Argumentative Essay

The function of an argumentative essay is to show that your assertion (opinion, theory,
hypothesis) about some phenomenon or phenomena is correct or more truthful than others'.
The art of argumentation is not an easy skill to acquire. Many people might think that if one
simply has an opinion, one can argue it successfully, and these folks are always surprised
when others don't agree with them because their logic seems so correct.

Argumentative writing is the act of forming reasons, making inductions, drawing conclusions,
and applying them to the case in discussion; the operation of inferring propositions, not
known or admitted as true, from facts or principles known, admitted, or proved to be true. It
clearly explains the process of your reasoning from the known or assumed to the unknown.
Without doing this you do not have an argument, you have only an assertion, an essay that
is just your unsubstantiated opinion.

Notice that you do not have to completely prove your point; you only have to convince
reasonable readers that your argument or position has merit; i.e., that it is somehow more
accurate and complete than competing arguments.

Argumentative essays are often organized in the following manner:

1. They begin with a statement of your assertion, its timeliness, significance, and relevance
in relation to some phenomenon.
2. They review critically the literature about that phenomenon.
3. They illustrate how your assertion is "better" (simpler or more explanatory) than others,
including improved (i.e., more reliable or valid) methods that you used to accumulate the
data (case) to be explained.

Finally revise and edit, and be sure to apply the critical process to your argument to be
certain you have not committed any errors in reasoning or integrated any fallacies for which
you would criticize some other writer.

Additionally, you will want to find out how your readers will object to your argument. Will they
say that you have used imprecise concepts? Have you erred in collecting data? Your
argument is only as strong as the objections to it. If you cannot refute or discount an
objection, then you need to rethink and revise your position.

Popular argumentative essay topics could be:

 Animal testing
 Capital punishment
 Security cameras and privacy
 Homeschooling
 Retirement age
 The use of animals in scientific research
 Government and family planning

All these essay topics give you a chance to develop an argument in your future essay. The
best idea is to choose essay topics that really matter to you. You have to have the strong
personal opinion on the topic you are planning to discuss in your argumentative essay.
Types of Papers: Argument/Argumentative
While some teachers consider persuasive papers and argument papers to be basically the
same thing, it’s usually safe to assume that an argument paper presents a stronger claim—
possibly to a more resistant audience.

For example: while a persuasive paper might claim that cities need to adopt recycling
programs, an argument paper on the same topic might be addressed to a particular town.
The argument paper would go further, suggesting specific ways that a recycling program
should be adopted and utilized in that particular area.

To write an argument essay, you’ll need to gather evidence and present a well-
reasoned argument on a debatable issue.

How can I tell if my topic is debatable? Check your thesis! You cannot argue a statement
of fact, you must base your paper on a strong position. Ask yourself…
 How many people could argue against my position? What would they say?
 Can it be addressed with a yes or no? (aim for a topic that requires more info.)
 Can I base my argument on scholarly evidence, or am I relying on religion, cultural
standards, or morality? (you MUST be able to do quality research!)
 Have I made my argument specific enough?

Worried about taking a firm stance on an issue?

Though there are plenty of times in your life when it’s best to adopt a balanced perspective
and try to understand both sides of a debate, this isn’t one of them.

You MUST choose one side or the other when you write an argument paper!
Don’t be afraid to tell others exactly how you think things should go because that’s what we
expect from an argument paper. You’re in charge now, what do YOU think?

Do… Don’t…
…use passionate language …use weak qualifiers like “I believe,” “I feel,” or “I
think”—just tell us!
…cite experts who agree with you …claim to be an expert if you’re not one
…provide facts, evidence, and statistics …use strictly moral or religious claims as support
to support your position for your argument
…provide reasons to support your claim …assume the audience will agree with you about
any aspect of your argument
…address the opposing side’s argument …attempt to make others look bad (i.e. Mr. Smith
and refute their claims is ignorant—don’t listen to him!)

Why do I need to address the opposing side’s argument?

There is an old kung-fu saying which states, "The hand that strikes also blocks", meaning
that when you argue it is to your advantage to anticipate your opposition and strike down
their arguments within the body of your own paper. This sentiment is echoed in the popular
saying, "The best defense is a good offense".

