The Argument Essay

An argument is an attempt to persuade a reader to think or act in a certain way. It helps you take action in problems or situations and defend your position.

Writers choose argumentative essays when they want to persuade readers to change their minds about something

In what situations would you find yourself requiring good argument skills? In College? At Work? In your everyday life?

Example Argue for something in your town that needs to be changed.

Your goal is to get people to see your point Your goal is to get people to see your point. You must convince them of your point of view. Take a stand and support it with reasons and details.

Name the subject of your argument and take a stand Name the subject of your argument and take a stand. Don’t merely state the problem, but make a point about how to solve or eliminate it.

Your introductory paragraph needs to include: 1 Your introductory paragraph needs to include: 1. a brief description of the issue 2. a clear statement of the issue 3. an argumentative thesis statement, which is distinctive in that it takes a stand on the issue.

Use the reasons in your argument to focus your body paragraphs Use the reasons in your argument to focus your body paragraphs. If you have three reasons, then you’ll have three body paragraphs

To signal a reason The first reason is… The second reason is… Another reason is… An additional reason is… The most convincing piece of evidence is…

The body paragraphs should give facts, examples, and expert opinions that support your reasons.

The strength of your argument depends on the quality of the reasons and evidence that you present to support your position.

Use order of importance to organize reasons for your position Use order of importance to organize reasons for your position. Save the most convincing reason for last.

An Argumentative Essay contains these four key elements: 1 An Argumentative Essay contains these four key elements: 1. An explanation of the issue 2. A clear thesis statement 3. A summary of the opposing arguments 4. Your own arguments

The Introduction paragraph contains an explanation of the issue The Introduction paragraph contains an explanation of the issue. You may also begin with surprising statistics or a dramatic story.

Your conclusion should refer back to your issue and position Your conclusion should refer back to your issue and position. It should end on a strong note urging your reader to see things your way and act accordingly .

To signal a conclusion We can conclude that… This proves that … This suggests that… This shows that…

Should illegal Aliens receive special payments to attend US colleges Should illegal Aliens receive special payments to attend US colleges? Illegal Aliens do/do not deserve reduced tuition. What do you think?

The end!

The PROMPT Should parents allow their child/children to stay up as late as the choose on weekends? Don’t forget you need an outline