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. 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. Don’t merely state the problem, but make a point about how to solve or eliminate it.

An issue A problem It has to be something that people have different opinions about.

Your introductory paragraph needs to include: 1. a brief description of the issue 2. a clear statement of both sides 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. 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. Save the most convincing reason for last.

Common transitions in Argument Another thing Another thing Consider that Consider that For example, For example, In addition, in fact, in particular, in the first place, In addition, in fact, in particular, in the first place, More important, most important, More important, most important, The last point to consider, worst of all The last point to consider, worst of all

I agree (disagree) that … I support the idea that… I do not support the idea that… I am in favor of… I am not in favor of … I propose… ______ must (not) be changed ______ should (not) be adopted I agree (disagree) that … I support the idea that… I do not support the idea that… I am in favor of… I am not in favor of … I propose… ______ must (not) be changed ______ should (not) be adopted

Consider opposing views with responses to them.

A thesis statement often mentions the opposing point of view. Some people feel that the USA should have a national health plan like Canada’s. Smokers say that they have a right to smoke.

To admit an opponent’s point of view Some say… Some claim… Most people assume… We have been told that…

Topic: Persuade the college president to make a change that would help ESL students.

Use the internet to find more on those controversial issues. Ethical treatment of animals Ethical treatment of animals Racial profiling Racial profiling Euthanasia (assisted suicide) Euthanasia (assisted suicide) Gay couples adopting children Gay couples adopting children The war in Iraq The war in Iraq Alien felons deportation Alien felons deportation Smokers rights/ abortion rights Smokers rights/ abortion rights Wearing seatbelts Wearing seatbelts

Other topics 1. America should not be the policeman for the world. 2. America is ready for a woman president, an African American president or a Hispanic president 3. You should have a will. 4. We should all learn to speak a foreign language. 5. We should not pay for illegal aliens’ health care. Other topics 1. America should not be the policeman for the world. 2. America is ready for a woman president, an African American president or a Hispanic president 3. You should have a will. 4. We should all learn to speak a foreign language. 5. We should not pay for illegal aliens’ health care.

More Topics 6. Death penalty 7. Improving our health 8. School uniforms 9. Violence on TV 10. Buying a house 11. Anorexia 12. Drunk driving 13. Animal experiment 14. Women in the military More Topics 6. Death penalty 7. Improving our health 8. School uniforms 9. Violence on TV 10. Buying a house 11. Anorexia 12. Drunk driving 13. Animal experiment 14. Women in the military

Jot down some ideas about an issue that is important to you. Focus on what position is and why. How does this issue affect you personally?

Choose a problem, describe it, mention who/ what causes it, how serious is it propose and describe your solution Give counter arguments against the solution Show the benefits of the solution

An Argumentative Essay contains these five key elements: 1. An explanation of the issue 2. A clear thesis statement 3. A summary of the opposing arguments 4. Rebuttals to the opposing arguments 5. Your own arguments

Use either a subject by subject or a point by point pattern of organization. Be sure to include the opposing point of view as well as your own.

Issue + Position = Thesis Statement It should state clearly which side you are for.

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

Work Cited Book- Peterson, Debra. Writing Across the Curriculum. New Jersey: Oakland, Article- Daniel Robin. “ The Innocent Victim” Newsweek Dec.19, 2007: 89

Documenting Sources According to… A psychologist … has noted (said) As… said In fact …. Quote your sources “ “

Paraphrase summarize in your own words and writing style Write the name of the person whose idea you have borrowed.

The end!