Purposive Communication 2/Output on Oral and Written Argument

Argumentative Essay

MODULE 22: Argumentative Essay

Course Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the module, the students will be able to:
1. Comprehend how to write a proper argumentative essay
2. Make use of the tips and practices of argumentative essay writing as a part of the
requirement
3. Answer the essay presented on this week’s specifications

Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay

To be effective, an argumentative essay must contain elements to help persuade the

audience to see things from your perspective. These components include a compelling
topic, a balanced assessment, strong evidence, and persuasive language.

Find a Good Topic and Point of View

To find a good topic for an argumentative essay, consider several issues and choose a
few that spark at least two solid, conflicting points of view. As you look over a list of
topics, find one that really piques your interest, as you'll be more successful if you're
passionate about your topic.

Once you have selected a topic you feel strongly about, make a list of points for both
sides of the argument. When shaping an argument you'll have to explain why your belief
is reasonable and logical, so list points you can use as evidence for or against an issue.
Ultimately, determine your side of the argument and make sure you can back up your
Purposive Communication 2/Output on Oral and Written Argument
Argumentative Essay

point of view with reasoning and evidence. Work against the opposing point of view and
prove why your stance is correct.

Gather Evidence

One of your essay's first objectives will be to assess both sides of your issue. Consider
strong arguments for both your side, as well as the "other" side—in order to shoot their
statements down. Provide evidence without drama; sticking to the facts and clear
examples that support your stance.

You may look for research that provides statistics on your topic that support your
reasoning, as well as examples of how your topic impacts people, animals, or even the
Earth. Interviewing experts on your topic can also help you structure a compelling
argument.

Write the Essay

Once you've given yourself a solid foundation of information, begin to craft your essay.
An argument essay, as with all essays, should contain three parts: the introduction, the
body, and the conclusion. The length of paragraphs in these parts will vary depending
on the length of your essay assignment.

As in any essay, the first paragraph of your argument essay should introduce the topic
with a brief explanation of your topic, some background information, and a thesis
statement. In this case, your thesis is a statement of your position on a specific
controversial topic.
Purposive Communication 2/Output on Oral and Written Argument
Argumentative Essay

Present Both Sides of the Controversy

The body of your essay should contain the meat of your argument. Go into more detail
about the two sides of your topic and state the strongest points of the counter-side of
your issue.

After describing the "other" side, present your own viewpoint and then provide evidence
to show why your position is the correct one. Work to discredit the other side using
some of the information you discovered in your research. Choose your strongest
evidence and present your points one by one. Use a mix of evidence, from statistics to
other studies and anecdotal stories.

Conclusion
A strong conclusion can help summarize your point of view and reinforce with your
reader why your stance is the best option. You might consider reserving one
overwhelmingly shocking statistic for the conclusion, one that leaves no room for doubt
in your reader's mind. At the very least, use this final paragraph or two as an opportunity
to restate your position as the most sensible one.

Final Tips

When writing your essay, consider these tips to help craft the most rational and
poignant argument for your reader: Avoid emotional language that can sound irrational;
Know the difference between a logical conclusion and an emotional point of view; Don't
fabricate evidence and don't use untrustworthy sources for evidence; and be sure to cite
your sources.
Purposive Communication 2/Output on Oral and Written Argument
Argumentative Essay

Do’s of argumentative essay writing

Make sure to follow university guidelines

It has been seen that students often write excellent essays. However, they mar its
quality because they fail to follow the instructions given by the university. For example,
you include only one or two references in the assignment, instead of including five,
which was instructed by the university. So, you should make sure to follow the
instructions while writing an essay.

Give importance to referencing style

References are something that are a must for your argumentative essay as it is helpful
for you in proving the authenticity of your essay. Thus, you should add references in the
assignment keeping the required style in mind.

Your essay should be well-organized

One more thing you need to do while attempting an essay is to organize it well. You
should write the assignment in such a way that the flow of information should be right
and it must not be repetitive.

Don’ts of argumentative essay writing

Don’t use phrases to preface a statement

You can easily understand that if a person starts a sentence with the phrases such as “i
think,” or “i believe” it shows that person is not sure about his or her statement. Thus, if
you use such phrases in the assignment, then you do the same and your thesis
statement may not be able to interest the readers.

Signposting is not a good idea

Signposting could be a good idea for speech classes, where you tell the audience what
you just said and what you are going to say next. But its not ideal for argumentative
Purposive Communication 2/Output on Oral and Written Argument
Argumentative Essay

essay writing. So, you should make sure to avoid signposting and should just write what
you want to say in a section.

Your essay conclusion must not be abrupt

Your essay conclusion is the section that is read most by the readers. It is the section
where you sum up your assignment and try to convince the readers to agree with your
opinion.

Sources:

Fleming, Grace. (2019). Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay. Date Retrieved
October 29, 2019 from https://www.thoughtco.com/write-an-argument-essay-1856986

Anderson, Oliver. (2016). Do’s and Don’ts of Writing an Argumentative Essay. Date
Retrieved October 29, 2019 from https://www.allassignmenthelp.com/blog/dos-and-
donts-of-writing-an-argumentative-essay/