Argumentative Essay

Definition of Argumentative
Essays
An essay which utilizes logic and
reason to show that one idea is more
legitimate than another idea
To convince the readers to think the
same way you do

 Two sides of written arguments:

Pro
Yes, for the issue
Con
No, against the issue
Called the counter-arguments

Strategies for Argument

Use courteous language

Point out common ground
Acknowledge differing viewpoints
When appropriate, grant the merits of
differing viewpoints

Steps in Essay Writing

1. Analyze your audience
Agree, Neutral, Disagree
Attitude toward the topic, opinions,
purpose

2. Research your topic

Must have convincing evidences
Be well informed on your topic

Steps in Essay Writing

3. Structure your essay
What evidences to include
The order of the evidences
The audience expects the writer to
know and to present both sides of the
arguments
Make a pro-con chart to gather the
arguments

Steps in Essay Writing

Should acupuncture become an accepted part of
mainstream medicine?
Pro (Yes, because)

Con (No, because)

A history of thousands of
years of use demonstrates
that it heals some medical
problems.

There s no acceptable
empirical research that
conclusively demonstrates
healing.

It is a completely nonharmful, non-toxic process.

The theory is unscientific.

Acupuncturists are highly

There is no quality control in
trained medical
the U.S., so there is a
professionals who must pass danger to patients.
rigorous examinations.

Steps in Essay Writing

4. Support your stand
Ways to support your arguments:

Facts
Reading, observation, personal
experience

Statistic
Quotes
Examples

Organization
Block Pattern

Point-by-point patter

Others

I.

Introduction
Explanation of the issue
Thesis statement

I.

I.

Introduction
Explanation of the issue
Thesis statement

II.

Body

II.

Body

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.

Block 1
Summary of other sides
arguments
Rebuttal to the first
argument
Rebuttal to the second
argument
Rebuttal to the third
argument
Block 2
Your first argument
Your second argument
Your third argument

III. Conclusion-may include

a summary of your point
of view

II.
A.

B.

C.

Introduction
Explanation of the issue,
including a summary of
the other sides
arguments
Thesis statement
Body
Block 1
Statement of the other
sides first argument and
rebuttal with your own
counterargument
Statement of the other
sides second argument
and rebuttal with your
own counterargument
Statement of the other
sides third argument
and rebuttal with your
own counterargument

III. Conclusion-may include

a summary of your point
of view

A.
B.
C.
D.

Block 1
Your first argument
Your second argument
Your third argument
Block 2
Summary of other sides
arguments and refute it
to prove that our view is
right

III. Conclusion-may include

a summary of your point
of view

Guidelines
Introductory paragraph
Hook and explain it
Must have a thesis statement which
shows which side you are for.
I strongly believe that women are better
cooks than men.

Defends the topic with three valid

arguments
One thesis statement with arguments

Example (Introduction)
Abortion should be banned
Many women in the entire
world have abortions. Women
believe there are many reasons to
abort such as fear of having or
raising a child, rape, or not having
enough money. But whatever the
situation, there is never an
acceptable reason to get an
abortion. Some important reasons
why women should not abort have to
do with human values, religious
values,
and
values
of

Hook
Background
information

Disagree

Thesis
statements

Guidelines
Body paragraph
Topic
sentence
#1

Topic
sentence
#2

Topic
sentence
#3

Least
important
argument

Another
important
argument

Most
important
argument

Explain your argument

Examples, facts, statistics, quotes
Final statements

Example (Body
Paragraph
1)
first
reason
why

The
women should not have an
abortion is related to basic
human values. Women need to
think about their unborn babies who
are not responsible for this situation.
These unborn babies should have
the privilege to live and grow into a
normal person. Women need to be
more humanitarian and less egoistic
with these babies. On the other
hand, the baby doesnt know how or
why he is here. It is not necessary
to kill a life; there are many
other solutions to resolve this

Topic
sentence
#1

Supporting
details

Concluding
sentence
sentence

Example (Body Paragraph 2)

The second reason why
women should not abort has to
do with religious values. In almost
all religions, a woman is not
permitted to have an abortion. If
they do, their religions will punish
them. In some religions, for example,
a woman cannot take communion
after having an abortion, and before
taking communion again, she must
do many things as a form of
penitence. In whatever religion,
abortion is punished and for this
reason, women should not abort.

Topic
sentence
#2

Supporting
details

Concluding
sentence
sentence

Example (Body Paragraph 3)

Finally, the third and most
important
reason
why
women
should not abort is related to her
conscience. When a woman has an
abortion, she will always think about the
baby she might have had. She will
always think about the future that could
have happened with her baby which will
always remind her that she killed it.
Because she has had an abortion, she
will never have a good life, and her
conscience will remind her of what she
had done. Because a woman who has
an abortion cant forget about what
she has done, these thoughts will
always be with her, and the results
can be calamitous.

Topic
sentence
#3

Supporting
details

Concluding
sentence
sentence

Guidelines
Concession and refutation
Refuting the arguments of other people
No counter arguments means that the
writer has not explored the issue
thoroughly
Presenting only one side of the issue

Guidelines
Introduction of the counter-argument

Some people might say that

Some people might assert that
Opponents of this positions argue that
Another argument against X is that
Critics of this position point out that
It may be objected that
Several questions come to mind
At this point, one may wonder
Certain objections must, of course, be considered

Guidelines
After stating each opposing viewpoint,
writers must refute that counter-argument
Use appropriate transition words:
However
In contrast
Although
Even though
Despite
In spite of

Example
(Concession and
Refutation)

Some people might say

that abortion is needed to avoid
someone to feel ashamed. It is
also
to
avoid
the
family
members to feel burdened.
However,
this
view
is
too
remote. As human beings, we
must think of the babies who are
not responsible for the parents
actions. They are innocent and
have the right to live well in this
world.

Concession

Refutation

Guidelines
Closing paragraph
Explain the relevance
Restate your stand on the main idea
Give benefits, emotional appeal/feelings
Final statement

Example (Conclusion)
There are many reasons
why women should not have an
abortion.
The truth is that women need to
think about the consequences
that can occur before having
sexual relations.
I think that the effects of an
abortion can be very sad for
everyone involved, both for the
woman who has the abortion
and for the family who lives with
her.

Main idea

Relevance

Feelings
+
Concluding
sentence

Activity
Write an argumentative essay regarding
this topic.

Should animals be used for research

Your essay must consist of:

An introductory paragraph
Body paragraphs
A concession and refutation paragraph
A concluding paragraph