Argument WritingArgument Writing

An IntroductionAn Introduction

What is an Argument Essay?What is an Argument Essay?

In argument writing, a writer takes a position FOR or AGAINST an issue and writes to convince the reader to believe or do something

Argument writing utilizes LOGIC and REASON to show that one idea is more legitimate than another idea.

It attempts to persuade a reader to adopt a certain point of view or to take a particular action. The argument must always use sound reasoning and solid evidence by stating FACTS, giving LOGICAL REASONS, using EXAMPLES, and QUOTING EXPERTS.

When planning an arugument essay, follow these steps:

1. Choose your position. Which side of the issue or problem are you going to write about, and what solution will you offer? Know the PURPOSE of your essay.

2. Analyze your AUDIENCE. Decide if your audience agrees with you, is neutral, or disagrees with your position.

3. RESEARCH your topic. A persuasive essay must provide specific and convincing EVIDENCE. Often it is necessary to go beyond your own knowledge and experience. You might need to go to the library or interview people who are experts on your topic.

4. STRUCTURE your essay. Figure out what evidence you will include and in what order you will present the evidence. Remember to consider your purpose, your audience, and your topic.

The following criteria are essential to produce an

effective argument: Be well informed about your topic. To add to your knowledge

of a topic, read thoroughly about it, using legitimate sources. Take notes.

Test your thesis. Your thesis, i.e., argument, must have two sides. It must be debatable. If you can write down a thesis statement directly opposing your own, you will ensure that your own argument is debatable.

Disprove the opposing argument. Understand the opposite viewpoint of your position and then counter it by providing contrasting evidence or by finding mistakes and inconsistencies in the logic of the opposing argument.

Support your position with evidence. Remember that your evidence must appeal to reason.

The IntroductionThe Introduction

The introduction has usually has The introduction has usually has THREETHREE parts:parts: The The HOOKHOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!! (ATTENTION GRABBER)!!!!!!!!!!!!! (ATTENTION GRABBER) Some Background Knowledge Some Background Knowledge The The THESIS STATEMENTTHESIS STATEMENT

1. It tells the reader the specific topic of your essay. (PURPOSE)

2. It imposes manageable limits on that topic. (THREE REASONS)

3. It suggests the organization of your paper. (The order in which you are going to discuss those reasons)

The Hook: Some ExamplesThe Hook: Some Examples

Opening with an unusual detail: Manitoba, because of its cold climate, is not thought of as a

great place to be a reptile. Actually, it has the largest seasonal congregation of garter snakes in the world!

Opening with a strong statement: Cigarettes are the number one cause of lung cancer in the

United States Opening with a Quotation:

Elbert Hubbard once said , "Truth is stronger than fiction." Opening with an Anecdote: An anecdote can provide an

amusing and attention-getting opening if it is short and to the point. (A short account of a particular incident.)

I remember the first time my father gave me my first allowance payment. The sum was a meager two dollars, but at the time, I felt like the luckiest kid in the world. A whole new concept opened up to me: the idea that I could make money by working.

The Hook: Some More The Hook: Some More ExamplesExamples

Opening with a Statistic or Fact: Sometimes a statistic or fact will add emphasis or interest to your topic. It may be wise to include the item's authoritative source. According to the Center of Disease Control, over

440,000 Americans dies each year from tobacco use. Opening with a Question. Opening with a question is

overused and I recommend not using it! Have you ever considered how many books we'd read if

it were not for television? Opening with an Exaggeration or Outrageous

Statement or Figurative Language. The whole world watched as the comet flew overhead.

Your Turn to Write an IntroYour Turn to Write an Intro

Topic:Topic: Many parents give children a weekly or Many parents give children a weekly or

monthly allowance regardless of their monthly allowance regardless of their behavior because they believe an behavior because they believe an allowance teaches children to be allowance teaches children to be financially responsiblefinancially responsible. Other parents . Other parents only give children an allowance as only give children an allowance as a a reward for completing chores or when reward for completing chores or when they have behaved properlythey have behaved properly. Explain . Explain whether or not you believe parents should whether or not you believe parents should give their children allowances. give their children allowances.

