Quarter 3 Module 1
An argumentative essay is a type of essay that presents arguments about both sides of an issue. It
could be that both sides are equally balanced, or it could be that one side is presented more forcefully
than the other. It all depends on the writer and what side he supports the most.
Structure of a Good Argumentative Essay
1. Introductory paragraph- The first paragraph of the essay must outline the topic, give background
information of the argument, outline the evidence, and state the thesis.
2. Thesis statement- This is part of your first paragraph. It is concise, one-sentence summary of your
main point and claim.
3. Body paragraphs- This part consists of three (3) or more paragraphs that explain the reasons why
you support your thesis. Each paragraph covers different idea or piece of evidence and contains a
topic sentence which explains why the reader should agree with your position. The body paragraphs
back up your claims with examples, research, statistics, studies and text citations.
4. Conclusion-This one paragraph restates your thesis and summarizes all the arguments made in
your body paragraphs. A good conclusion appeals to the reader’s emotions. In some cases, writers use
personal anecdote explaining how the topic personally affects them.
(Source: MasterClass, Nov.8, 2020)
Steps to Writing a Great Argumentative Essay
1. Research. Before writing an argumentative essay, read and know more about your argument.
2. State your proposition. Define a short proposition or thesis statement as this is important to help
you concentrate and be focused on your topic. Make sure that the statement is making a debatable
assertion.
3. Think about the opposition. Always remember that someone somewhere will disagree with your
opinion. Your objective is to anticipate what someone who is opposed to your argument may say and
to counter and overcome their objections by noting the following subsequently:
• Who may disagree with me?
• What points will they disagree with?
• How strong will the opposition be?
• How can I refute their opinions?
• Which points are the most debatable?
4. Structure your argument. Think of your essay in terms of paragraphs, with each paragraph
addressing a separate element of the argument following a good argumentative essay writing
structure.
To persuade the readers through logical reasoning and analysis, you may use the suggested
techniques in argumentation.
Five (5) Types of Argument Claim That Can Drive Your Essay:
1. Fact: This technique presents the argument, whether true or false, clearly, and concisely. It asks
you to answer the question with a "Yes" or "No" that supports the facts.
2. Definition: This technique gives meaning to a concept that forms the argument through the
dictionary definition of what you are arguing, plus your interpretation of it.
3. Value: this technique gives importance to the value of your stance. It usually asks you to choose
between things, ideas, beliefs, or actions and explain why you did so.
4. Cause and effect: This technique presents the causes of the problem in your argument and its
effects.
5. Policy: This technique appeals to the reader's emotions by stirring up the reader's thinking about
why they should care about your stance and what they should do about it after reading.
Any of the above argument claims can be presented in three (3) ways, namely:
1. Classical- This is also called Aristotelian. This is the most popular strategy for making an argument
because it is the simplest line of thinking. Present the main argument, state your opinion, and do your
best to convince the reader why your stance is the right one.
2. Rogerian- This is also called the "common ground" argument. The writer acknowledges the
opposing side of the argument with the assumption you and the readers share common ideas, beliefs,
and arguments. Hence, the writer's task is to identify these commonalities and use them to argue
further. This type of argument is effective for polarizing topics, as it acknowledges both sides and
presents the middle ground.
3. Toulmin- Present your claim, present grounds to back up that claim, and justify that the grounds
are linked to the claim. This type of argument is also effective for polarizing topics, but rather than
present both sides, it presents one, hinging particularly on facts presented in a way that makes a
claim difficult to argue with.
The key to a good argumentative essay is knowing how to structure your point of view correctly.