Components of an

Argumentative essay
 Sometimes argument writing seems very
similar to informational writing. They both
incorporate information, and they have similar
basic text structures: They must begin with an
introduction that states the topic and end with
a conclusion. However, their aims are different
and the body of an argument organizes
information in a different way.
 In academic writing, we often use an
Argument essay structure. Argument essays
have these familiar components, just like
other types of essays:
 Introduction

 Body Paragraphs
 Refutation
 Conclusion
  Introduction
• How to write an introduction?
Start with a Hook
Providing Background
State Your Thesis
  Start with a hook

• Start your introduction with a sentence that gets the

reader interested in the topic. To pique the reader's interest,
you can begin with a quote, a personal story, a surprising
statistic or an interesting question.
  Providing Background
• Providing readers with background on the topic allows them to better
understand the issue being presented. This information provides
context and history that can be crucial to explaining and arguing your
point.
For example;
If you are arguing that there should never be a military draft in
the United States, your introduction can include information about
the history of the U.S. draft and the events that led to it being
abolished.
  State Your Thesis
• The thesis is the essence of an argumentative essay. In a single, clear
sentence, it sums up what point you are trying to make. The thesis
statement should assert a position on a particular issue -- one that a
reader can potentially argue against. Therefore, the thesis cannot be
a fact.
• For example;
• if a professor assigns the general topic of war, you can formulate the
following thesis statement: "The United Nations must be redesigned
because it is currently incapable of preventing wars." The rest of
your essay serves to explain and provide evidence in support of your
thesis statement.
  What to Leave Out

• A good introduction should not be describing arguments or

providing analysis that belong in the body paragraphs. Your
introduction should introduce and set up your point, rather
than lay out evidence to support it.
  Body Paragraph
• A typical argumentative essay comprises three or more paragraphs
that explain the reasons why you support your thesis.
• A good body paragraph contains the following four elements, some of
which you may recognize;
Transitions
Topic sentence
Supporting sentences
Conclusion (Summary)
  TRansition

• These are a few words at the beginning or end of a paragraph that

connect the body paragraph to the others, creating a coherent flow
throughout the entire piece.
  Topic Sentence

• A sentence—almost always the first sentence—

introduces what the entire paragraph is about.
  supporting sentences

• These make up the “body” of your body paragraph, with

usually one to three sentences that develop and support the
topic sentence’s assertion with evidence, logic, persuasive
opinion, or expert testimonial.
  Conclusion (Summary):

• This is your paragraph’s concluding sentence, summing up or

reasserting your original point in light of the supporting
evidence.
  Refutation (also called Rebuttal)

• The purpose of this paragraph is to address the points of the

counter-argument and to explain why they are false,
somewhat false, or unimportant.
• How to Write a Rebuttal Paragraph in Argumentative Essay?

 Point Out the Errors in the Counterargument

 Give New Points that Contradict the Counterclaims
 Twist Facts in Favor of Your Argument
 Making an Emotional Plea
 Final Thoughts
  Point Out the Errors in the Counterargument

• You’ve taken a stance on an issue for a reason, and mostly it’s because
you believe yours is the most reasonable position based on the data,
statistics, and the information you’ve collected.
• It’s best to analyze the counterargument carefully. Doing so will make
it easy for you to identify the weaknesses, which you can point out
and use the strongest points for rebuttal
 Give New Points that Contradict the Counterclaims

• Imagine yourself in a hall full of debaters. On your left side is an audience

that agrees with your arguable claim and on your left is a group of listeners
who don’t buy into your argument.

• Your opponents in the room are not holding back, especially because
they’re constantly raising their hands to question your information.
• Here, it’s ideal to recognize and agree with the counterargument that the
opposing side presents. Then, present a new point of view or facts that
contradict the arguments.
  Twist Facts in Favor of Your Argument

• Sometimes the other side of the argument may make more sense
than yours does. However, that doesn’t mean you have to concede
entirely.

• You can agree with the other side of the argument, but then twist
facts and provide solid evidence to suit your argument.

• This strategy can work for just about any topic, including the most
complicated or controversial ones that you have never dealt with
before.
  Making an Emotional Plea

• Making an emotional plea isn’t a powerful rebuttal strategy, but it can

also be a good option to consider.

• It’s important to make sure that the emotional appeal you make
outweighs the argument that your opponent brings forth.

• Given that it’s often the least effective option in most arguments,
making an emotional appeal should be a last resort if all the other
options fail.
  Final Thoughts
• As you can see, counterclaims are important in an argumentative
essay and there’s more than one way to give your rebuttal.

• Whichever approach you use, make sure you use the strongest facts,
stats, evidence, or argument to prove that your position on an issue
makes more sense that what your opponents currently hold.
  Conclusion
• Conclusions wrap up what you have been discussing in your paper.
After moving from general to specific information in the
introduction and body paragraphs, your conclusion should begin
pulling back into more general information that restates the main
points of your argument. Conclusions may also call for action or
overview future possible research.
A Strong Conclusion Should...
• reinforce that your claim has been proven
• give the essay a sense of completeness and closure
• leave an impression on the reader

Your conclusion should reflect why the reader should care about your
topic.
 The following outline may help you conclude your paper:

 Restate your topic and why it is important

 Restate your thesis/claim
Address opposing viewpoints and explain why readers should align with
your position
 Call for action or overview future research possibilities.

Remember that once you accomplish these tasks, you are finished.
Done. Complete. Don't try to bring in new points. Simplicity is best
for a clear, convincing message