Take a Look at this ExampleTake a Look at this Example

Starting when I was about eight years old, my parents gave me a Starting when I was about eight years old, my parents gave me a list of chores that had to be completed each week. If I did my list of chores that had to be completed each week. If I did my chores, I got an allowance, a bit of change that I could use as I chores, I got an allowance, a bit of change that I could use as I pleased. If I didn’t do my chores, I didn’t get my allowance. There pleased. If I didn’t do my chores, I didn’t get my allowance. There was no other punishment, but no other punishment was was no other punishment, but no other punishment was necessary. That dollar or two a week was all the incentive I necessary. That dollar or two a week was all the incentive I needed to help out around the house. Whether it was the latest needed to help out around the house. Whether it was the latest Barbie or a six-pack of Hubba Bubba chewing gum, there was Barbie or a six-pack of Hubba Bubba chewing gum, there was always something I wanted to buy. My parents could always count always something I wanted to buy. My parents could always count on me doing my chores.on me doing my chores.

I think that giving children an allowance for doing chores is a I think that giving children an allowance for doing chores is a smart parenting move, for it accomplishes four important goals: It smart parenting move, for it accomplishes four important goals: It helps ensure that important work gets done around the house; it helps ensure that important work gets done around the house; it teaches children that they need to do their part to make things teaches children that they need to do their part to make things run smoothly for the whole family; it rewards children in a run smoothly for the whole family; it rewards children in a realistic, practical way for good behavior; and it helps teach realistic, practical way for good behavior; and it helps teach children how to handle money.children how to handle money.

What do you Notice?What do you Notice?Hook: What type is used?Hook: What type is used?

Starting when I was about eight years old, my parents gave Starting when I was about eight years old, my parents gave me a list of chores that had to be completed each week. If I me a list of chores that had to be completed each week. If I did my chores, I got an allowance, a bit of change that I did my chores, I got an allowance, a bit of change that I could use as I pleased. If I didn’t do my chores, I didn’t get could use as I pleased. If I didn’t do my chores, I didn’t get my allowance.my allowance. There was no other punishment, but no other There was no other punishment, but no other punishment was necessary. That dollar or two a week was all the punishment was necessary. That dollar or two a week was all the incentive I needed to help out around the house. Whether it was incentive I needed to help out around the house. Whether it was the latest Barbie or a six-pack of Hubba Bubba chewing gum, there the latest Barbie or a six-pack of Hubba Bubba chewing gum, there was always something I wanted to buy. My parents could always was always something I wanted to buy. My parents could always count on me doing my chores.count on me doing my chores.

I think that giving children an allowance for doing chores is a I think that giving children an allowance for doing chores is a smart parenting move, for it accomplishes four important goals: It smart parenting move, for it accomplishes four important goals: It helps ensure that important work gets done around the house; it helps ensure that important work gets done around the house; it teaches children that they need to do their part to make things run teaches children that they need to do their part to make things run smoothly for the whole family; it rewards children in a realistic, smoothly for the whole family; it rewards children in a realistic, practical way for good behavior; and it helps teach children how to practical way for good behavior; and it helps teach children how to handle money.handle money.

What do you Notice?What do you Notice?Background Information:Background Information:

Starting when I was about eight years old, my parents gave me a Starting when I was about eight years old, my parents gave me a list of chores that had to be completed each week. If I did my list of chores that had to be completed each week. If I did my chores, I got an allowance, a bit of change that I could use as I chores, I got an allowance, a bit of change that I could use as I pleased. If I didn’t do my chores, I didn’t get my allowance. pleased. If I didn’t do my chores, I didn’t get my allowance. There There was no other punishment, but no other punishment was was no other punishment, but no other punishment was necessary. That dollar or two a week was all the incentive necessary. That dollar or two a week was all the incentive I needed to help out around the house. Whether it was the I needed to help out around the house. Whether it was the latest Barbie or a six-pack of Hubba Bubba chewing gum, latest Barbie or a six-pack of Hubba Bubba chewing gum, there was always something I wanted to buy. My parents there was always something I wanted to buy. My parents could always count on me doing my chores.could always count on me doing my chores.

