An Argumentative Essay How to...

Before Writing... Brainstorm ideas on the subject. Identify the main topics. Use these topics as headings for organizing your notes. Decide which side you are on (which arguments are most convincing). Make sure you choose the side that you can fully support. Plan and write an outline for your essay noting down the information you will include in each paragraph.

Example Outline Introduction: Hook (choose one way to engage the reader that is related to the topic: interesting question, humor, shocking statement): Bridge (Explain/discuss both sides of the issue. Ex. Some say that….Others say that…): Thesis or claim (state your position/what side are you taking on the issue): Body(Claim #1) Counter claim (acknowledge the other side of the issue and rebuttal/comeback: Note-your rebuttal will lead into your claim (Ex. Although some think that…...However, ).  Claim #1 (reason for your side):  Cite (go back to the text to find a statement that supports your reason):  Explain (elaborate on your idea): Body(Claim #2): Claim #2 (reason for your side):  Conclusion: Restate thesis or claim: Recap your strongest points Clincher: final statement that gives the reader a lasting impression/call to action/refer to your hook

Introductory Paragraph Your introduction should: Introduce the topic with a hook State why it is important State there is a difference of opinion about this topic Thesis statement must state what YOUR claim is and can include the “parts” of the argument you are going to state.

Example Introductory Paragraph Is nuclear power safe? There has been much discussion about the use of nuclear power ever since the first reactor was built. People who support nuclear power think that it provides a cheap and effective means of supplying energy needs. However, in reality it is not cheap at all and the dangers are well-known after the accidents at Chernobyl and Three Mile Island. The fact is that nuclear power is a tried, tested and failed technology. Because of its cost, risk and alternatives, the building of nuclear reactors should not continue.

Body Paragraphs Arguments for: The reasons “parts” of your thesis statement will be in your body paragraphs. Give clear arguments for your claim with support (examples, statistics, explanations, etc.) Use transition words as you move from paragraph to paragraph (Firstly, secondly, furthermore, in addition, moreover, finally). You can also use any of the transitions from the other essay types as long as they are appropriate for your argument. (You may want to compare/contrast things, give reasons/results, descriptions, definitions etc.)

Useful words and phrases When you can think of the opposing opinion but you have not seen it written anywhere: It could be claimed… It may be asserted that... ;however, It might be argued

Useful words and phrases contd. When you have seen the opposing opinion written in another text: It has been claimed… It has been asserted that... ;however, It has been argued…

Example Refutation Some people might claim that there is no real alternative to a new generation of nuclear reactors. However, combined heat and power units, which generate electricity, are already economical for large houses or blocks of flats and smaller units will be on the market next year. Local generation of electricity eliminates the enormous losses of wasted heat in electricity generation by fossil fuels or nuclear reactors. Wind turbines and solar cells on the roof can also provide home solutions and will become more economical as costs come down with mass production.

Concluding paragraph Your conclusion should: Restate the main claim Present one or two general sentences which accurately summarize your arguments which support the main premise Provide a thought-provoking statement or question and/or tie back to your introduction.