1. Writing an Argumentative Essay
Catherine Wishart
Senior Adjunct Instructor
Rowan College at Burlington County

2. What is an argumentative essay?
An argumentative essay differs from a persuasive essay:
While the author takes a stance, emotions are not present in an argumentative essay
The writer needs to do research on the topic, evaluate the research, and then determine which side of the argument he or she agrees with.
The writer needs to avoid fallacies (such as non sequitur and hasty generalization) in the writing
The writer also has to make certain to acknowledge that the other side of the argument has something valid to say.

3. Argumentation Relies On…
Research. An argumentative essay or argumentative research paper:
Takes a stance
Proves the stance is correct by using:
Logical reasoning
Examples
Research
Acknowledges counter-claims
Proves that the counter ideas do not have the merit of the writer’s stance
Bases the argument on logic instead of emotion.

4. The Thesis Statement
The thesis statement needs to be clear and concise.
It needs to preview the main points and needs to acknowledge the counter-claim.
To give the writer’s argument more attention, the counter-claim should be addressed first and then the writer’s stance:
Although many people believe _________________, actually _____________ is true because of ___________, ___________, and _________________.

5. The Main Thing to Watch with the Thesis
Although… actually will work in an argumentative essay almost every time.
So long as you include the counterclaim and your claim, you can change up “although” and actually.”
Example: While many experts believe that cursive writing should no longer be taught in elementary school, there are experts who have proven that there is a link to cursive writing and reading skills, that cursive writing allows the writer to record ideas more quickly than printing, and that cursive writing helps to build organizational skills.
OR – While many experts believe that cursive writing should be taught in elementary school, others believe that cursive writing wastes valuable class time, is archaic and is becoming obsolete, and places undo emphasis on structure rather than communication.

6. Six Paragraphs – At Least!
For the argumentative essay, throw the 5-paragraph model out the window. Instead, expand the essay to 6 paragraphs:
Introduction that includes a hook, transition, and thesis statement
Make sure the thesis includes the counter-claim
Body paragraph that explains the counter-claim
Body paragraph that explains first point in the claim (stance)
Body paragraph that explains the second point in the claim (stance)
Body paragraph that explains the third point in the claim (stance)
Conclusion that reflects on hook and gives the reader something to think about.

7. Make sure to ask yourself the following questions:
Is my thesis statement clear and specific? Do I preview the main points
Does my thesis statement include the counter-claim?
Is my argument logical and arranged in an order that makes sense?
Have I shown that I researched both sides of the argument?
Have I included other viewpoints?
Are my sources credible?
Do I have enough examples to prove my points?
Am I careful not be rude but still prove my point?

8. Remember the Adage:
Introduction (tell the reader what you’re going to say)
Body (tell the reader what you want to say)
Conclusion (remind the reader what you said)

9. Plan B
If you must stick with a 5 paragraph essay format, then you can also point out part of the counterclaim in each body paragraph and then explain whey the counterclaim holds no weight. Give examples of where it falls apart.
BE CAREFUL! It’s easy to fall into the either/or fallacy when using this formula.
For a 5 paragraph essay, you can also state the counter claim and then list only 2 arguments against it. That way you’ll have a body paragraph for the counter claim and two body paragraphs for the claim.

10. Make Sure Your Sources are Reputable
With the counterclaim, you can use a source you don’t consider very reputable. However, if there are other sources at there that pose the counterclaim in a logical way, this can backfire.
The big secret is – put in the work and do the research.