What You Need to Know About

Argumentative Essays

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?

The writer aims to get the

reader to accept his perspective as truth.

What is the GOAL of an argument?

Technique: Relevant reasons and credible

data are blended to demonstrate the writer’s argument as valid.

Support: Arguments rely on logical reasons that are all substantiated by facts, data, expert quotes, and evidence. The audience agrees with the writer because of strong logical appeals.

Technique & Support

Point of View: This more formal type

of writing addresses multiple sides of an issue; therefore, the writer must use third-person point of view in order to appear as objective as possible.

Attitude: respectful, tactful, formal, and objective.

Point of View & Attitude

Perspectives Presented:

Demonstrates strengths and weaknesses of both sides of the issue. Allows the opposing side to counter in order to demonstrate fair-mindedness.

Perspectives Presented

1.Introduce claim-position you are taking on the issue

2. Present evidence and why it is important-assertions and warrants

3. Address the counterargument-supported with evidence

4. Concession-acknowledgement of a valid point made by the opposing side.

5. Reasons for rejecting the counterargument-rebuttal/refutation.

6. Conclusion

Parts of an Argumentative Essay

Introduction:

Topic Claim Describe the issue in context-background Explanation of why this is an issue.

Key Terms Key Theories

My topic: Should people commute using bicycles or cars?

1.

Claim:

The position or assertion that supports an argument.

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

2.

Assertion: statement about the evidence (think of this as a sub-claim)

Evidence: The facts or reasons that support the claim.

Warrant: Explanation/analysis of why the evidence is important

My evidence: Initial cost of a bicycle is less expensive than a car, and commuting costs for a bicycle are considerably less than costs for car. The average cost of a bicycle is $150, and the average cost of a car is $20,000. The relatively cheap cost of a bicycle makes this form of transportation available to a wider socioeconomic group compared to the proportion of the population that is able to purchase cars.

3.

Counterargument:

An opposing position or assertion.

My counterargument:Opponents of bicycle commuting say that riding a bike would increase their commuting time and decrease productivity because they would be tired from the physical exertion of pedaling to work.

4.

Rebuttal/Refutation:

Logical reasons for rejecting the counterargument.

Concession: Acknowledgement of a point that cannot be disputed.

My rebuttal/refutation:Although commuting by bicycle can increase commuting times, it can also allow the rider to avoid rush hour traffic jams. Bicycling may be tiring at first, but it will ultimately improve the rider’s long-term physical well-being.

5.

Conclusion:

What is the significance of your claim? Why should we care? What if? Witty play on words Anecdote Rhetorical question

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 a brief outline for your mini-argument on the issue presented. Use all the parts of an argumentative essay in your outline.

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