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Literary Devices
Definition and Examples of Literary Terms

Argumentative Essay
Definition of Argumentative
Essay
An argumentative essay is a type of essay that
presents arguments about both sides of an issue.
It could be that both sides are presented equally
balanced, or it could be that one side is
presented more forcefully than the other. It all
depends on the writer, and what side he supports
the most. The general structure of an
argumentative essay follows this format:

1. Introduction: Attention Grabber / hook,


Background Information, Thesis Statement
2. Body: Three body paragraphs (three major
arguments)
3. Counterargument: An argument to refute
earlier arguments and give weight to the
actual position
4. Conclusion: Rephrasing the thesis
statement, major points, call to attention, or
concluding remarks.
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Models for Argumentative
Essays
There are two major models besides this
structure given above, which is called a classical
model. Two other models are the Toulmin and
Rogerian models.

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with a claim or thesis, followed by presentation of
data to support the claim. Warrants are then
listed for the reasons to support the claim with
backing and rebuttals. However, the Rogerian
model asks to weigh two options, lists strengths
and weaknesses of both options, and gives a
recommendation after an analysis.

Examples of Argumentative
Essay in Literature

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Example #1: Put a Little Science in Your


Life (by Brian Greene)

“When we consider the ubiquity of


cellphones, iPods, personal computers
and the Internet, it’s easy to see how
science (and the technology to which it
leads) is woven into the fabric of our day-
to-day activities. When we benefit from CT
scanners, M.R.I. devices, pacemakers and
arterial stents, we can immediately
appreciate how science affects the quality
of our lives. When we assess the state of
the world, and identify looming challenges
like climate change, global pandemics,
security threats and diminishing resources,
we don’t hesitate in turning to science to
gauge the problems and find solutions.

And when we look at the wealth of


opportunities hovering on the horizon—
stem cells, genomic sequencing,
personalized medicine, longevity research,
nanoscience, brain-machine interface,
quantum computers, space technology—
we realize how crucial it is to cultivate a
general public that can engage with
scientific issues; there’s simply no other
way that as a society we will be prepared
to make informed decisions on a range of
issues that will shape the future.”

These two paragraphs present an argument


about two scientific fields — digital products and
biotechnology. It has also given full supporting
details with names.

Example #2: Boys Here, Girls There:


Sure, If Equality’s the Goal (by Karen
Stabiner)

“The first objections last week came from


the National Organization for Women and
the New York Civil Liberties Union, both of
which opposed the opening of TYWLS in
the fall of 1996. The two groups continue
to insist—as though it were 1896 and they
were arguing Plessy v. Ferguson—that
separate can never be equal. I appreciate
NOW’s wariness of the Bush
administration’s endorsement of single-sex
public schools, since I am of the
generation that still considers the label
“feminist” to be a compliment—and many
feminists still fear that any public
acknowledgment of differences between
the sexes will hinder their fight for
equality.”

This paragraph by Karen Stabiner presents an


objection to the argument of separation between
public schools. It has been fully supported with
evidences of the court case.

Example #3: The Flight from


Conversation (by Sherry Turkle)

“We’ve become accustomed to a new way


of being “alone together.” Technology-
enabled, we are able to be with one
another, and also elsewhere, connected to
wherever we want to be. We want to
customize our lives. We want to move in
and out of where we are because the thing
we value most is control over where we
focus our attention. We have gotten used
to the idea of being in a tribe of one, loyal
to our own party.”

This is an argument by Sherry Turkle, beautifully


presented it in the first person plural dialogues.
However, it is clear that this is part of a greater
argument instead of the essay.

Function of Argumentative
Essay
An argumentative essay presents both sides of
an issue. However, it presents one side more
positively or meticulously than the other one, so
that readers could be swayed to the one the
author intends. The major function of this type of
essays is to present a case before the readers in
a convincing manner, showing them the
complete picture.

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