I think that giving children an allowance for doing chores is a I think that giving children an allowance for doing chores is a smart parenting move, for it accomplishes four important goals: It smart parenting move, for it accomplishes four important goals: It helps ensure that important work gets done around the house; it helps ensure that important work gets done around the house; it teaches children that they need to do their part to make things teaches children that they need to do their part to make things run smoothly for the whole family; it rewards children in a run smoothly for the whole family; it rewards children in a realistic, practical way for good behavior; and it helps teach realistic, practical way for good behavior; and it helps teach children how to handle money.children how to handle money.

What do you Notice?What do you Notice?Thesis:Thesis:

Starting when I was about eight years old, my parents gave me a list Starting when I was about eight years old, my parents gave me a list of chores that had to be completed each week. If I did my chores, I of chores that had to be completed each week. If I did my chores, I got an allowance, a bit of change that I could use as I pleased. If I got an allowance, a bit of change that I could use as I pleased. If I didn’t do my chores, I didn’t get my allowance. There was no other didn’t do my chores, I didn’t get my allowance. There was no other punishment, but no other punishment was necessary. That dollar or punishment, but no other punishment was necessary. That dollar or two a week was all the incentive I needed to help out around the two a week was all the incentive I needed to help out around the house. Whether it was the latest Barbie or a six-pack of Hubba house. Whether it was the latest Barbie or a six-pack of Hubba Bubba chewing gum, there was always something I wanted to buy. Bubba chewing gum, there was always something I wanted to buy. My parents could always count on me doing my chores.My parents could always count on me doing my chores.

I think that giving children an allowance for doing chores is a I think that giving children an allowance for doing chores is a smart parenting move, for it accomplishes four important smart parenting move, for it accomplishes four important goals: It helps ensure that important work gets done around goals: It helps ensure that important work gets done around the house; it teaches children that they need to do their part the house; it teaches children that they need to do their part to make things run smoothly for the whole family; it rewards to make things run smoothly for the whole family; it rewards children in a realistic, practical way for good behavior; and it children in a realistic, practical way for good behavior; and it helps teach children how to handle money.helps teach children how to handle money.

Now Break Down the ThesisNow Break Down the Thesis

Purpose:Purpose: I think that giving children an allowance for doing chores I think that giving children an allowance for doing chores

is a smart parenting move, for it accomplishes four is a smart parenting move, for it accomplishes four important goals:important goals:

Global Reasons in Order:Global Reasons in Order: 1. It helps ensure that important work gets done around 1. It helps ensure that important work gets done around

the house; the house; 2. it teaches children that they need to do their part to 2. it teaches children that they need to do their part to

make things run smoothly for the whole family; make things run smoothly for the whole family; 3. it rewards children in a realistic, practical way for 3. it rewards children in a realistic, practical way for

good behavior; good behavior; 4. and it helps teach children how to handle money.4. and it helps teach children how to handle money.

Another ExampleAnother Example

I remember the first time my father gave me my initial allowance payment. The sum was a meager two dollars, but at the time, I felt like the luckiest kid in the world. A whole new concept opened up to me: the idea that I could make money by working. Soon I was helping around the house with every chore I possibly could. I absolutely believe that giving children an allowance is a brilliant parenting move because is teaches children the value of hard work, instills financial responsibility, and rewards children for good behavior.

Writing the BodyWriting the Body

The writer then provides evidence to support the opinion offered in the thesis statement in the introduction. The body should consist of at least three paragraphs.

Each paragraph is based on a solid reason to back your thesis statement.

Since almost all issues have sound arguments on both sides of the question, a good persuasive writer tries to anticipate opposing viewpoints and provide counter-arguments along with the main points in the essay.

One of the three paragraphs should be used to discuss opposing viewpoints and your counterargument.

Types of Supporting Types of Supporting EvidenceEvidence

Facts - A powerful means of convincing, facts can come from your reading, observation, or personal experience.

Note: Do not confuse facts with truths. A "truth" is an idea believed by many people, but it cannot be proven.

Statistics - These can provide excellent support. Be sure your statistics come from responsible sources. Always cite your sources.

Example: A poll of 50 of my peers found that 68% of my classmates received a weekly allowance. Of that 68%, 85% said they thought that their allowance encouraged them to complete more house work.

