writing

Argumentative essay
 What’s an argumentative essay?

 An argumentative essay is an essay in which you agree or disagree with an issue, using reasons to
support your opinion. Your goal is to convince your reader that your opinion is right.
 You have to take a stand on an issue, support your stand with solid reasons, and support the reasons
with solid evidence.
 Example:
 The most important element in a friendship is trust. Agree or disagree with this statement. Support your
opinion with reasons and examples.
 What’s unique about an argumentative essay is that you do not just give reasons to support your point
of view but you must also discuss the other side’s reasons and then rebut them.
 Organization of argumentative essays
Block pattern Point by point pattern
A) introduction A) introduction
(explanation of the issue + thesis statement) ( Explanation of the issue, including a summary
B) Body of other side’s arguments + thesis statement)
 Block 1 B) Body
 1) summary of other side’s arguments 1) Statement of other side’s first argument and
 2) rebuttal to the first argument rebuttal with your own counterargument.
 3) rebuttal to the second argument 2) Statement of other side’s second argument

and rebuttal with your own counterargument.
4)rebuttal to the third argument
 Block 2
3) Statement of other side’s third argument and
rebuttal with your own counterargument.
 1) your first argument
C) conclusion
 2) your second argument

It may include a summary of your point of view
3) your third argument

C) conclusion
It may include a summary of your point of view
An example of point by point pattern

 Read the essay and answer the questions below

Read it again and complete the outline
Five keys of an argumentative essay
 1-an explanation of the issue
 2- a clear thesis statement
 3- A summary of the opposing arguments
 4- Rebuttals to the opposing arguments
 5- Your own arguments