By addressing the opposition you achieve the following goals:

 illustrate a well-rounded understanding of the topic
 demonstrate a lack of bias
 enhance the level of trust that the reader has for both you and your opinion
 give yourself the opportunity to refute any arguments the opposition may have
 strengthen your argument by diminishing your opposition's argument
Think about yourself as a child, asking your parents for permission to do something that they
would normally say no to. You were far more likely to get them to say yes if you anticipated
and addressed all of their concerns before they expressed them. You did not want to belittle
those concerns, or make them feel dumb, because this only put them on the defensive, and
lead to a conclusion that went against your wishes. The same is true in your writing.

How do I accomplish this?

To address the other side of the argument you plan to make, you'll need to "put yourself in
their shoes." In other words, you need to try to understand where they're coming from. If
you're having trouble accomplishing this task, try following these steps:
1. Jot down several good reasons why you support that particular side of the argument.
2. Look at the reasons you provided and try to argue with yourself. Ask: Why would
someone disagree with each of these points? What would his/her response be?
(Sometimes it's helpful to imagine that you're having a verbal argument with someone
who disagrees with you.)
3. Think carefully about your audience; try to understand their background, their strongest
influences, and the way that their minds work. Ask: What parts of this issue will concern
my opposing audience the most?
4. Find the necessary facts, evidence, quotes from experts, etc. to refute the points that
your opposition might make.
5. Carefully organize your paper so that it moves smoothly from defending your own points
to sections where you argue against the opposition.

Argumentative Essays
What is an Argumentative Essay?
The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic,
collect, generate, and evaluate evidence, and establish a position on the topic in a concise
manner.

Please note: Some confusion may occur between the argumentative essay and the
expository essay. These two genres are similar, but the argumentative essay differs from the
expository essay in the amount of pre-writing (invention) and research involved. The
argumentative essay is commonly assigned as a capstone or final project in first year writing
or advanced composition courses and involves lengthy, detailed research. Expository
essays involve less research and are shorter in length. Expository essays are often used for
in-class writing exercises or tests, such as the GED or GRE.

Argumentative essay assignments generally call for extensive research of literature or

previously published material. Argumentative assignments may also require empirical
research where the student collects data through interviews, surveys, observations, or
experiments. Detailed research allows the student to learn about the topic and to understand
different points of view regarding the topic so that s/he may choose a position and support it
with the evidence collected during research. Regardless of the amount or type of research
involved, argumentative essays must establish a clear thesis and follow sound reasoning.

The structure of the argumentative essay is held together by the following:

A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the
essay.
In the first paragraph of an argument essay, students should set the context by reviewing the
topic in a general way. Next the author should explain why the topic is important (exigence)
or why readers should care about the issue. Lastly, students should present the thesis
statement. It is essential that this thesis statement be appropriately narrowed to follow the
guidelines set forth in the assignment. If the student does not master this portion of the
essay, it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive essay.
Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.
Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without logical
progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s argument, and the
structure will collapse. Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous section and
introduce the idea that is to follow in the next section.

Body paragraphs that include evidential support.

Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion of one general idea. This will allow for
clarity and direction throughout the essay. In addition, such conciseness creates an ease of
readability for one’s audience. It is important to note that each paragraph in the body of the
essay must have some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph.
Some paragraphs will directly support the thesis statement with evidence collected during
research. It is also important to explain how and why the evidence supports the thesis
(warrant).

However, argumentative essays should also consider and explain differing points of view
regarding the topic. Depending on the length of the assignment, students should dedicate
one or two paragraphs of an argumentative essay to discussing conflicting opinions on the
topic. Rather than explaining how these differing opinions are wrong outright, students
should note how opinions that do not align with their thesis might not be well informed or
how they might be out of date.

Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).