Quotes - Direct quotes from leading experts that support your position are invaluable.

Dr. Linda Carter of the Center of Young Adults states, “Giving an adolescent a weekly allowance greatly encourages responsible behavior and can further lead to more mature and responsible decisions as an adult.”

Examples - Examples enhance your meaning and make your ideas concrete. They are the proof.

My friend Brenda also receives an allowance from her parents. She saves her allowance in her own personal bank account. There is know doubt that Brenda is learning financial responsibility.

What to Include in a Body What to Include in a Body ParagraphParagraph

Topic SentencesTopic Sentences Concession StatementsConcession Statements Clarification StatementsClarification Statements Solid Supporting EvidenceSolid Supporting Evidence Personal ExperiencesPersonal Experiences Closing StatementsClosing Statements All of these sentences need to be linked All of these sentences need to be linked

together via TRANSITION WORDS and together via TRANSITION WORDS and PHRASESPHRASES

Concession StatementsConcession Statements

If you're writing a persuasive piece, you might consider If you're writing a persuasive piece, you might consider beginning with a beginning with a CONCESSIONCONCESSION--that is, by beginning with --that is, by beginning with an an acknowledgement of part of your opponent's argument acknowledgement of part of your opponent's argument as being validas being valid. Remember that a concession is not a form of . Remember that a concession is not a form of weakness. In fact a concession is a strength as weakness. In fact a concession is a strength as it finds it finds common ground with your opponent and establishes your common ground with your opponent and establishes your ethical appealethical appeal: : you are a reasonable person willing to listen you are a reasonable person willing to listen to/acknowledge that there are more sides to an issue than to/acknowledge that there are more sides to an issue than yours.yours.

You can’t ignore compelling opposing evidence. You must You can’t ignore compelling opposing evidence. You must address strong arguments on the other side; if you don’t, it address strong arguments on the other side; if you don’t, it looks like you are not well prepared and have not looked at looks like you are not well prepared and have not looked at the issue you are writing about from all perspectives.the issue you are writing about from all perspectives.

Concession StatementsConcession Statements

Now I want to have a concession statement Now I want to have a concession statement to begin my to begin my FIRSTFIRST body paragraph before body paragraph before my Topic Sentence…This is what it may look my Topic Sentence…This is what it may look like:like: I understand that many parents believe that I understand that many parents believe that

children should just complete their chores and children should just complete their chores and help around the house simply because they are help around the house simply because they are told to. Others feel that an allowance is a form told to. Others feel that an allowance is a form of bribery and can undermine the concept of of bribery and can undermine the concept of putting the family first. This may be true if a putting the family first. This may be true if a parent gives the child too much money.parent gives the child too much money.

Topic SentencesTopic Sentences

It is important to introduce the global It is important to introduce the global reason, or reason, or MAIN IDEAMAIN IDEA, within the first few , within the first few sentences of the paragraph. This sentences of the paragraph. This establishes the establishes the PARAMETERSPARAMETERS of the of the paragraph and lets the reader know exactly paragraph and lets the reader know exactly what you are going to be discussing. You what you are going to be discussing. You also need to use also need to use TRANSITION WORDS OR TRANSITION WORDS OR PHRASES PHRASES to introduce this main idea. This to introduce this main idea. This gives the essay fluidity. gives the essay fluidity.

Topic SentencesTopic Sentences

This is what my topic sentence may This is what my topic sentence may look like with a transition phrase, and look like with a transition phrase, and it is going to follow directly after my it is going to follow directly after my concession statement…concession statement… Nevertheless, giving children a small Nevertheless, giving children a small

allowance is just a simple way to reward allowance is just a simple way to reward good behavior.good behavior.

Clarification StatementClarification Statement

Clarification statements are a simple Clarification statements are a simple way to reiterate your main idea way to reiterate your main idea (REPITITION) while adding some (REPITITION) while adding some voice to your essay. When used voice to your essay. When used correctly they can be very affective. correctly they can be very affective.

The trick is to not be redundant and The trick is to not be redundant and actually write your main idea actually write your main idea IN IN DIFFERENT WORDING.DIFFERENT WORDING.

