1

How to Write an Argumentative Essay

How to begin?

� Take a few minutes to plan what you want to write about. � Think about the topics we have been discussing in class. � Construct a Venn Diagram or a cluster and brainstorm your ideas.

How to Find a Good Topic

� Consider several issues that will have two conflicting points of view or very different conclusions.

� As you look over your class notes and your reflective journal find one that really sparks your interest.

� A strong interest is the first step! Now, you have to consider what position you can back up with reasoning.

� In order to shape an argument you must explain your belief and why it is reasonable and logical.

� As you brainstorm, make a mental list of points you could use as evidence for or against an issue.

Consider Both Sides of Your Topic and Take a Position

� Select a topic (issue) you feel strongly about.

� Make a list of points for both sides of the argument. Then choose a side.

� Objective is to present both sides of the issue with an overall assessment of each side. You will later conclude that one side (the side you have chosen to agree with) is the best conclusion.

� While you are planning it is best to consider the opposing argument. So that you can address it and conquer it!! Knowing the other side of the argument makes you more powerful when presenting your argument. Addressing the other side and then reinforcing your argument gives you the power to ROCK YOUR ESSAYYYYYYYYY!!!

2

Gather Evidence

� Arguments around the dinner table include yelling screaming and cursing. People make gestures, and become emotionally attached to the argument.

� Note- Face to Face arguments are not exactly like academic essays.

� Arguing in an academic essay involves providing proof to support your claim, with or without emotions.

� In an argument essay you will provide evidence without providing drama.

� Explore two sides of a topic (briefly) and provide proof as to why one side or position is the best one. This essay will require you to do RESEARCH. You may use one source from class and you must obtain two other sources from the library.

Writing Stage

� Now that you have a foundation, begin to create your essay.

� Use all of the components of an academic essay (intro, body and conclusion)

� Introduce the topic and assert your side. As in any essay, the first paragraph of your argument essay should contain a brief explanation of your topic, some background information and your thesis statement. In this case, your thesis will be a statement of your position on a particular controversial topic.

3

Example introductory paragraph with thesis statement:

Since the turn of the new century, a theory has emerged concerning the end of the world or at least the end of life as we know it. This new theory centers around the year 2012, a date that many claim has mysterious origins in ancient manuscripts from many different cultures. The most noted characteristic of this date is that it appears to mark the end of the Mayan calendar. But there is no evidence to suggest that the Maya saw any great relevance to this date. In fact, none of the claims surrounding a 2012 doomsday event hold up to scientific inquiry. The year 2012 will pass without a major, life-altering catastrophe.

Present both sides of the controversy

The body is the meat and potatoes. Go into detail about the two sides in your body paragraphs. This is where you present both sides. Be sure to present the strongest points for both sides of your argument. After describing the "other" side, you will present your own viewpoint and then provide evidence to show why your position is the correct one.

Select your strongest evidence and present your points one by one. Use a mix of evidence types, from statistics, to other studies and anecdotal stories. This part of your paper could be any length, from two paragraphs to two hundred pages.

Re-state your position as the most sensible one in your summary paragraphs.

Tips for Your Essay:

� Don't make up evidence � Cite your sources � Make an outline � Be prepared to defend your side by knowing the strongest arguments for the

other side. � There is an art to taking a side. You have to be creative. You should know a

little about each side and pick the one you can argue most effectively.

4

� This does not mean that you necessarily have to go with what you believe in. If you are graded according to your logical points. Think about what you can argue logically. You might have to go against your gut.

Imagine that you have been assigned the topic:

Recently, a young man was suspended from high school for wearing makeup to class. His cosmetic choices included black lipstick and eyeliner. The young man protested that the school was guilty of gender discrimination, since female students routinely used makeup. Do you agree or disagree that the school discriminated against the young man?

First, draw a line down the middle of a piece of scrap paper, dividing the sheet in half. Label one side “pro” and one side “con” (or “yes” and “no”).

Think of strengths for each side. List at least three strong points for both sides.

Yes it’s Discrimination:

� Girls and boys should be treated equally. � Sometimes makeup is necessary to cover embarrassing scars or blemishes. � High school is tough enough for students who feel different. � Makeup is a personal choice. � The school is stereotyping, which sets a bad example. � If there is not already a written rule about makeup, the school can’t make one

up.

No it’s Not Discrimination:

� Makeup is traditionally worn by girls. � The boy is just trying to cause a distraction. � Officials have to draw the line somewhere when it comes to distracting

behavior. � Officials have the right to interpret dress codes to include other issues

concerning appearance.

5

At this point:

� Think about the results and determine which side is strongest

� Think about which one you could argue effectively

� Decide which point of view could be backed up with examples.

What is Evidence and how it is used? Can your statements be supported by evidence?

Statistics – Examples- Expert opinions- Observations- Precedence Consequence

Choose a side that will enable you to use variety in your argument. For example, you might decide that you can argue most effectively that the school is not discriminating, because you can offer several differing types of evidence:

Precedence: Students have always been required to adhere to dress codes to avoid disruptions. Observation: The boy’s choice of black lipstick demonstrates that he is not merely wearing makeup to cover blemishes. He is attempting to draw attention. Consequence: The boy’s makeup can (and already has) created distractions.

Addressing the Opposition

Even though you choose one side as the strongest for your argument, you must be able to demonstrate that you understand both sides of your issue. Keep this in mind as you construct your argument essay, and use the strengths that you listed for the opposite side:

While it is true that boys and girls should be treated equally, it would be a mistake to use makeup as a measuring stick for equality. It is widely known that cosmetic makeup is traditionally associated with females.

�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������