argumentative essay - is a counterarguments to disprove or
persuasive form of writing. It aims answer them.
to change the mind of the reader Parts of an Argumentative
by convincing the reader to agree Essay:
with the writer’s point of view. 1. Introduction.- The first part is
the introductory paragraph. It
effective Argumentative Essay presents the problem and gives the
has the following features: background information needed
-It is used to persuade the reader for the argument and the thesis
that your opinion is correct statement or the main idea of the
-It clearly states a claim or essay.
position on an issue.
-It provides reasons including facts 2. Body. -The body of the
and opinions and supports these argumentative essay contains the
reasons with evidences to prove reasons. Each paragraph talks
it’s point. about one reason which includes
-It also presents opposing views facts or opinions. The reason is
(counterarguments) and explains included in the topic sentence and
their weakness. is supported by details or
materials. These supporting
Claim - refers to the author’s materials can be examples,
position on an issue or problem. statistics, personal experiences,
This is usually the thesis statement quotations, etc.
or main idea of an argumentative
essay. 3. Conclusion-. The conclusion
restates the main claim and gives
Support – any material that is one or two general statements that
used to prove a claim. This usually exactly summarize the arguments
consists of reasons and evidence. and support the main premise.
Reasons – are statements made to Focused on an
justify an action, decision or OPINION
belief. a debatable claim
Evidence – is the specific Convince your readers of the
references, quotations, examples validity of your opinion using
and opinions that support a claim.
Concrete Evidence:
Counterargument – an argument Studies
made to oppose another argument. News Articles
A good argument anticipates Expert Opinions
opposing claims and provides Statistics, etc.
3 Questions: Relevant to the topic
What real- world examples can Provided by a credible source
I use to support my thesis (an expert in the field)
statement? Reputable ([Link] contact
What experts in the field might information, up-to- date source
agree with me? etc.)
How can I address and refute Opposition- Address opinions
the opposition’s claims? that may oppose your claims.
Understand differing viewpoints
Structure
Rebuttal- Refutes differing
Introduction-Body-Conclusion viewpoints with logical
evidence and reasons.
Introduction -Uses the opposition’s reasons
Leads the reader to your to win your own argument (i.e.
opinion find areas of weakness or
on the topic, irrational logic in their
which is clearly stated in a argument to strengthen your
1-3 sentences own).
-Let them see
Thesis Statement- is your your side.
CLAIM
Aristotle developed these 3
Your claim-is your appeals to audience which are
your position or stand on the often used in arguments.
issue
Ethos-Ethos (Greek for
Body- Discusses the ways in 'character') refers to the
which external sources (eg. trustworthiness or credibility of
studies, news articles, journals, the writer or speaker.
interviews, etc.) are evidence -Ethos is built through
that support your thesis honesty.
statement.
Pathos-Pathos (Greek for
Refutes- opposing arguments, 'suffering' or 'experience') is
saying why counterarguments are often associated with emotional
incorrect. appeal.
-Pathos pulls on the heartstrings
Explanation and Justification of your audience to take action.
of your claim to explain
Logos-Logos (Greek for 'word')
Credibility- depends on refers to the message internal
consistency clarity of the claim
logic of its reasons effectiveness
of its supporting evidence
-Logos refers to the logic. -General
Free of spelling, and grammar
Conclusion- Restates overall errors
argument do not introduce a new Avoid first person narration
and gives a sense of closure. Overall paper is not expository
argument. Does not extensively summarise
the text or speech
Remember- Does not repeat what the author
1 or speaker has already stated
It is not enough to simply state Does not just compare and
whether you agree/ disagree contrast.
with the author or speaker.
Instead, you must clearly
articulate why you agree/
disagree.
2
Always provide evidence from
valid external sources
(newspaper articles, studies,
interviews, statistics, etc.) to
support your thesis.
Checklist
-Thesis Statement
Be clear
Be focused
Take a position
-Body Paragraphs
Support thesis statement using
external sources (newspaper
articles, interviews, studies,
statistics, etc.)
Clearly explain how these
external sources support your
thesis statement
Refute counterarguments