Argumentative Essays

Argument Thesis Thesis must make a clear claim. Answer the prompt Identify your main points

Argument Thesis Prompt: Should America reduce its environmental impact through the use of renewable energy? Example Thesis: America should effectively reduce its environmental impact through the use of electric automobiles, decreasing its dependence on fossil fuels, and incorporating a carbon tax on industries.

Body Paragraph Structure TS: State a main point that supports thesis EV#1: Evidence (facts or quote) to support TS EL: Explain how data supports claim * Expand on reasoning/explanation (if needed) Counterclaim: State strong counterargument EV#2: Evidence to refute counterclaim EL: Explain how evidence refutes counterclaim, or shows it is incorrect or invalid CL: Wrap up and transition to next paragraph

Example Body Paragraph Electric cars can effectively combat air pollution. Because cars are the “largest private source of air pollution,” the decision to purchase an electric car can substantially decrease harmful emissions (U.S. DOT 135). To combat a serious problem, focus should be directed toward the primary source. Steps taken to reduce carbon emissions from the sizeable fleet of private automobiles used every day will have the greatest immediate effect on air pollution. Cars are used to commute to work and to school and to stores and to restaurants; with each and every vehicle replaced by electric alternatives the amount of emissions is immediately reduced. It is true that battery limitations make electric cars an unrealistic alternative for all gas powered automobiles. However, the average person in the U.S. drives 33 miles per day and the average electric vehicle has a battery life of 100 miles (Forbes 54). This capacity allows for the average commuter to lessen their impact on the environment without fear of running out of battery life during day to day travel. People will see no impact to how they use their cars for work and school, allowing for no interruption in the necessary routines that make life comfortable. People will see no impact to the freedom to drive recreationally, allowing for greater peace of mind as they enjoy their vehicles without concern for the environment. Therefore, it is possible for the majority of Americans to drive an electric car on a daily basis to reduce their environmental impact.

Your Audience: “Fence Sitters” Fence-sitters are people who have not decided which side of the argument to support. People who are on your side of the argument will not need a lot of information to align with your position. People who are completely against your argument will probably never align with your position no matter how much information you provide. Therefore, the audience you should consider most important are those people who haven't decided which side of the argument they will support—the “fence-sitters.” In many cases, these fence-sitters have not decided which side to align with because they see value in both positions. Therefore, to not consider opposing positions to your own in a fair manner may alienate fence-sitters when they see that you are not addressing their concerns or discussion opposing positions at all.

Final Thoughts Write in 3rd person Your claims and opinions will be clear from your language. You do not need phrases like, "I think" or "I believe." Use transitional language to show relationships between ideas. This is key when dealing with counterarguments. Use words like however, despite, even though, although, in contrast, etc.