Writing an Argumentative
Essay
What is an Argumentative Essay?
Your Argumentative Essay
Goal
will:
The goal of an Present your claim
argumentative essay is to Use unbiased
change the reader’s
point of view, to evidence from the
bring about some text
action on the reader’s
part, or to ask the
reader to accept the
writer’s explanation
of an issue.
Elements of Argument
1.) A claim
2.) Textual evidence
3.) Counter-arguments
What is a claim?
A claim is an opinion that can be
supported by textual evidence.
Example:
“Exercise leads to a healthier lifestyle.”
Textual Evidence
Textual evidence is evidence taken directly
or indirectly from an article, textbook, or
other source. Your evidence must come from the assigned
articles.
Example:
I-Min Lee’s team discovered that “people
who engaged in 15 minutes a day of
moderate physical activity minimized their
risk of heart disease by 14% as compared to
inactive people.”
What is a counter-argument?
When you counter-argue, you consider a
possible argument against your opinion or
some aspect of your reasoning. * Your essay must include
the counter-argument
You will have one brief body paragraph that will state
your counter-argument.
Example:
“Some argue that eating a healthy, balanced diet has a
greater impact on health than physical activity. While a
healthy diet is essential, increasing physical activity will be
more beneficial for overall health.
Lead/Attention- Getter
The lead/attention –getter should “hook” the reader.
You want him/her to be interested in what you are
writing.
An interesting question
A quote
A shocking statistic
“Push-ups, jumping jacks, and jogging…oh
my!”
“Heart disease is the leading cause of death
in the United States.”
Structure of Argumentative Essay
Introduction
➢ Lead-in/Hook
➢ Background Information
➢ Thesis Statement
Body Paragraphs
➢ 1st Reason supporting claim
➢ 2nd Reason supporting claim
➢ 3rd Reason supporting claim*optional/need for Exemplary
➢ Counterargument**brief paragraph
Conclusion
➢ Restate thesis in different terms
➢ Call to action/closing insight
Thesis Statement
The purpose of the thesis statement is
to state your claim and provide reasons.
Example:
“Even a small amount of daily physical
activity improves energy levels, reduces risk
of heart disease, and increases life
expectancy.”
Topic Sentence
The topic sentence should be the first sentence of
each body paragraph.
If you have two points in your thesis statement you will have
two body paragraphs, each beginning with a topic sentence.
You will have one brief body paragraph that will state your
counter-argument.
The topic sentence should cover what the body
paragraph will mainly be about.
“ Exercise can improve energy levels.”
Transition words
Words or phrases used to connect one idea to the
next, both within paragraphs and in-between
paragraphs.
Examples: In the first place, as well as, similar,
additionally, although, however, at the same time,
besides, unlike, in the hope that, in order to, in
general, for example, to emphasize, specifically, as a
result, therefore, as shown above, as can be seen, in
conclusion, overall, after all, in fact, for the most
part, eventually, meanwhile, to begin with, and
finally.
Concluding paragraph
Restates the thesis in different terms
Summarizes all major claims
Includes a call to action/action steps
Call to Action example:
“Individuals should dedicate a few minutes
of each day to physical activity, and they
will see positive results.”
Formal Writing
Writing that is done for school or professional
purposes should always be in a formal register.
This mean that you should NOT use any of the
following:
Slang – ain’t, gonna, ‘cause, etc.
Abbreviations or Symbols – b/c, w/, &, +
Text Speak – LOL, OMG
Objective Tone
In formal writing, you need to avoid using first-
person and second-person personal pronouns. In
more simple terms, no “I”, “me”, “my”, “you”, or
“your”.
The reader already knows that this is your writing.
Therefore, you do not need to use statements such as
“in my opinion”, “I think”, “I believe”, or “according
to what I have read”.
Examples
Wrong – In my opinion, physical activity is necessary for good
health.
Right – Physical activity is necessary for good health.
Wrong – You need to exercise.
Right – People need to exercise.
Wrong – You might think that eating well is enough, but I
think that you have to exercise.
Right – Some may think that eating well is enough, but
exercise is also necessary.