Clarification StatementClarification Statement

Example Clarification Statement to Example Clarification Statement to follow the Topic Sentence.follow the Topic Sentence. To clarify, the extrinsic reward of an To clarify, the extrinsic reward of an

allowance is a fantastic way to allowance is a fantastic way to encourage positive choices.encourage positive choices.

Supporting EvidenceSupporting Evidence

Supporting evidence is the heart and soul Supporting evidence is the heart and soul of your persuasive essay. Without strong of your persuasive essay. Without strong supporting evidence your essay will fail at supporting evidence your essay will fail at its purpose. Please use its purpose. Please use FACTS, FACTS, STATISTICS, EXAMPLES, QUOTES, STATISTICS, EXAMPLES, QUOTES, LOGICAL REASONS. LOGICAL REASONS.

The whole point of supporting evidence is The whole point of supporting evidence is to prove that your purpose is the correct to prove that your purpose is the correct way to view the topic.way to view the topic.

Supporting EvidenceSupporting Evidence

Now I have to back my Topic Sentence Now I have to back my Topic Sentence with evidence. This is how it may with evidence. This is how it may look…look…

When I was youngWhen I was young, around eight or nine years old, my father started , around eight or nine years old, my father started giving me an allowance to complete simple chores around the house. The giving me an allowance to complete simple chores around the house. The chores started with minor tasks like cleaning my room or washing the chores started with minor tasks like cleaning my room or washing the dishes. dishes. As I proved As I proved that I could handle those responsibilities with ease, that I could handle those responsibilities with ease, the chores became progressively more difficult. the chores became progressively more difficult. SoonSoon I was vacuuming I was vacuuming carpets and dusting furniture. carpets and dusting furniture. ThenThen I graduated to the more difficult tasks I graduated to the more difficult tasks of cleaning bathrooms, mopping floors and mowing the law. of cleaning bathrooms, mopping floors and mowing the law. As a As a consequenceconsequence, the more challenging the chores I completed, the more , the more challenging the chores I completed, the more money I earned. money I earned. SoonSoon I didn’t have to asked to do my weekly chores, I I didn’t have to asked to do my weekly chores, I just did them. If, for whatever reason, I was not responsible and did not just did them. If, for whatever reason, I was not responsible and did not complete my household tasks, I did not get paid. My parents did not have complete my household tasks, I did not get paid. My parents did not have to punish me any further; I knew right there and then that I did not do to punish me any further; I knew right there and then that I did not do something that I was supposed to. something that I was supposed to. Without hesitation Without hesitation I would instantly I would instantly complete my work so I could get my paycheck. complete my work so I could get my paycheck.

Closing SentenceClosing Sentence

The closing sentence wraps up the whole The closing sentence wraps up the whole paragraph and makes a smooth transition paragraph and makes a smooth transition to the next paragraph in the body.to the next paragraph in the body.

Here is an example of a closing sentence…Here is an example of a closing sentence… I never fully realized until much laterI never fully realized until much later, but , but

my father was rewarding my responsible my father was rewarding my responsible behavior.behavior.

As a parent, wouldn’t you want to reinforce As a parent, wouldn’t you want to reinforce positive behavior to maximize its occurrence?positive behavior to maximize its occurrence?

Now Put it all Together!Now Put it all Together!

