Argumentative Essay

What is argument?

Definitions from The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 3^rd Edition:

· putting forth reasons for or against; debating;

· attempting to prove by reasoning; maintain or content;

· giving evidence of; indicate;

· persuading or influence (another), as by presenting reasons.

Formulating an arguable position

An arguable statement should:

· try to convince readers of something or to persuade them to do something;

· focus on a problem or question for which there is no easy or obvious answer;

· present a position about which others may reasonably have different opinions.

Formulating an argumentative thesis

An argumentative thesis is a particular type of thesis statement that has two parts:

· statement about what is (the arguable statement as done above);

· claim about what ought to be (what action should be taken in light of statement).

Establishing credibility

There are three ways to establish credibility

· demonstrating knowledge about the topic (ask how);

· establishing common ground with readers;

· demonstrating fairness to opposing points of view.

Formulating support for the thesis

You need not only present your opinion, but also support it with evidence.

· Using personal experience.

· Giving logical reasons to support your thesis

– giving examples and precedents;

– citing an authority or expert on the topic.

· Showing causes and effects.

· Using inductive and deductive reasoning.

· Giving emotional reasons to support your thesis

– using description;

– using concrete language;

– using figurative language (metaphors, similes, analogies).

Formulating the counterarguments against the thesis

When presenting counterarguments you should:

· Present at least two arguments against your point of view (counterarguments) with evidence.

· Answer these counterarguments with evidence.

· Avoid strong language (“This is a stupid idea”).

ORGANIZING THE ESSAY

The classical system of argumentation
based on that of ancient Greek and Roman orators

The Introduction

· Gains reader’s attention (question, story, quotation).

· Establishes your qualifications to write about topic.

· Establishes common ground with readers.

· Demonstrates fairness.

· States thesis.

The Background (any necessary background information about the topic).

The Arguments

· Reasons in support of thesis (logical/emotional/ethical).

· Reasons presented in order of importance (most important first).

Дата добавления: 2015-11-13