Writing an Argumentative Essay

Writing an Argumentative Essay

LFCS001English & Communication Skills

LFCS001 English & Communication SkillsWriting an Argumentative Essay

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An Argumentative Essay is an essay in which you agree or disagree with an

issue, Using reasons to support your argument.

LFCS001 English & Communication Skills Writing an Argumentative Essay

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Your goal is to convince your reader that you are right. You need to

take a stand on an issue; support your stand with solid reasons; support your reasons with solid evidence.


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In an Argumentative Essay,

You must give reasons to support your stand

You must also discuss the opposing stand this is done by discussing the other side’s reasons and then rebutting or refuting them.

We do this to show the readers we have considered all sides of an issue; are reasonable and open-minded, therefore readers are

more likely to listen to our point of view.


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Voice Definition:

The ways in which the writer’s personality and attitude toward the topic are revealed to the reader.

Depends on the audience (reader). In academic writing, the voice should be formal,

objective and reasonable. It is sometimes acceptable to have a more personal,

conversational voice, but the objective approach is preferred.

LFCS001 English & Communication SkillsWriting an Argumentative Essay

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For this assignment The argumentative essay should

be written using formal language; use an objective and reasonable tone with

Support for arguments and Substantiated refutation of counter-arguments


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Organisation of Argumentative Essays Block Pattern

Plan A (Con arguments first, followed by Pro arguments) Plan B (Pro arguments first, followed by Con arguments)

Point-by-point Pattern

LFCS001 English & Communication Skills Writing an Essay

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Block Pattern

I. IntroductionI. Explanation of the issue

II. Thesis statement of intent and opinion

III. Background Paragraph

II. Body I. Block 1 (Pro / Con arguments )

II. Block 2 (Con / Pro arguments)

III. ConclusionI. Summary of main points

II. Recommendation(s), solution or prediction


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Block Pattern Body Plan A I. Block 1 (Pro arguments)

I. Pro argument #1 (your weakest argument that supports your opinion)

II. Pro argument #2 (stronger argument that supports your opinion)

III. Pro argument #3 (strongest argument that supports your opinion)

II. Block 2 (Con arguments)I. Summary of other side’s arguments

II. Con argument #1 + rebuttal / refutation of the counter-argument

III. Con argument #2 + rebuttal / refutation of the counter-argument

IV. Con argument #3 + rebuttal / refutation of the counter-argument


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Block Pattern Body Plan BI. Block 1 (Con arguments)

I. Summary of other side’s arguments

II. Con argument #1 + rebuttal / refutation of the counter-argument

III. Con argument #2 + rebuttal / refutation of the counter-argument

IV. Con argument #3 + rebuttal / refutation of the counter-argument

II. Block 2 (Pro arguments) I. Pro argument #1 (your weakest argument that supports your

opinion)

II. Pro argument #2 (stronger argument that supports your opinion)

III. Pro argument #3 (strongest argument that supports your opinion)


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Point-by-point Pattern

I. IntroductionI. Explanation of the issue including a summary of the other side’s

arguments

II. Thesis statement of intent and opinion

III. Background Paragraph

II. BodyI. Point-by-point arguments and counter-arguments

III. ConclusionI. Summary of your point of view.


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Body of Point-by-Point Pattern

Organisation of Body Paragraphs:I. Statement of the other side’s first argument and rebuttal with

your own counterargument

II. Statement of the other side’s second argument and rebuttal with your own counterargument

III. Statement of the other side’s third argument and rebuttal with your own counterargument

In other words:I. Counter-argument #1+ Pro argument #1 to refute it

II. Counter-argument #2 + Pro argument #2 to refute it

III. Counter-argument #3 + Pro argument #3 to refute it


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Step 1

Clarify in your mind what the two sides of the argument are.

Decide which side you agree with.


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Step 2 Write a thesis statement Either include just your point of view, or Include both points of view.


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Step 3

1. Generate ideas and details about your topic by: Brainstorming □ Listing □ Outlining Flow-charting □ Free-writing □ Mind-mapping

2. Research the topic to get ideas and supporting reasons for both sides of the argument

3. Collect ideas and details about the topic from various sources and resources: Library research (magazines, books) Internet (World Wide Web) Others (survey) Authorities (interviews)

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More on Step 3

3. From the material you research, summarise quote paraphrase

4. Consider using non-text material Diagrams Photographs Flow charts


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Step 4: Organisation of Essay

1. Decide whether you will use the block pattern or the point-by-point organisation.

2. Develop an outline for your essay


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Step 5: First Draft

1. Follow the outline you have drafted.

2. Be sure to include an explanatory or attention-getting introduction.


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Step 6: Self-Edit

1. Use the Self-Editing Worksheet provided.

2. Revise the essay by Adding or removing facts Providing more support to your arguments Correcting the grammar


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Step 7

1. Exchange papers with a classmate.

2. Review each other’s essays by using the Peer-Editing Worksheet provided.


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Step 8 Make changes if necessary. Print out the final copy, and proof-read it once more

before handing it in.


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Review

The different parts of an argumentative essay

1. Introduction

2. Body

3. Conclusion

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The Introductory Paragraph Start with

an explanation of issue or dramatic story or surprising statistics

The thesis statement clearly states which side you are for. often mentions the opposing point of view.


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The Background Paragraph is the second paragraph (after the Introduction) should be as objective as possible. Its aim is to inform, not

persuade. This can consist of:

definitions of key terms a brief history of the issue or problem (depending on the audience) political or social background essential for reader understanding current relevant information about the topic from books, magazines,

websites, interviews, surveys information about the way(s) information was gathered (e.g. how and to

whom a survey was administered; how an authority about the topic was selected and interviewed.)


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More about the Background Paragraph allows the writer to show how s/he has researched the

topic should include citations (references) Example:

Researchers have studied birth order to discover whether or not the sequence in which children are born affects their personalities and their lives (Kinsmen, 1990). According to this research…. Paul Mussen, professor of child psychology, states that “First-born children tend to have very high standards for themselves and are highly motivated to achieve the best they can (1997, p.69).


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The Body Contains the opposing stand or point of view; The refutation of this stand; Your own arguments; and Solid evidence to support your arguments.


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Some expressions to introduce opposing points of view:

Some people feel that… Many think that…. It is believed that…. It maybe true that….

Use contrast transition signals to connect opposing arguments and your counter-arguments, e.g.

However, □ Although / Even though, In spite of the fact that, / Despite the fact that, While / Whereas

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The Conclusion should summarise the main points of the essay; wrap up with a concluding sentence to reiterate your

stand and include a recommendation, solution or prediction


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Writing an Argumentative Essay