagreeing with something disagreeing with something or someone.or someone.

Types of argumentative Types of argumentative compositionscompositions::

Advantages and disadvantagesAdvantages and disadvantages

Expressing opinions/ providing Expressing opinions/ providing solutions to problemssolutions to problems

Expressing arguments for and Expressing arguments for and against a topicagainst a topic

Purpose of Argumentative Purpose of Argumentative EssaysEssays

An argument follows when two groups An argument follows when two groups disagree about something.disagree about something.

An argumentative essay is also one that An argumentative essay is also one that attempts/tries to change the readers attempts/tries to change the readers mind, to convince the reader to agree mind, to convince the reader to agree with the point of view of the writer.with the point of view of the writer.

Argumentative essays attempt to be Argumentative essays attempt to be highly persuasive and logical.highly persuasive and logical.

When writing an argumentative essay When writing an argumentative essay assume that your reader disagrees with assume that your reader disagrees with you, but remember your reader you, but remember your reader is no lessis no less intelligent than you.intelligent than you.

Write objectively, logically, and Write objectively, logically, and respectfullyrespectfully

Planning/ Organizing the Planning/ Organizing the Argumentative EssayArgumentative Essay

The argumentative essay should The argumentative essay should introduce and explain the issue or caseintroduce and explain the issue or case. . The reader needs to understand what The reader needs to understand what the issue is going to be.the issue is going to be.

The essay should The essay should offer reasons and offer reasons and supportsupport for those reasons. The essay for those reasons. The essay should prove its pointshould prove its point

The essay should The essay should refute refute (prove wrong) (prove wrong) opposing argumentsopposing arguments. .

Conclusion. Restate your premise and Conclusion. Restate your premise and summarize the reasons your thesis summarize the reasons your thesis makes sense.makes sense.

There are three possible organization patterns:

( PROS :supporting ideas and CONS: opposing ideas)of an argumentative issue.)

• Pattern 1:Thesis statement:PRO idea 1PRO idea 2CON(s) + Refutation(s)Conclusion

• Pattern 2:Thesis statement:CON(s) + Refutation(s)PRO idea 1PRO idea 2Conclusion

• Pattern 3:Thesis statement:CON idea 1 -----> RefutationCON idea 2 -----> RefutationCON idea 3 -----> RefutationConclusion

TipsTips Avoid strong feelingsAvoid strong feelings (e.g. nobody does this, it (e.g. nobody does this, it

is impossible to disagree with me)is impossible to disagree with me) Use generalizationsUse generalizations (e.g. (e.g. peoplepeople

say/believe/consider)say/believe/consider) Do not use generalizationDo not use generalization (e.g. (e.g. everybodyeverybody

believes that…)believes that…) Do not use strong personal expressionsDo not use strong personal expressions (e.g. I (e.g. I

think)think) Use linking wordsUse linking words (e.g. therefore, although, (e.g. therefore, although,

however etc.)however etc.) Use sequencingUse sequencing (e.g. firstly, secondly, lastly) (e.g. firstly, secondly, lastly) Make reference to other sourcesMake reference to other sources (e.g. The (e.g. The

government claims that…)government claims that…) Give examples- not personal thoughtsGive examples- not personal thoughts (e.g. (e.g.

products such as sprayer can destroy the products such as sprayer can destroy the environment)environment)

Give up banal Give up banal (unoriginal, boring)(unoriginal, boring) introductions. Write something more originalintroductions. Write something more original (Don’t write: This topic has been important since (Don’t write: This topic has been important since ancient times.)ancient times.)

Thanks