Argumentative Writing

An Argumentative Essay Contains the Following An introduction (first paragraph) Support (body paragraphs) A refutation (counter-claim) (last body paragraph) Conclusion (final paragraph)

In the Introduction Background is appropriate. This may consist of a brief history of related past events. A summary of others’ opinions. A review of the basic facts. A thesis statement (claim) is required. This informs the reader of your opinion regarding the matter under discussion and previews your plan of development.

In the Body Paragraphs Present your points of discussion. Each point is typically given its own paragraph and is supported by evidence. Most often, you will need to begin with your weakest point and conclude with your stronger arguments. If all your points are equally strong, you will build a relationship with your audience by discussing the most familiar, less controversial points first.

In the Refutation (Counter-Claim) Acknowledge the opposition. To not do so, may be considered cowardice, stupidity, dishonesty, or weakness. However, acknowledgement does not imply agreement. In this portion of the essay, you need to “refute (counter)” or disagree intelligently with the opposition.

A Gentle Reminder from Lester Faigley and Jack Selzers’ Good Reasons: 1. “Try to think of yourself as engaged not so much in winning over your audience as in courting your audience’s cooperation.” 2. “Show that you understand and genuinely respect your listener’s or reader’s position even if you think the position is ultimately wrong.”

In the Conclusion Restate, in general terms, the major arguments that you have arranged in defense of your thesis. You may: Summarize key points. Restate your thesis. Reinforce the weakness of your opposition. Underscore the logic of your presentation. Reemphasize why this debate is important. Suggest a course of action. Challenge the reader to apply the paper’s argument to his/her own life.

A Checklist for Writing Argumentative Essays Does the essay develop an argumentative thesis? Have you considered the opinions, attitudes, and values of your audience? Have you identified and refuted (countered) opposing arguments? Have you supported your claims with evidence? Have you established your credibility? Have you been fair?

Checklist Continued Have you provided the reader with enough background information? Have you presented your points clearly and organized them logically? Have you written an interesting introduction and a strong conclusion? Have you presented your thoughts in a way that the reader is a “respected partner” rather than a “competitor”? Have you set forth your arguments in the spirit of “mutual support” and “negotiation”? Have you invited “cooperation” rather than “resistance”?

Essay Tips Read the directions carefully. Make sure the prompt is understood and followed precisely. Plan the essay before actually writing it. Budget time wisely. Be neat. Never use words such as I, me, my, you, your, etc. Don’t write overly long introductions or conclusions. Focus on one idea per paragraph. If time allows, proofread. Remember that a paragraph has at least 5 sentences. The conclusion may be 4 sentences.

Essay Writing: Paragraph 1 Attention Grabber – Exclamation, statistic, question, quote, etc. First sentence Ex. “Happiness is a warm puppy.” Follow by explaining your attention grabber and how it pertains to what you are writing about. Ex. Charles M. Schulz, the author of “Peanuts,” accurately depicts what dogs are and the joy they bring to their owners.

Paragraph 1 Background information about the issue What are you writing about? Give a brief history of the topic. Two sentences Ex. Dogs have worked with humans since prehistoric times helping their masters anyway they can. Today there are many different breeds of dogs in the world to match the many different tastes of their masters.

Paragraph 1 Thesis Statement (Claim) Write your opinion with 3 supporting reasons in ONE sentence! Your THIRD reason you will use as a refutation (counter) so make sure it is something that is arguable. Ex. Dogs are by far the best choice for a pet a person can make due to their loyal nature, loving personalities, and intelligence.

Paragraph 2 Use a transitional word to get the paragraph started. First, first of all, to begin with, for the most part, generally, etc. There is always a comma following your transition. Follow with the FIRST REASON you gave in your thesis. This should only be one sentence. Ex. In general, dogs are very loyal creatures to their masters.

Paragraph 2 Give evidence to support your FIRST REASON. Use details, quotes, or examples. Support your evidence in a sentence. Give a different piece of evidence to support your FIRST REASON. Use details, quotes, or examples. Support your evidence in a sentence.

Paragraph 3 Use a transitional word to get the paragraph started. Second, second of all, for the most part, next, on the whole, etc. Follow with the SECOND REASON you gave in your thesis. This should only be one sentence. Ex. For the most part, dogs are very loving by nature.

Paragraph 3 Give evidence to support your SECOND REASON. Use details, quotes, or examples. Support your evidence in a sentence. Give a different piece of evidence to support your SECOND REASON. Use details, quotes, or examples. Support your evidence in a sentence.

Paragraph 4 Use a transitional word to get the paragraph started. Third, third of all, finally, in essence, conversely, etc. Follow with the Third REASON you gave in your thesis in an arguable manner showing the opposing side’s point of view. This should only be one sentence. Ex. Conversely, cat lovers think dogs as stupid beasts who slobber over everything and cats as a superiorly more intelligent pet.

Paragraph 4 Give evidence to prove the opposing side wrong and support your THIRD REASON. Use details, quotes, or examples. Why may cats be less smart then dogs? Mention the flaw with cats. Support your evidence in a sentence. Give a different piece of evidence to prove the opposing side wrong and support your THIRD REASON. Use details, quotes, or examples. What can dogs do that make them intelligent? Support your evidence in a sentence.

Paragraph 5 Use a transitional word to get the paragraph started. In conclusion, finally, indeed, all in all, in short, etc. Restate your opinion in a new way. One sentence Summarize your 3 reasons in the same order as in your thesis statement (claim). One sentence

Paragraph 5 Call to action What should everyone do? Why? 1-2 sentences Closing statement Clincher/Zinger Similar to an attention grabber One sentence