Key structural
elements
the introduction,
the body, and
the conclusion.
The introduction or sometimes also called
exposition usually introduces the problem and
gives necessary background information. This
part also contains the thesis statement or the
claim which states the position of the writer
about a particular topic or issue.
The thesis statement is usually the last
sentence of the introduction. A thesis
statement contains the topic, your position
on the topic and your reasons for taking that
position.
Technology has decreased our level of
connectedness to others it allows us to
disconnect from the people in
our physical environment and it does not
foster the social skills needed to help us
to connect to those around us.
Even though cellphones can be an
educational tool, Cellphones should be
banned inside the classroom because they
can distract students from having focus in
the lesson and they can also be used in
cheating.
The body is the part of the
argumentative text where you work on
your arguments. It presents your reasons
about your stated position. Every reason
is usually the topic sentence in each
paragraph which is backed up with
evidence in the form of examples,
statistics, personal experiences or
quotations.
The conclusion is found in the
final paragraph of an
argumentative text. It restates the
position and gives one or two
general statements to summarize
the arguments which support the
main claim.
TECHNIQUES IN DEVELOPING
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
1. Select an arguable topic, preferably one
which interest, puzzles, or appeals to you.
Decide what your goals are for the paper. What is your
purpose? What opinion, view, or idea do you want to prove?
TECHNIQUES IN DEVELOPING
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
2. Take a position on your topic and form a
thesis statement.
Your thesis must be arguable a thesis must have some
probability of being true. It should not, however, be generally accepted as
true
TECHNIQUES IN DEVELOPING
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
3. Consider your audience.
Plan your paper with a specific audience in mind. Who are
your readers? Are they a definable group--disinterested
observers, opponents of your point of view, etc.? Perhaps you
are writing to your classmates.
TECHNIQUES IN DEVELOPING
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
4. Present clear and convincing evidence.
Strong essays consist of reasons supported
by evidence. Reasons can be thought of as the main points
supporting your claim or thesis. Often, they are the answers to
the question, "Why do you make that claim?"
The St. Martin's Guide to
Writing (Axelrod & Cooper, 2nd ed.,
New York: St. Martin's Press, 1988)
lists the following forms of evidence:
facts
statistics
authorities
anecdotes
scenarios
cases
textual evidence
TECHNIQUES IN DEVELOPING
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
5. Draft your essay.
As is the case with any piece of writing, you should take your
argumentative essay through multiple drafts. When writing and revising
your drafts, make sure you:
provide ample evidence, presented logically and fairly
pay particular attention to the organization of your essay. Make sure
its structure suits your topic and audience
address and correct any fallacies of logic
include proper transitions to allow your reader to follow your argument
TECHNIQUES IN DEVELOPING
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
6. Edit your draft.
After you have written a developed draft, take off your writer's hat and
put on your reader's hat. Evaluate your essay carefully and critically.