Argumentative writing aims to convince the reader of a position on a debatable issue through reason and evidence. It requires research to understand different perspectives and choose a position to support. A typical structure includes an introduction outlining the topic and thesis, three body paragraphs each discussing a reason for the thesis with evidence, consideration of counter-arguments, and a conclusion restating the thesis and key points. The goal is to present both sides of an issue while more positively supporting one position to sway readers.
2. What is Argumentative Writing?
Argumentative writing/essay is also known as “persuasive essay,” “opinion essay,” or
“position paper.” In an argumentative essay, the author adopts a position on a
debatable issue and uses reason and evidence to convince the reader of his/her
opinion. It also requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and
evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.
Argumentative essay assignments generally call for extensive research of literature or
previously published material.
Argumentative assignments may also require empirical research where the student
collects data through interviews, surveys, observations, or experiments. Detailed
research allows the student to learn about the topic and to understand different points
of view regarding the topic so that she/he may choose a position and support it with
the evidence collected during research.
3. Structure of Argumentative Essay
Argumentative essays generally follow this structure:
1. Introduction
• attention-grabber
• provides some background information on topic
• indicates that it is a controversial topic
4. Structure of Argumentative Essay
2. Body
• three body paragraphs (three major arguments)
• discuss 1 reason from your thesis
• begin with a topic sentence that reminds the reader of your opinion and
introduces the reason that will be discussed in that paragraph
e.g. First, the internet is good for democracy because it lets citizens exercise
their freedom of speech.
• explain the logic of that reason, and provide examples, facts, and statistics
5. Structure of Argumentative Essay
3. Counter-argument
• An argument to refute earlier arguments and give weight to the actual
position
• if you mention the counter argument in your thesis, briefly summarize it in
a body paragraph, then rebut or disprove it using logic or evidence
• use a phrase like those below when discussing the counter argument
e.g. Some people feel that…, Many think that…, Opponents say that…, Some
researchers argue that…
6. Structure of Argumentative Essay
4. Conclusion
• Rephrasing the thesis statement, major points, call to attention, or
concluding remarks.
7. Structure of Argumentative Essay
The structure of the argumentative essay is held together by the
following:
1. A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first
paragraph of the essay.
• In the first paragraph of an argument essay, students should set the context by
reviewing the topic in a general way. Next the author should explain why the topic is
important or why readers should care about the issue. Lastly, students should present
the thesis statement. It is essential that this thesis statement be appropriately narrowed
to follow the guidelines set forth in the assignment. If the student does not master this
portion of the essay, it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive
essay.
8. Structure of Argumentative Essay
2. Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and
conclusion.
• Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without
logical progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s argument, and
the structure will collapse. Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous
section and introduce the idea that is to follow in the next section.
9. Structure of Argumentative Essay
3. Body paragraphs that include evidential support.
• Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion of one general idea. This will allow
for clarity and direction throughout the essay. In addition, such conciseness creates an
ease of readability for one’s audience. 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. Some paragraphs will directly support the thesis statement with
evidence collected during research. It is also important to explain how and why the
evidence supports the thesis.
10. Structure of Argumentative Essay
3. Body paragraphs that include evidential support.
• However, argumentative essays should also consider and explain differing points of
view regarding the topic. Depending on the length of the assignment, one 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, one should note how opinions that do not align with their thesis might not be
well informed or how they might be out of date.
11. Structure of Argumentative Essay
4. Evidential support (factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).
• The argumentative essay requires 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. However,
one must consider multiple points of view when collecting evidence. A successful and
well-rounded argumentative essay will also discuss opinions not aligning with the
thesis. It is unethical to exclude evidence that may not support the thesis. It is not the
author’s job to point out how other positions are wrong outright, but rather to explain
how other positions may not be well informed or up to date on the topic.
12. Function of Argumentative Essay
An argumentative essay presents both sides of an issue. However, it
presents one side more positively or meticulously than the other one, so
that readers could be swayed to the one the author intends. The major
function of this type of essays is to present a case before the readers in a
convincing manner, showing them the complete picture.
13. REFERENCES:
• Argumentative Essay - Examples and Definition of Argumentative Essay.
(2017). Retrieved 18 October 2020, from
https://literarydevices.net/argumentative-essay/
• Lab, P. (2020). Argumentative Essays // Purdue Writing Lab. Retrieved 18
October 2020, from
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/essay_writin
g/argumentative_essays.html#:~:text=The%20argumentative%20essay%20
is%20a,topic%20in%20a%20concise%20manner.
