Writing an Essay that Presents an Argument for or against an issue Goals: Practice critical thinking Construct logical argument Use correct grammar and style

Works Cited Hacker, Diana, and Sommers, Nancy. A Writer’s Reference. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s. 2011. Print. Hammons, Laura, and Beverly Fatherree, eds. For Our Students. Expanded ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s. 2011. Print. Purdue University. Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL). 2011. Web. 27 September 2011.

Making an Argument Through Research With so many resources available at your finger tips, you can easily find material to support any argument that you wish to make on any issue. The key, however, to present a well-reasoned argument is to pay close attention to the sources that you are using to present your argument. For example, if you were wanting to make an argument for a tax increase, which seems to be a hot topic these days, you could prove that argument by citing only those sources who are proponents of a tax increase. If you wanted to make the opposing argument against tax increases, then you would use only those sources who are opponents. A well-reasoned argument, in which you are advocating one particular side, would include both sides of the argument and then your conclusion with your own supporting data that proves your side of the argument. Briefly, you need to pay close attention to the author of your source; that is as important as what is being said.

Steps in Writing a Research / Argumentation Essay from the Purdue OWL Definition: The argumentation essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence, and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner. Structure of the essay: A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body and conclusion Body paragraphs that include evidential support Evidential support (whether factual, logical, or anecdotal) A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided A common method for writing an argumentative essay is the five-paragraph approach. This is, however, by no means the only formula for writing such essays. If it sounds straightforward, that is because it is; in fact, the method consists of 1) an introductory paragraph 2)three evidentiary body paragraphs that may include discussion of opposing views and 3) a conclusion.

What a Research / Argumentation Essay is Not This material is from For Our Students Students sometimes think that argumentative writing entails assaults on the reader. Absolutely not. They sometimes think that argumentative writing should be insulting or should attach some person or belief. Completely wrong. Argumentation requires a healthy respect for the reader. This does not mean that the writer has to be politically correct or non-offensive. Academic writing sometimes hurts others’ feelings but should not be malicious. You want the members of your audience to continue reading your paper, even if they disagree. Argumentation is logical and thoughtful, not angry or malicious. It deals with mundane subjects and powerful subjects alike. It examines and evaluates while supporting the main idea, your thesis.

The Dark Side of Argumentation Should this book be printed on blue paper? Your response for or against is your stand, your argument. Is the previous topic boring? Try this instead: Should rapists be chemically castrated? Your response constitutes the core of your argument. The Dark Side of Argumentation Those who can debate any side of an issue --- even one that they do not believe or one that is morally reprehensible --- are called sophists. They often utilize dirty tricks and logical fallacies when they argue. Many times, they stop at nothing, lies included, to win an argument. This is not what we want you to learn. Far too much of this style of argumentation already exists on television and on the Internet, and you have already been overly exposed to it. College writing calls for more decency and thoughtfulness.