10 EVANGELISTA

ENGLISH CLASS
 Argumentative Essays

WHAT IS AN
ARGUMENTATIVE
ESSAY?
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.
 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AN
ARGUMENTATIVE AND EXPOSITORY ESSAYS
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY EXPOSITORY ESSAY

• differs from the expository essay in the amount

• Expository essays involve less research and are
of pre-writing (invention) and research shorter in length.
involved.
•  often
  used for in-class writing exercises or tests

• 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.
 Argumentative essay
• Generally calls 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
she/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.

Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.

Body paragraphs that include evidential support.

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

A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in
light of the evidence provided.
 THE FIVE-PARAGRAPH ESSAY

A common method for writing an argumentative essay is the five-

paragraph approach. This is, however, by no means the only formula for
writing such essays. If it sounds straightforward, that is because it is; in
fact, the method consists of

A. an introductory paragraph

B. three evidentiary body paragraphs that may include discussion of

opposing views and

C. a conclusion.
In Pattern A, the thesis statement about the
issue is presented in the topic sentence. It is
followed by the first set of pros (supporting
ideas) relative to the thesis statement. Then,
the second set of pros (supporting ideas) is
also presented to further support and
strengthen the claim regarding the thesis
statement. It is followed by the presentation of
the cons (counterarguments) and refutations.
Lastly, a conclusion that summarizes the ideas
presented in the essay and highlights the
benefits of the thesis statement is presented
to the readers.
Pattern B, meanwhile, is almost similar to the
first one. The only difference is that it presents
the cons (opposing ideas) and refutations first
before building up the thesis statement using
the pros (supporting ideas).
Finally, Pattern C presents the simplest flow of
arguments starting with the presentation of
the thesis statement. Then, the three (3) sets of
cons (opposing ideas) of the issue together
with their corresponding refutations are
provided. Not a single pro (supporting idea) is
given in this pattern. This means that the
conclusion needs to focus on justifying the
refutations to fully support the claim.
•LONGER ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS
•Complex issues and detailed research call
for complex and detailed essays.
Argumentative essays discussing a number
of research sources or empirical research will
most certainly be longer than five
paragraphs. Authors may have to discuss the
context surrounding the topic, sources of
information and their credibility, as well as a
number of different opinions on the issue
before concluding the essay. Many of these
factors will be determined by the
assignment.
 Tips For Writing An Argumentative Essay

1. Research the topic thoroughly

2. After researching the topic, the writer would then take a side, meaning
pros ( in favor of) or cons (against with).

3. Supporting evidence is essential in an argumentative essay and

so researching a topic thoroughly is essential.

4. Outline the essay structure.

Benefits Of Writing Argumentative Essays
1. Writing argumentative essays is a great exercise for students in an
English class to learn how to examine both sides of an issue, consider
the relevancy of both sides, and then choose a side and effectively
defend it.
2.Theskills learned in writing argumentative essays are easily
transferable. In real life situations, students who have learned how to
write persuasively can use this skill to notice false or faulty logic in
other people’s arguments.

3. Students can also use these skills when they enter the workforce. For
example, when presenting an important sales pitch students can use
their skills of persuasion to make the sale. Or, when communicating
with colleagues through email, writing persuasively can help settle
small work place disputes.
4.When done correctly, this type of essay provides opportunities for
students to explore different solutions to real-world issues and learn
how to handle conflict in a civil way. There have even been cases
where students have changed the world with the results of their
argumentative essays!
 TOPICS for Argumentative Essay
•Is Recycling an Effective Way to Preserve the Earth?

•Healthcare: a Right or a Privilege?

•Are Straws an Environmental Hazard?

•Should Cigarette Smoking Be Legal?

•Is Spanking Your Child a Form of Abuse?

CHOOSE ONE (1) FROM THE TOPICS BELOW . FROM THE
TOPIC THAT YOU HAVE CHOSEN YOU MAKE AN
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY IN 5 PARAGRAPHS.