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Argumentative Essays

This document provides instructions for writing an argumentative essay, including the typical structure and components. It explains that argumentative essays usually contain an introduction with a hook, background information, and clear thesis statement; three or more body paragraphs developing arguments and counterarguments; and a conclusion that restates the main premise and summarizes the arguments and their consequences. The body paragraphs should use either a point-by-point or block structure to organize the different perspectives in a coherent way. Transition words are recommended to introduce the conclusion.

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67 views

Argumentative Essays

This document provides instructions for writing an argumentative essay, including the typical structure and components. It explains that argumentative essays usually contain an introduction with a hook, background information, and clear thesis statement; three or more body paragraphs developing arguments and counterarguments; and a conclusion that restates the main premise and summarizes the arguments and their consequences. The body paragraphs should use either a point-by-point or block structure to organize the different perspectives in a coherent way. Transition words are recommended to introduce the conclusion.

Uploaded by

Hou Ssem
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Argumentative Essays

In this class, also you have learnt how to organize your arguments, counterarguments and refutations in
argumentative essays. Argumentative essays are, like all essays, made of a series of paragraphs, at least five. The
first paragraph is for the introduction, the last for the conclusion, and the remaining ones in the middle for the body.
Each paragraph is in a block and contains a series of sentences. The paragraphs should be indented.

1. The introduction

It is a paragraph that contains three main components.

1. A Hook: is a sentence or a group of sentences that motivates the readers to go and read the essay and get them
interested in the topic to be debated. It can be an interrogative, descriptive or exclamatory sentence.

2. Background Information

What is the issue at hand?


Who cares?
Where is this issue prevalent?
Why is it important?
Who does it affect?
How long has the issue been a concern?
3. Thesis Statement
It is one sentence that tells the main point of your essay. It states clearly your purpose. It has to be arguable and
specific and not in the form of an announcement or a mere statement. You can write it using three different
methods:
a. Stating only the topic and your position.
e.g. In my opinion, stem cell research should receive the full support of our government.

b. Containing the opposing point of view in the subordinate structure and your point of view in the main
clause.
e.g. Although there are certainly reasons to be cautious with stem cell research or any new technology, I believe that
its potential benefits far outweigh its dangers.

c. Connecting the opposing point of view with your view with transition signals of contrast.
e.g. Smokers say that they have a right to smoke in spite of the fact that smoking will kill them.

Exercise 1: Evaluate the effectiveness of each thesis statement below.

1. Most people agree that using games in education is a controversial issue, and this essay will explore that issue,
ultimately, working to convince you of the value of gaming in education.
2. Animal abuse laws in most states are so lenient that offenders face almost no punishment, so stronger, stricter
laws are necessary to protect animals.

3. Most states have animal rights laws that are too lenient.

4. The number of small farmers is on the rise in some states, but nationally, most farming is done by factory farms,
most of which are not organic farms.
5. On average, people with college degrees earn more money in the workplace.
6. While some people believe that online courses will never be as popular as traditional classrooms

Introduction Example:
Is it right to ban gum in school? Many people would agree that gum should be banned. Nasty gum stuck in
unlikely places is a nuisance for both teachers and students. Teachers and administrators alike say it is distracting,
and it creates a janitorial nightmare. But wait-if schools are interested in improving student achievement, they will
rethink their policy against chewing gum. Research shows that chewing gum actually improves learning by increasing
brain activity and focus.
2. The Body: is made of a series of paragraphs, three and more. The paragraphs should respect the development
structure previously learnt.

At this level (body), you get to communicate your arguments, counterarguments and refutation, and for that, you
need to respect the following patterns.

1. Point by point pattern:


Other side’s 1st arguments/ and rebuttal, my point of view
Other side’s 2nd arguments /and rebuttal, my point of view
Other side’s 3rd arguments / and rebuttal, my point of view
You can go for one paragraph for each of the precedents. It is up to you and up to the topic and length of the
arguments, as explained in class.

2. Block Pattern:
Block 1: Summary of the other side’s arguments then your rebuttal.
Block 2: Your arguments

Here, the block can take several paragraphs as much as it takes for you to finish discussing the topic at hand.
3. Conclusion:

1. Restates the main premise


2. Presents one or two general sentences which accurately summarise your arguments which support the main
premise
3. Provides a general warning of the consequences of not following the premise that you put forward and/or a
general statement of how the community will benefit from following that premise
Conclusion Transition Words
You can introduce your conclusion usinf the following transition words followed by a comma.
• all in all
• all things considered
• altogether
• finally
• in brief
• in conclusion
• in essence
• in short
• in summary
• in the final analysis
• to conclude
• to sum up
• to summarize
• ultimately

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