The Argumentative Essay

What exactly is an Argument?

An argument involves the process of

establishing a claim and then proving it
with the use of logical reasoning,
examples, and research.
What is an Argumentative or Argument
Essay?

The purpose of an argumentative essay is to

present well-reasoned conclusions in order to
persuade the audience to accept or at least
seriously consider a point of view.
 The aim of writing argumentative
essays

• To convince or persuade the reader.

•One attempts to change the reader’s mind and
convince the reader to agree with the point of view
or claim of the writer.
 Key terms to learn before writing an
argumentative essay
1. Argumentation: the act or process of forming reasons,
drawing conclusions, and applying them to a case in
discussion.
2. Pro Argument (PRO): point or statement that supports
one’s ideas.
3. Counter Argument (CON): point or statement in opposition
to the argument being made in a written document or
speech.
4. Refutation: the process of disproving an opposing
argument.
5. Opponent: a person who disagrees with something and
speaks against it.
6. Proponent: someone who argues in favor of something;
advocate.
 Elements of Argumentation

Argument/Claim

An argument states a claim and supports it

with reasons and evidence from sources.

Arguing your side makes you the proponent.

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 Elements of Argumentation

Counterargument/Counterclaim

•The counterargument/counterclaim is an
argument that stands in opposition to your
argument/claim.
•The counterargument/counterclaim is your
opponent’s (the other side’s) argument that tries
to explain why you are wrong.

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 How to write argumentative essays

Choosing a topic and writing the thesis statement

•Decide on a controversial topic (debatable and

interesting).
•Write an argumentative thesis statement.

•Generate ideas (free writing or brainstorming).

 When Supporting your Argument
One important concern in writing an argumentative
essay is to strengthen your argument. To do this, you
need to base your argument on sound evidence. In
supporting your argument, the evidence that you
include can be:
• Facts: data that have been objectively proven and are
generally accepted (such as historical facts, scientific
data, statistics etc.)
• Examples: should be sufficient number of examples to
prove the case.
• Support from authority
• Opinions of experts
 The Role of Your Audience
• Understanding your audience is key to effective writing of all kinds,
especially argumentative writing.

• An argument is an implicit dialogue or exchange with your audience,

so in writing arguments, assume there is a reader that will not agree
with you.

• Audience awareness is absolutely essential to successful argument;

therefore…

• Know your audience

– What is their position on the issue?
– How strongly do they feel about it?
– Are they open-minded enough to consider other views?
– What will their objections be to your argument?

You can overcome fair representations of your opponents’ views by

giving a well-developed “yes, but . . .” response.
 Don not be rude!

• You should make sure that you reach your

audience without offending them!
• Use tactful and courteous language
• Avoid sweeping statements like ‘’everybody
knows’’ or ‘’people with any intelligence
agree that’’.
 Useful sentences
• Yes ____, but ____

• Although I agree up to a point, I still insist . . . (59).

• “I agree” that ____, but I cannot agree that ____.”

• X is right that ______, but she claims that ____ (60).

• I agree that ______ because my experience [of]

________ confirms it (57).
 In Conclusion

• Have a point to your argument—make your own

decisions about your topic
• Identify your audience
• Explain what “They” say about your topic
• Respond to what “They” say with your argument
• Address potential objections with respect
• Show why your audience should care