I understand that many parents believe that children should just complete their I understand that many parents believe that children should just complete their chores and help around the house simply because they are told to. Others feel that chores and help around the house simply because they are told to. Others feel that an allowance is a form of bribery and can undermine the concept of putting the an allowance is a form of bribery and can undermine the concept of putting the family first. This may be true if a parent gives the child too much moneyfamily first. This may be true if a parent gives the child too much money. . NeverthelessNevertheless, giving children a small allowance is just a simple way to reward , giving children a small allowance is just a simple way to reward good behavior. good behavior. To clarifyTo clarify, the extrinsic reward of an allowance is a fantastic way , the extrinsic reward of an allowance is a fantastic way to encourage positive choices. to encourage positive choices. When I was youngWhen I was young, around eight or nine years old, , around eight or nine years old, my father started giving me an allowance to complete simple chores around the my father started giving me an allowance to complete simple chores around the house. The chores started with minor tasks like cleaning my room or washing the house. The chores started with minor tasks like cleaning my room or washing the dishes. dishes. As I proved As I proved that I could handle those responsibilities with ease, the chores that I could handle those responsibilities with ease, the chores became progressively more difficult. became progressively more difficult. SoonSoon I was vacuuming carpets and dusting I was vacuuming carpets and dusting furniture. furniture. ThenThen I graduated to the more difficult tasks of cleaning bathrooms, I graduated to the more difficult tasks of cleaning bathrooms, mopping floors and mowing the law. mopping floors and mowing the law. As a consequenceAs a consequence, the more challenging the , the more challenging the chores I completed, the more money I earned. chores I completed, the more money I earned. SoonSoon I didn’t have to asked to do I didn’t have to asked to do my weekly chores, I just did them. If, for whatever reason, I was not responsible my weekly chores, I just did them. If, for whatever reason, I was not responsible and did not complete my household tasks, I did not get paid. My parents did not and did not complete my household tasks, I did not get paid. My parents did not have to punish me any further; I knew right there and then that I did not do have to punish me any further; I knew right there and then that I did not do something that I was supposed to. something that I was supposed to. Without hesitation Without hesitation I would instantly complete I would instantly complete my work so I could get my paycheckmy work so I could get my paycheck. . I never fully realized until much laterI never fully realized until much later, , but my father was rewarding my responsible behavior.but my father was rewarding my responsible behavior.

The ConclusionThe Conclusion

You need to include these three parts You need to include these three parts in your conclusion:in your conclusion: Restate your thesis or focus statement.Restate your thesis or focus statement. Summarize the main points: The Summarize the main points: The

conclusion enables your reader to recall conclusion enables your reader to recall the main points of your position. In order the main points of your position. In order to do this you can paraphrase the main to do this you can paraphrase the main points of your argument.points of your argument.

Write a personal comment or call for action Write a personal comment or call for action

The ConclusionThe Conclusion

Ways to write a concluding sentence:Ways to write a concluding sentence: With a PredictionWith a Prediction: This can be used with a narrative or a : This can be used with a narrative or a

cause and effect discussion. The conclusion may suggest or cause and effect discussion. The conclusion may suggest or predict what the results may or may not be in the situation predict what the results may or may not be in the situation discussed or in similar situations.discussed or in similar situations.

With a QuestionWith a Question: Closing with a question lets your readers : Closing with a question lets your readers make their own predictions, draw their own conclusions.make their own predictions, draw their own conclusions.

With RecommendationsWith Recommendations: A recommendations closing is : A recommendations closing is one that stresses the actions or remedies that should be one that stresses the actions or remedies that should be taken.taken.

With a QuotationWith a Quotation: Since a quotation may summarize, : Since a quotation may summarize, predict, question, or call for action, you may use a quotation predict, question, or call for action, you may use a quotation within a conclusion for nearly any kind of paper.within a conclusion for nearly any kind of paper.

The ConclusionThe Conclusion

Making the decision to give a child an Making the decision to give a child an allowance in an important one. Not allowance in an important one. Not many parents take the time to think many parents take the time to think about the consequences, beneficial or about the consequences, beneficial or negative, this decision may have on their negative, this decision may have on their child. Due to the fact that allowances child. Due to the fact that allowances help children prepare for the real world, I help children prepare for the real world, I urge you to consider giving your child an urge you to consider giving your child an allowance.allowance.

The ConclusionThe Conclusion

When parenting, it is so important to When parenting, it is so important to make sure the good behavior is make sure the good behavior is reinforced so that the child will grow reinforced so that the child will grow to become a financially responsible to become a financially responsible adult with a strong work ethic. If an adult with a strong work ethic. If an allowance is not tied to chores or allowance is not tied to chores or proper behavior, these values will not proper behavior, these values will not likely take root.likely take root.

QuotesQuotes

 "The difference between winners and losers is winners do things losers don't want to do. And that's work hard to get ready to be a star.“ Dr. Phil

“Over-indulgence is one of the most insidious forms of child abuse.” Dr. Phil

“There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings. -Hodding Carter.” 

Life asks not merely what you can do; it asks how much can you endure and not be spoiled.----Harry Harry Emerson FosdickEmerson Fosdick