The Argumentative Essay
English 11AP
What is Argument?
• The presentation and defense or support of a specific thesis, assertion, or claim.
•
To convince the reader, the writer provides support using objective facts, logical evidence, or (sometimes) emotional appeals.
•
You can find argument almost anywhere, from cartoons, to letters to the editor, to a president’s speech
How Do You Argue?
1. Present the issue/ situation/ problem2. State the assertion/ claim/ thesis3. Support your claim4. Respond to possible opposing views5. Make your final comment/ summary
Types of Argument
• Ethical – appeal to the reader’s goodwill• Emotional – appeal to fear, patriotism, etc.• Logical – appeal to inductive/ deductive reasoning– Inductive – generalization from set of examples– Deductive – conclusion based on given premises– Deduction uses the syllogism (formal argument with two premises and a conclusion)
Logical Fallacies
Mistakes in Reasoning– Non sequitur argument
• “Does not follow”– Begging the question
• Assumes a premise that remains to be proved– Circular reasoning
• Restates the premise– Straw‐man argument
• Attributes false characteristics to an opponent
More Logical Fallacies– Ad hominem argument
• Attacks the person rather than the issue– Hasty generalization
• Draws a conclusion based on scant evidence– Overgeneralization
• Stereotyping– Post hoc argument
• Cites an unrelated earlier event as the cause – Either/or argument
• Assumes there are only two possibilities
Every Argument Contains . . .
• A Rhetorical Context– Speaker – Audience– Situation
• Appeals – Ethos– Pathos– Logos
Arguments Can Be Visual!
The Argumentative Essay
What Do I Need to Do?
• Understand the position taken in the prompt
• Take a specific stand – argue, qualify, or disagree – with the assertion in the prompt
• Clearly and logically support your claim
Try It!
• What is the position of the prompt?
• What stand are you going to take?
• How will you support it?
How Might I Support My Position?
• Facts• Details• Quotations• Dialogue• Definitions• Recognizing the opposition• Examples• Anecdotes• Comparison and Contrast• Cause and Effect• Appeal to authority
How Do I Approach the Essay?
• Deconstruct the prompt• Decide on a position• Plan the support of your position• Write the essay• Proofread
Deconstruct the Prompt
• Underline or highlight the essential elements. Try it!
Develop an Opening Paragraph
• Be sure to:– Refer specifically to the prompt– Clearly state your position on the issue
• Let’s try it!
Sample Introductions
Developing the Body
• What organizational strategy will you use?
• Brainstorm• In this case, perhaps:
– Good– Evil– Responsibility
For Example
Good Evil Responsibility
Which are the Best?
Good Evil Responsibility
Sample Body Paragraphs
Sample Body Paragraphs
Sample Body Paragraphs
The Conclusion Paragraph?
Don’t Sweat It!!!
• If you have a final remark of interest, great!• But there is no need to waste time summarizing or repeating
• Use the last sentence of your last body paragraph as your concluding comment
What Now?• Choose one of the following prompts, and plan and write your own essay.