An argument is an attempt to persuade someone by presenting evidence to the listener for why it is a...

What You Need to Know About

Argumentative Essays

An argument is an attempt to

persuade someone by presenting evidence to the

listener for why it is a favorable choice.

What is an argument?

An argumentative essay presents

evidence for an argument in order to let the reader know why it is favorable. It also shows why the other side of an argument is unfavorable. An argumentative essay shows strengths AND weaknesses of both sides.

So, what is an argumentative essay?

1. Introduce claim

2. Present evidence and why it is important-support

3. Address the counterargument

4. Reasons for rejecting the counterargument-rebuttal/refutation

5. Conclusion

Parts of an Argumentative Essay

Introduction:

Topic Claim (OR can be a separate paragraph) Background Key Terms Key Theories

My topic: Should people commute using bicycles or cars?

1.

Claim:

The position orassertion that supports an argument.

My claim:People should be encouraged to commute by bicycle rather than by car.

2.

Evidence:

The facts or reasons that support the claim.

My evidence: Maintaining a bicycle is less expensive than a car, and commuting costs for a bicycle are considerably less than costs for car.

3.

Counterargument:

An opposing position or assertion.

My counterargument:Some say that riding a bike would increase commuting time and decrease productivity.

4.

Rebuttal/Refutation:

Logical reasons for rejecting the counterargument.

My rebuttal/Refutation:Commuting by bicycle would mean avoiding rush hour traffic jams.

5.

Conclusion:

What is the significance of your claim? What information is important? Why should we care?

My conclusion: Choosing to commute by bicycle rather than by car is important because it is key to personal and professional productivity, and is a fiscally responsible choice in an unstable economy.

6.

Choose a side to argue from and explain why

your side is the favorable choice for the following question. Create an outline for your mini-argument on the issue presented.

Question: Should schools require students to bring refillable containers for water and other beverages rather than only allowing students to purchase drinks in disposable containers from vending machines?

Practice

1.Introduction: This will introduce your claim.

2. Present Evidence: GOOD information about your CLAIM.

3. Address Counterargument: GOOD information about the COUNTERARGUMENT.

4. Rebuttal/Refutation: Information that makes the COUNTERARGUMENT look BAD, and makes your CLAIM look GOOD.

5. Address Counterargument: GOOD information about the COUNTERARGUMENT.

6.Rebuttal/Refutation: Information that makes the COUNTERARGUMENT look BAD, and makes your CLAIM look GOOD.

7. Conclusion: Sum up the important points

Outline Format #1

1. Introduction: This will introduce your claim.

2. Present Evidence: GOOD information about your CLAIM.

3. Address Counterargument: GOOD information about the COUNTERCLAIM.

4. Rebuttal/Refutation: Information that makes the COUNTERCLAIM look BAD, and makes your CLAIM look GOOD.

5. Conclusion: Sum up the important points

Outline Format #2