1. Argumentation MS.Maisoon Dorra
Chapter 10
Argumentation MS.Maisoon Dorra

2. Your Claim
Writing about your claim in an argumentative topic is not an easy task.
It should be narrowed down
Example:
X Marijuana should be considered illegal. (Not a good claim because it is too general. In some medical cases, marijuana is prescribed by the doctors and the patients are encouraged to use it in case of suffering from too much pain)
√ Selling and using marijuana in public places should be considered illegal.

3. Your Claim It should contain an argument Example:
X We should decide whether we want a bicycle or a car. (our stand is not clear: do we support having bicycles or cars?)
√ If we are under the age of 30 and want a healthy life, we should definitely get a bicycle instead of a car.

4. Your Claim Not a question Example:
X Are you one of those who think cheating is not good for students? (a question cannot be an argument)
√ Cheating helps students learn.

5. Your Claim Not a fact Example:
X Considering its geological position, Turkey has an important geopolitical role in the EU. (facts cannot be arguments)
√ Considering its geopolitical role, we can clearly say that the EU cannot be without Turkey.

6. Your Claim
It should be a topic that can be supported (with statistics, outside source citations, etc.)
Example:
I feel that writing an argumentative essay is definitely a challenging task. (feelings cannot be supported; we cannot persuade other people)

7. Refute the Counterclaims of the Opponent
Consider the opposite side
Argue against your claim
Turn against your argument to challenge it
Then turn back to reaffirm your position

8. The Opposing Side Ask these questions:
1. Who might disagree with my position? Why?
2. What reasons do people have for disagreeing with me?
3. What evidence would support an opposing argument?

9. REBUTTAL Return to your original argument based upon careful reasoning
-Show why counter argument is mistaken
-Acknowledge it, but show why it is less important

10. Language You Use When pointing out opposing arguments :
Opponents of this idea claim / maintain that …            
Those who disagree / are against these ideas may say / assert that …
Some people may disagree with this idea.
When stating specifically why they think like that:
They put forward this idea because …
They claim that … since …
Reaching the turning point:
However,
but
On the other hand,

11. Argumentative Essay Outline
Introduction (Background information about the topic. The thesis statement should show your claim and your reasons)
Body Paragraph One (states your first reason and supports it)
Body Paragraph Two (states your second reason and supports it)
Body Paragraph Three (states the counterclaim and refutes it)
Conclusion (restates your thesis statement + final comments/recommendations)

12. Sample (Introduction)

17. Steps of Writing Argumentative Essay
You brainstorm ideas , research the subject if necessary
Choose one side of the argument
List pros and cons
Choose the outline that serves your argument
Begin with discussing controversy in general, narrow your topic after that.
Your thesis SHOULD show YOUR CLAIM about the argument

18. Steps of Writing Argumentative Essay
List the evidences/ reasons you want to discuss in the thesis or the essay map (refer to the previous essay sample )
Begin your body paragraphs with topic sentences that show your reasons
Support your reasons with evidences, facts, anecdotes, statistics, etc. (In order to convince the reader with your point of view)

19. Steps of Writing Argumentative Essay
Refute the opposition’s side, using evidences, facts, statistics, etc.
Conclude your essay by restating the thesis statement and sum up your main idea.
Remember! Use proper transitions to make your essay coherent.