Argument Essay

Composing an argument gives you the opportunity to take a position on a

debatable issue. You say to your readers: “Here is my position, here is the
evidence that supports the position, and here is my response to other
positions on the issue.”

Key features
● A thesis, stated as a clear position on a debatable issue, frames an
argument essay. The issue is debatable because reasonable people
disagree about it.
● An examination of the issue’s context indicates why the issue is
important, why readers should care about it, or how your position fits into
the debates surrounding the topic.
● Sufficient, representative, and relevant evidence supports the argument’s
claims. Evidence needs to be specific and persuasive; quoted,
summarized, or paraphrased fairly and accurately; and cited correctly.
● Opposing positions are summarized and countered. By anticipating and
countering objections to your position, you establish common ground with
readers and show yourself as a reasonable and well informed writer.
Writing your argument
EXPLORE
Generate ideas by brainstorming responses to questions such as the
following.
● What is the debate around your issue? What sources will help you learn
more about your issue?
● What position will you take? Why does your position need to be argued?
● What evidence supports your position? What evidence makes you
question your position?
● What types of appeals — ethos, logos, pathos — might you use to
persuade readers? How will you build common ground with your readers?
● Might a reader question any of your assumptions or offer an alternative
perspective? If so, how might you anticipate and counter objections to your
position?
Draft
Try to figure out the best way to structure your argument. A typical outline
might include the following steps: Capture readers’ attention; state your
position; give background information; outline your major claims with
specific evidence; recognize and respond to opposing points of view; and
end by reinforcing your point and why it matters. As you draft, think about
the best order for your claims. You could organize by strength, building to
your strongest argument (instead of starting with your strongest), or by
concerns your audience might have.
REVISE
Ask your reviewers for specific feedback. Here are some questions to
guide their comments.
● Is the thesis clear? Is the issue debatable?
● Is the evidence persuasive? Is more needed?
● Is your argument organized logically?
● Are there any flaws in your reasoning or assumptions that weaken the
argument?
● Have you presented yourself as a knowledgeable, trustworthy writer?
● Does the conclusion pull together your entire argument? How might the
conclusion be more effective?
Fallacious argumentative tactics
The fallacy known as hasty generalization is a conclusion based on
insufficient or unrepresentative evidence.
HASTY GENERALIZATION
In a single year, scores on standardized tests in California’s public schools
rose by ten points. Therefore, more children than ever are succeeding in
America’s public-school systems.
Data from one state do not justify a conclusion about the whole United
States.

A stereotype
A stereotype is a hasty generalization about a group. Here are a few
examples.
STEREOTYPES
Women are bad bosses.
Politicians are corrupt.
Children are always curious.

FALSE ANALOGY
If we can send a spacecraft to Pluto, we should be able to find a cure for
the common cold.
Th e writer has falsely assumed that because two things are alike in one
respect, they must be alike in others. Exploring the outer reaches of the
solar system and finding a cure for the common cold are both scientific
challenges, but the problems confronting medical researchers are quite
different from those solved by space scientists.
The common fallacy is known as post hoc, from the Latin post hoc, ergo
propter hoc, meaning “after this, therefore because of this.” POST HOC
FALLACY.
Since Governor Cho took office, unemployment among minorities in the
state has decreased by 7 percent. Governor Cho should be applauded for
reducing unemployment among minorities.
Is the governor solely responsible for the decrease? Are there other
reasons? Th e writer must show that Governor Cho’s policies are
responsible for the decrease in unemployment; it is not enough to show
that the decrease followed the governor’s taking office.

EITHER . . . OR FALLACY
Our current war against drugs has not worked. Either we should legalize
drugs, or we should turn the drug war over to our armed forces and let
them fight it.
Are these the only solutions — legalizing drugs and calling out the army?
Other options, such as funding for drug abuse prevention programs, are
possible.

In- class Activity:

Explain what is illogical in the following brief arguments. It may be helpful to
identify the logical fallacy or fallacies by name.

a. My roommate, who is an engineering major, is taking a course called

Structures of Tall Buildings. All engineers have to know how to design tall
buildings.
b. If you’re old enough to vote, you’re old enough to drink. Therefore, the
drinking age should be lowered to eighteen.
c. If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.
d. American students could be outperforming students in schools around
the globe if it weren’t for the outmoded, behind-the-times thinking of many
statewide education departments.
e. Charging a fee for curbside trash pickup will encourage everyone to
recycle more because no one in my town likes to spend extra money.