The Argumentative

EssayEnglish 11 Research Project

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative or position essay is one that states a clear opinion of one side of an issue and supports that opinion with logical reasoning, facts, explanation, and reliable opinions of others.

The audience is more interested in how convincingly you support your opinion than in the side you take.

Choosing a topic… When choosing a topic you must be sure

that It has two strong opposing sides, one of which

you agree with. The defense of your position is interesting and

varied, but not too complicated for a five paragraph essay.

Research To be valid, an opinion or

point of view must be supported by facts and information.

Research will involve books, newspapers, journals or internet articles.

Types of Research Support

1. Statistics/Data(why are the numbers

significant?)

2. Examples

3. Expert opinions(quotations)

4. Facts

EBSCO HOST: search.ebscohost.com/

Google EBSCO:

Preparing Your Argument

Thesis Statement The thesis statement clearly illustrates which side you

are for. A thesis statement often mentions the opposing

point of view: Although there are certainly reasons to be

cautious with stem cell research or any new technology its potential benefits far outweigh its dangers.

Support it with logical reasons. Write down each reason that back your belief- these are your arguments.

Counter- Argument Every controversial issue has two sides. Once you can

support what you think, you need to explore the other side. Find three opposing ideas from your arguments.

These ideas will help your form the body of your essay.

STOP

Pre-writing prep… Use formal language and avoid

using over-generalizing words, such as always and never. And avoid negative connotations and words like “stupid”. Avoid emotional reasoning.

Rebut means to point out problems with the other side’s reasons to prove they are not good reasons

Organization of an Argumentative Essay

There are two common ways to organize an argumentative essay.

The Block Pattern The Point by Point Pattern

Block Pattern Present all the information about A and then present parallel

information about B. Each subtopic in Part 1 must be discussed in Part 2. Subtopics

should be discussed in the same order. Subtopics in Part 2 should generally include reminders of the point made about the same subtopic in Part 1.

First: All of A: Second: All of B:Point 1 (plus support) Point 1(plus support)Point 2 (plus support) Point 2(plus support)Point 3(plus support Point 3(plus support)

Example:Thesis: Although dogs are often called man’s best friend, cats make more convenient pets.

Part A Point 1:Cats can clean themselves…Point 2:Cats can exercise by themselves…Point 3:Cats do not require training…

Part B Point 1: In contrast to cats, dogs need baths…Point 2:Unlike cats, dogs must be walked regularly…Point 3:Whereas cats need no training, dogs must be

trained…

Point-by-Point Pattern Present one point about A and then go to the parallel point about

B. Move to the next point, and do the same thing.

First A: Point 1 (plus support) Then B: Point 1 (plus support) Then A: Point 2 (plus support) Then B: Point 2 (plus support) Then A: Point 3 (plus support) Then B: Point 3 (plus support)

Point 1: Cats can clean themselves…In contrast to cats, dogs need baths…

Point 2: Cats can exercise by themselves…Unlike cats, dogs must be walked regularly…

Point 3: Cats do not require training…Whereas cats need no training dogs must be trained…

The Introductory Paragraph

Present the issue or controversy clearly. Be specific about what you are intending to argue for or against.

Hook the reader with an interesting beginning

Describe or give background on your topic

Thesis statement

Building Body Paragraphs

You may use either model for your essay, Remember whatever idea you present must have a counter-argument.

ID- what is the argument? SUPPORT- back it up with textual reference,

(MLA cited) EXPLAIN- give reasons/examples to why the support

back up the argument Remember use of transitions to help

shift your argument.

MLA Citations MLA (Modern Language Association) style

is most commonly used to write papers and cite sources within liberal arts and humanities.

Use in-text citations when you use: 1. Another person’s ideas, opinion or theory 2. Any facts, statistics, graphs, drawings- any

info that is not common knowledge 3. Quotations of another person’s actual words 4. Paraphrase of another person’s spoken or

written word.

MLA Citation In Text Citation:

Direct quotation: Romantic poetry is characterized by the "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (Wordsworth 263).

Wordsworth stated that Romantic poetry was marked by a "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (Wordsworth 263).

Paraphrased citations: Wordsworth extensively explored the role of emotion in the creative process (Wordsworth 263).

STOP

MLA Style Double-space 12-point Times New Roman Name, course and teacher’s name

appears on first page in top left corner followed by date.

Center title, but its still 12-point font Indent first line of paragraph, with Tab

Key Create header that numbers all pages

consecutively with your last name included

YOUR PAPER SHOULD LOOK LIKE THE SAMPLE ESSAY!!!!!

MLA FORMAT

SAMPLE

Conclusion A strong conclusion is vital. If the

reasoning in the body of the essay is presented in a clear, convincing order, the summary of the main points and your resulting opinion will also be strong.

Re-state your position about the topic Review all reasons (short form) why your

opinion is best End with a statement that ties it up for

the reader

Using Easy Bib to Create A Works Cited:

A bibliography using MLA is referred to as a Works Cited.

www.easybib.com to create your works cited.

Keep you MLA Note-taking form handy for easy reference to help create your works cited through easy bib. You will be marked on these!