ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING

ESSENTIALS
You may have heard it said that all writing is an argument of some kind. Even if you’re writing an informative
essay, you still have the job of trying to convince your audience that the information is important. However,
there are times you’ll be asked to write an essay that is specifically an argumentative piece.

An argumentative essay is one that makes a clear assertion or argument about some topic or issue. When
you’re writing an argumentative essay, it’s important to remember that an academic argument is quite
different from a regular, emotional argument. Sometimes students forget the academic aspect of an
argumentative essay and write essays that are much too emotional for an academic audience. In an
academic argument, you’ll have a lot more constraints you have to consider, and you’ll focus much more on
logic and reasoning than emotions.

Argumentative essays are quite common in academic writing and are often an important part of writing in all
disciplines. You may be asked to take a stand on a social issue, but you could also be asked to take a stand on
an issue related to health care or make a case for solving a local environmental problem. And, since
argument is such a common essay assignment, it’s important to be aware of some basic elements of a good
argumentative essay.
Techniques
When your professor asks you to write an argumentative essay, you’ll often be given something specific to write about.
For example, you may be asked to take a stand on an issue you have been discussing in class. Essential knowledge of
some basic argumentative techniques or strategies will be helpful as you write.

Causal Arguments
In this type of argument, you argue that something has caused something else. For example, you might explore the
causes of the decline of large mammals in the world’s ocean and make a case for your cause.
Evaluation Arguments
In this type of argument, you make an argumentative evaluation of something as “good” or “bad,” but you need to
establish the criteria for “good” or “bad.” For example, you might evaluate a book and establish clear criteria for your
evaluation for your audience.
Proposal Arguments
In this type of argument, you must propose a solution to a problem. First, you must establish a clear problem and then
propose a specific solution to that problem. For example, you might argue for a proposal that would increase retention
rates at your college.
Narrative Arguments
In this type of argument, you make your case by telling a story with a clear point related to your argument. For example,
you might write a narrative about your experience with standardized testing in order to make a case for reform.
Rebuttal Arguments
In a rebuttal argument, you build your case around refuting an idea or ideas that have come before. In other words, your
starting point is to challenge the ideas of the past.
Key Features of Argumentative Thesis Statements
Below are some of the key features of an argumentative thesis statement. An argumentative thesis is debatable, assertive, reasonable, evidence-based, and focused.
Debatable
Let’s take a look at an example:
•BAD: Junk food is bad for your health.
This is not a debatable thesis. Most people would agree that junk food is bad for your health. 
•GOOD: Junk food is bad for your health, the size of sodas offered at fast-food restaurants should be regulated by the federal government.
Reasonable people could agree or disagree with the statement.
Assertive
BAD: Federal immigration law is a tough issue about which many people disagree.
This is not an arguable thesis because it does not assert a position.
•GOOD: Federal immigration enforcement law needs to be overhauled because it puts undue constraints on state and local police.
This is an argumentative thesis because it asserts a position that immigration enforcement law needs to be changed.
Reasonable
•BAD: City council members are dishonest and should be thrown in jail.
This is not an argumentative thesis. City council members’ ineffectiveness is not a reason to send them to jail.
•GOOD: City council members should be term-limited to prevent one group or party from maintaining control indefinitely.
This is an arguable thesis because term limits are possible, and shared political control is a reasonable goal.
Evidence-Based
BAD: Individuals convicted of murder will go to hell when they die.
This is not an argumentative thesis because its support rests on religious beliefs or values rather than evidence.
•GOOD: Rehabilitation programs for individuals serving life sentences should be funded because these programs reduce violence within prisons.
This is an argumentative thesis because evidence such as case studies and statistics can be used to support it.
Focused
BAD: The federal government should overhaul the U.S. tax code.
This is not an effective argumentative thesis because it is too general (What part of the government? Which tax codes? What sections of those tax codes?) and would r
equire an overwhelming amount of evidence to be fully supported.
•GOOD: The U.S. House of Representatives should vote to repeal the federal estate tax because the revenue generated by that tax is negligible.
This is an effective argumentative thesis because it identifies a specific action and can be fully supported with evidence about the amount of revenue
state tax generates.
TIPS:
-The more productive approach is to persuade your audience to consider your opinion as a valid one, not simply
the right one.
-The following five features make up the structure of an argumentative essay:
1.Introduction and thesis
2.Opposing and qualifying ideas
3.Strong evidence in support of claim
4.Style and tone of language
5.A compelling conclusion
-Be mindful of the use of I in your writing because it can make your argument sound overly biased.
-Developing Sound Arguments:-
• An engaging introduction
• A reasonable, specific thesis that is able to be supported by evidence
• A varied range of evidence from credible sources
• Respectful acknowledgement and explanation of opposing ideas
• A style and tone of language that is appropriate for the subject and audience
• Acknowledgement of the argument’s limits
• A conclusion that will adequately summarize the essay and reinforce the thesis
Facts are statements that can be definitely proven using objective data. The statement that is a fact is absolutely valid. In 
other words, the statement can be pronounced as true or false. For example, 2 + 2 = 4. This expression identifies a true 
statement, or a fact, because it can be proved with objective data.
Opinions are personal views, or judgments. An opinion is what an individual believes about a particular subject. However, 
an opinion in argumentation must have adequate evidence and credibility to support the opinion. Consider the credibility 
of expert opinions. Experts in a given field have the knowledge and credentials to make their opinion meaningful to larger 
audience.
Writing Assignment

“ DOES IT MATTER THAT MANY LANGUAGES IN THE WORLD ARE DISAPPEARING?”

• Brainstorm on both aspects of the argument

Why it matters and Why it does not matter
• Mind mapping
• Thesis statement
• 3-4 main points for body paragraphs
• Comprehensive conclusion
• Revising and editing