The argumentative essay requires well-researched, accurate, detailed, and current
information to support the thesis statement and consider other points of view. Some factual,
logical, statistical, or anecdotal evidence should support the thesis. However, students must
consider multiple points of view when collecting evidence. As noted in the paragraph above,
a successful and well-rounded argumentative essay will also discuss opinions not aligning
with the thesis. It is unethical to exclude evidence that may not support the thesis. It is not
the student’s job to point out how other positions are wrong outright, but rather to explain
how other positions may not be well informed or up to date on the topic.

A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the
evidence provided.

It is at this point of the essay that students may begin to struggle. This is the portion of the
essay that will leave the most immediate impression on the mind of the reader. Therefore, it
must be effective and logical. Do not introduce any new information into the conclusion;
rather, synthesize the information presented in the body of the essay. Restate why the topic
is important, review the main points, and review your thesis. You may also want to include a
short discussion of more research that should be completed in light of your work.
Expository Essays

What is an Expository Essay?

The expository essay is a genre of essay that requires the student to investigate an idea,
evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth an argument concerning that idea in a
clear and concise manner. This can be accomplished through comparison and contrast,
definition, example, the analysis of cause and effect etc. This genre is commonly assigned
as a tool for classroom evaluation and is often found in various exam formats.

The structure of the expository essay is held together by the following:

A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the
essay.
It is essential that this thesis statement be appropriately narrowed to follow the guidelines set
forth in the assignment. If the student does not master this portion of the essay, it will be
quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive essay.

Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.
Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without logical
progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s argument, and the
structure will collapse.

Body paragraphs that include evidential support.

Each paragraph should be limited to the exposition of one general idea. This will allow for
clarity and direction throughout the essay. What is more, such conciseness creates an ease
of readability for one’s audience. It is important to note that each paragraph in the body of
the essay must have some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening
paragraph.

Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).

Often times, students are required to write expository essays with little or no preparation;
therefore, such essays do not typically allow for a great deal of statistical or factual evidence.

A bit of creativity!
Though creativity and artfulness are not always associated with essay writing, it is an art
form nonetheless. Try not to get stuck on the formulaic nature of expository writing at the
expense of writing something interesting. Remember, though you may not be crafting the
next great novel, you are attempting to leave a lasting impression on the people evaluating
your essay.

A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the
evidence provided.
It is at this point of the essay that students will inevitably begin to struggle. This is the portion
of the essay that will leave the most immediate impression on the mind of the reader.
Therefore, it must be effective and logical. Do not introduce any new information into the
conclusion; rather, synthesize and come to a conclusion concerning the information
presented in the body of the essay.
Expository Essay

How to write an expository essay?

This type of essay is aimed to explain some subject by presenting a very clear and complete
picture of other people’s views on this certain situation or event. It may also be in a form of a
report. The main idea of any expository essay is to present a certain event or situation in
detail to the reader. This essay may also be called a coalition of facts and opinions, which
are free from the author’s criticism but with a deep analysis of the provided information.

Writing an expository essay outline

In order to create a profession expository essay it is necessary to follow three golden rules:
1. The statements taken from different articles must be clearly stated in the essay and the
development of this statement in the essay should not be different from its development
in the original article. Therefore no “meaning deformations” will occur, but the main point
of the original article will be emphasized.
2. The analyzed event of situation should be review from the position of several sources
thus making the expository essay stay focused on the context and very objective.
3. The conclusions in an expository essay should never be a surprise for the reader as they
need to be easily traced throughout the essay. The analysis and the conclusions have to
be always connected to each other. The reader should never have to guess what the
author meant and never have a problem following the essay’s reasoning.

Expository essay Structure

A proper structure of an expository essay is a way to make it as effective as possible.
1. A narrow topic is presented
2. A thesis statement must express the main essence of the essay
3. The topic is developed through different opinions
4. The conclusion is made according to the summary of the presented above opinions

Expository essay format

The expository essay format implies some vital specifications:
1. The paragraphs supporting the thesis statement are supposed to have one main topic-
line. The rest of the sentences are to be directly related to this topic-line. This makes it
easier for the reader to trace the logical movement of the essay.
2. Conclusion is a place of logical end of the essay analysis but not for any type of new
information.
3. The conclusion in an expository essay always restates the thesis sentence and supports
the main topic-line of the essay. The ending must be memorable.

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