THE ARGUMENTATIVE

ESSAY
English IV
The Argumentative Essay
 Argumentation: a practice or process in situations in
which we want to convince or persuade someone of
something.

 To persuade: to convince the audience that an idea

or opinion is valid.

 In written form: the writer’s ideas have to be

supported in order to be effective.
How to support ideas
 personal experience
 facts
 examples: proofs
 survey results
 interviews with authorities
 results of experimental research
 material from books, journals, dictionaries,
etc.
Audience analysis
 Attitude towards the topic

 Possible attitude toward the writer:

 Possible objections to the writer’s opinion

 Reaction to the intended purpose of the arguing
paper.
Written arguments
*topic must be controversial
*2 sides (pros and cons)
*Con-side: counter-arguments
*Writers must expect some reader will hold an
opposing view.
*Writers must summarize the opposing view
and refute it (i.e. weaken, discredit or
destroy) it.
Planning an argumentative essay

 Make a chart of pro and con ideas

 Make 3 or 4 strong arguments for the pro side.
 Use an although-because sentence with the major
arguments of both sides of the issue, to make your
thesis statement:
 Use the pro-con chart to state your topic
 It will incorporate the major arguments on both sides
of the argument.
 It will demonstrate that the controversy exists.
 It will provide the best plan of the essay.
Although-because statement:

 Although the powerful American Medical Association has so

far refused to recognize the usefulness of alternative medical
techniques as acupuncture, I believe that acupuncture should
become an accepted part of the mainstream medical
profession because thousands of years of practice by highly
trained personnel has demonstrated its success in healing
some medical problems.
 Shortened thesis statement of opinion and intent
 Acupunture has proven its effectiveness over hundreds of
years; it should therefore be an accepted part of the
mainstream medical profession.
Organizing the essay
Create a clear title: incorporate the SHOULD in the title or use a
question. (Should the use of drubs be legalized for medical
reasons? Women in the army: a good decision?
Background paragraph (optional)
 1st paragraph after the intro.
 Gives the audience necessary information to understand the
essay.
 Has to be objective: just to inform, not to persuade.

State the counter argument

 Refute the counter argument with yours (your arguments,
supporting ideas, etc.)