When we hear the word “argument,” we know this as a heated conversation.
However, academically
speaking, it is an attempt to persuade someone by presenting evidence to the reader for why it is a more
favorable choice regarding a particular issue. We persuade people to agree with our claim using facts. This
is called argumentation.
In order to do that, we need to do research and find evidences to support our claim. This kind of writing is
what we call “argumentative essay.” An argumentative essay is a written form of argumentation.
An argumentative essay is a type of academic writing where the author presents a stance on a particular
issue or topic and supports it with evidence, reasoning, and counterarguments. The primary goal of an
argumentative essay is to persuade the reader to accept the author's point of view or take a specific action.
Here is a basic structure and key elements of an argumentative essay:
Introduction:
Hook: Engage the reader with a compelling statement, question, or anecdote.
Background Information: Provide context for the issue or topic.
Thesis Statement: Clearly state your position on the issue.
Body Paragraphs:
Topic Sentence: Start each paragraph with a clear statement of the main point.
Supporting Evidence: Provide facts, statistics, examples, or quotations that support your argument.
Explanation: Analyze and explain how the evidence supports your thesis.
Transition: Connect each paragraph to the next smoothly.
Counterarguments:
Acknowledge opposing viewpoints or potential objections.
Refute counterarguments with evidence and reasoning.
Show why your position is stronger or more valid.
Conclusion:
Restate Thesis: Summarize your main argument and restate your position.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main points discussed in the body paragraphs.
Call to Action or Implication: Urge the reader to take a specific action or consider the broader implications
of the argument.
Language and Style:
Use clear and concise language.
Maintain a formal tone suitable for academic writing.
Avoid emotional language but appeal to logic and reason.
Provide citations for any external sources used.
Research:
Conduct thorough research to gather relevant and credible evidence.
Cite sources appropriately using a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).
Here's a simplified example thesis statement for an argumentative essay on the topic of climate change:
"Climate change poses a significant threat to the global environment, and urgent measures, including
international cooperation and sustainable policies, are necessary to mitigate its impact and secure a better
future for our planet."
Remember that the strength of an argumentative essay lies in the quality of evidence and the logical
reasoning presented. It's crucial to thoroughly research the topic and consider multiple perspectives to
build a compelling and well-supported argument.
An argumentative essay is a type of academic writing where the author presents a stance on a particular
issue or topic and supports it with evidence, reasoning, and counterarguments. The primary goal of an
argumentative essay is to persuade the reader to accept the author's point of view or take a specific action.
Here is a basic structure and key elements of an argumentative essay:
Introduction:
Hook: Engage the reader with a compelling statement, question, or anecdote.
Background Information: Provide context for the issue or topic.
Thesis Statement: Clearly state your position on the issue.
Body Paragraphs:
Topic Sentence: Start each paragraph with a clear statement of the main point.
Supporting Evidence: Provide facts, statistics, examples, or quotations that support your argument.
Explanation: Analyze and explain how the evidence supports your thesis.
Transition: Connect each paragraph to the next smoothly.
Counterarguments:
Acknowledge opposing viewpoints or potential objections.
Refute counterarguments with evidence and reasoning.
Show why your position is stronger or more valid.
Conclusion:
Restate Thesis: Summarize your main argument and restate your position.
Summary of Key Points: Recap the main points discussed in the body paragraphs.
Call to Action or Implication: Urge the reader to take a specific action or consider the broader implications
of the argument.
Language and Style:
Use clear and concise language.
Maintain a formal tone suitable for academic writing.
Avoid emotional language but appeal to logic and reason.
Provide citations for any external sources used.
Research:
Conduct thorough research to gather relevant and credible evidence.
Cite sources appropriately using a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).
Here's a simplified example thesis statement for an argumentative essay on the topic of climate change:
"Climate change poses a significant threat to the global environment, and urgent measures, including
international cooperation and sustainable policies, are necessary to mitigate its impact and secure a better
future for our planet."
Remember that the strength of an argumentative essay lies in the quality of evidence and the logical
reasoning presented. It's crucial to thoroughly research the topic and consider multiple perspectives to
build a compelling and well-supported argument.
Several terms are commonly associated with argumentative essays
Understanding these terms can enhance your ability to analyze and compose effective argumentative
essays. Here are some key terms related to argumentative essays:
Thesis Statement: A concise summary of the main point or claim of an essay. It typically appears in the
introduction and guides the reader about the author's stance on the issue.
Claim: The main argument or position that the author is advocating in the essay. Claims are often
supported by evidence and reasoning.
Evidence: Factual information, examples, statistics, or expert opinions used to support a claim. Strong
evidence strengthens the overall argument.
Counterargument: An opposing viewpoint or argument that goes against the author's main claim.
Addressing counterarguments strengthens the essay by demonstrating a thorough understanding of the
issue.
Refutation: The act of responding to and discrediting counterarguments. It involves providing evidence or
reasoning to demonstrate why the counterargument is invalid or less convincing.
Supporting Paragraphs: Paragraphs in the body of the essay that provide evidence and reasoning to
support the main claim. Each paragraph should focus on a specific point and include supporting details.
Topic Sentence: The first sentence of a paragraph that introduces the main idea of that paragraph. It helps
guide the reader and maintain the overall structure of the essay.
Logical Fallacy: An error in reasoning that weakens an argument. Avoiding logical fallacies is crucial for
maintaining the credibility and effectiveness of an argument.
Conclusion: The final paragraph of the essay that summarizes the main points, restates the thesis, and
leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
Rhetorical Devices: Techniques or language strategies used to enhance the persuasiveness of an
argument. Examples include ethos, pathos, and logos.
Ethos: An appeal to the credibility and ethics of the author. Establishing ethos helps build trust with the
audience.
Pathos: An appeal to the emotions of the audience. Using pathos can evoke empathy or passion and make
the argument more compelling.
Logos: An appeal to logic and reason. Using logos involves presenting clear and well-structured arguments
supported by evidence.
Analogical Reasoning: Drawing comparisons between similar situations or examples to illustrate a point or
strengthen an argument.
Cohesion: The logical and smooth connection between ideas and paragraphs in an essay. Cohesive writing
ensures that the argument flows logically.
Validity: The degree to which an argument is logical and well-supported by evidence. A valid argument
follows sound reasoning.
Credibility: The trustworthiness and reliability of the author or the sources cited. Establishing credibility is
crucial for persuasive writing.
