8ENLG HANDOUT ON

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

Structure

A basic structure employed when planning an argumentative essay could include:

 an interesting introduction
 a clear indication of your position in relation to the topic
 your first argument, with supporting evidence
 your second argument, with supporting evidence, and so on (the number of paragraphs like this will
depend on the number of arguments you can offer)
 a conclusion, in which you reiterate your position.

The timeline below shows a basic structure.

The opening of an essay is important. It should capture the reader's attention and avoid being bland or dull.
The reader should be interested and keen to read on.
Some examples of different styles that could be used in an introduction are:

 provocative

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 balanced
 quotation
 illustrative
 anecdotal

An example of a provocative introduction is - "It is difficult to see how anyone can approve of fox hunting."

An example of a balanced introduction is - "Fox hunting is a subject about which people hold strongly
contrasting views."

An example of a quotation introduction is - "Oscar Wilde once described fox hunting as 'The unspeakable in
pursuit of the uneatable."

An example of an illustrative introduction is - "On a glorious autumn morning a terrified, exhausted animal is

savaged to death by a pack of baying dogs while a group of expensively dressed humans encourage the dogs
in their bloody work."

An example of an anecdotal introduction is - "I have always detested fox hunting since I was almost physically
sick while watching a television film of the kill at the end of a hunt."

Linking Ideas
There will be several arguments in a piece of discursive writing. Using linking words effectively can help you
achieve this.
These words are usually used at the beginning of a new paragraph, but they can also be used to link ideas
within a paragraph.
Type of link Example

furthermore, likewise, in addition, similarly, also, moreover - numbering your

Same line of points (‘firstly’, ‘secondly’, etc.) is a rather mechanical method of linking and is
thought best avoided

Conclusion or thus, therefore, consequently, accordingly, in retrospect, hence, in conclusion,

summary in brief, as a result

Definite
statement without question, without doubt, unquestionably, absolutely

yet, on the other hand, nevertheless, however, although, conversely,

Contrasting idea otherwise, on the contrary

because, for instance, since, for example, so that, despite the fact that,
Further examples accordingly, although, if, though, unless

Tone

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It is important to write formally in a discursive essay. This means you should write in complete sentences,
using full words and expressions and standard English. Contractions should be avoided. For example, 'is not'
should be used instead of 'isn't'.
It is advisable to try and avoid expressions like 'a lot' or 'lots of'. More formal expressions such as 'many',
'much', 'a number of', or 'numerous' are more suitable for discursive writing.
Do Do not use

Write in proper, complete sentences Abbreviations (i.e., /e.g., /etc./UK)

Use complete words and expressions Contractions (isn't/don't/won't)

Use proper, standard English Slang (bloke/geezer etc.)

Colloquial language (mate/bolshy etc.)

Planning:
Start With a Hook

Start your introduction with a sentence that gets the reader interested in the topic. To pique the reader's
interest, you can begin with a quote, a personal story, a surprising statistic or an interesting question. For
example, if you are arguing that smoking should be banned from all public places, you can start your
introduction by referencing a statistic from a verified source: "Tobacco use kills more than five million people
every year -- more than tuberculosis and malaria combined, according to the World Health Organization." This
strategy grabs the reader's attention while introducing the topic of the essay.

Include Background

Providing readers with background on the topic allows them to better understand the issue being
presented. This information provides context and history that can be crucial to explaining and arguing your
point.

Statement

The statement is the essence of an argumentative essay. In a single, clear sentence, it sums up what
point you are trying to make. The statement should assert a position on a particular issue -- one that a
reader can potentially argue against. Therefore, the statement cannot be a fact. For example, if a
professor assigns the general topic of war, you can formulate the following thesis statement: "The United
Nations must be redesigned because it is currently incapable of preventing wars." The rest of your essay
explains and provide evidence in support of your thesis statement.

Counter-Argument

Counterargument in an essay has two stages: you turn against your argument to challenge it and then you turn
back to re-affirm it. You first imagine a skeptical reader, or cite an actual source, who might resist your
argument by pointing out. You introduce this turn against with a phrase like: One might object here that... or It

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 might seem that... or It's true that... or Admittedly... or Of course... or with an anticipated challenging
question: But how...? or But why...? or But isn't this just...? or But if this is so, what about...? 

Then you state the case against yourself as briefly but as clearly and forcefully as you can, pointing to
evidence where possible. You should use: but, yet, however, nevertheless or still when you are explaining your
reasons. In reasoning (about the proposed counterargument), you may:

 refute it, showing why it is mistaken—an apparent but not real problem.

Conclusion

So much is at stake in writing a conclusion. This is, after all, your last chance to persuade your readers to your
point of view, to impress yourself upon them as a writer and thinker. And the impression you create in your
conclusion will shape the impression that stays with your readers after they've finished the essay.

To establish a sense of closure, you might do one or more of the following:

 Conclude by linking the last paragraph to the first, perhaps by reiterating a word or phrase you used at
the beginning.
 Conclude with a sentence composed mainly of one-syllable words. Simple language can help create an
effect of understated drama.
 Conclude with a sentence that's compound or parallel in structure; such sentences can establish a
sense of balance or order that may feel just right at the end of a complex discussion.

Finally, some advice on how not to end an essay:

 Don't simply summarize your essay. A brief summary of your argument may be useful, especially if
your essay is long--more than ten pages or so. But shorter essays tend not to require a restatement of your
main ideas.
 Avoid phrases like "in conclusion," "to conclude," "in summary," and "to sum up." These phrases can be
useful--even welcome--in oral presentations. But readers can see, by the tell-tale compression of the pages,
when an essay is about to end. You'll irritate your audience if you belabor the obvious.

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