The Argumentative Essay

What is an Argumentative Essay?

In an argumentative essay you will:
investigate a topic, collect, generate, and evaluate evidence, and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.

What is the point of doing research?

to learn about the topic understand different points of view choose a position support it with the evidence collected during research

The most important part of an argumentative essay is:

establishing a clear thesis (clearly stating your viewpoint) and following sound reasoning (writing a convincing argument)

It is your job to convince the reader of your viewpoint!

The structure of an argumentative essay:

This is what holds your essay together! 1. Introduction (which includes your thesis statement) 2. Transitional words and phrases 3. Body paragraphs 4. Evidential Support 5. Conclusion

Introduction
1. An introduction with a clear, concise, and defined thesis statement. First, start by setting the stage by reviewing the topic in a general way. Next, explain why the topic is important or why readers should care about the issue. Lastly, present the thesis statement.

Thesis Statement
Should contain WHAT you will argue and HOW you will argue it.
What is the argument that I am trying to convince the reader to accept? How exactly do I expect to convince the reader that this argument is sound?

Thesis Statement, Continued

Once you have answered these questions, the next step is to synthesize these answers into a single thesis sentence, or, if necessary, two thesis sentences.
This is the most important part of your essay and will determine if it is successful or not.

Transitions
2. Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.

Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. This is the only way the reader will be able to follow your argument. Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous section and introduce the idea that is to follow in the next section.

Body Paragraphs
3. Body paragraphs that include evidential support. Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion of one general idea. Each paragraph will be one reason WHY the reader should agree with you. It is important to note that each paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph.

Body Paragraphs, Continued

Each body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence which should:
introduce the content of the paragraph and introduce the next step of your argument. explain how and why the evidence supports the thesis.

Be mindful of the overall organization of your body paragraphs.

Body Paragraphs, Continued

Depending on the length of the assignment, you should dedicate one or two paragraphs of an argumentative essay to discussing conflicting opinions on the topic.

Rather than explaining how these differing opinions are wrong outright, note how opinions that do not align with your thesis might not be well informed or how they might be out of date.

Evidential Support
4. Evidential support, AKA outside research (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).

Include well-researched, accurate, detailed, and current information to support the thesis statement and consider other points of view. Some factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal evidence should support the thesis.

Conclusion
5. A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided.

No new information in the conclusion; rather, synthesize the information presented in the body of the essay. Restate why the topic is important, review the main points, and review your thesis.

Conclusion, Continued
Your conclusion should not simply be a copy of your introduction show where the argument of your paper has gone give the reader reasons for bothering to read your paper

Conclusion, Continued
Some possible questions to consider when writing your conclusion are: (to provide fresh insight): What are some real world applications of this paper's argument? Why is what I am writing about important? What are some of the questions that this paper's argument raises? What are the implications of this paper's argument?