Argumentative Essay

1. Argumentative Essay April 26, 2011

2. Argumentation What defines a “reasoned argument?” How is this different from a basic argument?

3. Argumentation A “reasoned argument” contains convincing reason, plausible support and acknowledges opposing arguments. An argument vents strong feelings and quarreling.

4. Argumentative Essays This type of essay does not merely assert and opinion. It presents an argument backed up by data that persuades the reader that the opinion is valid.

5. Audience You must assume that your reader will disagree with you, or be skeptical; therefore, your tone must be reasonable, professional, and trustworthy. However, this does not mean you must maintain objective. You may still “frame” your essay in a way that promotes your position.

6. Audience It's usually wise to think of your audience in an academic setting as someone who is perfectly smart but who doesn't necessarily agree with you. You are not just expressing your opinion in an argument ("It's true because I said so"), and in most cases your audience will know something about the subject at hand—so you will need sturdy proof.

7. Thesis Statements Making a claim In academic writing, an argument is usually a main idea, often called a "claim" or "thesis statement," backed up with evidence that supports the idea. The thesis must be something that people could reasonably have differing opinions on. If your thesis is something that is generally agreed upon or accepted as fact then there is no reason to try to persuade people.

8. Have a Debatable Thesis Pollution is bad for the environment. At least twenty-five percent of the federal budget should be spent on limiting pollution.

9. Have a Debatable Thesis The second statement is an example of a debatable thesis because reasonable people could disagree with it. Some people might think that this is how we should spend the nation's money. Others might feel that we should be spending more money on education. Still others could argue that corporations, not the government, should be paying to limit pollution.

10. Keep Your Thesis Narrow The thesis statement must also be narrow. The narrower the thesis the more effective your argument will be. Your thesis or claim must be supported by evidence. The broader your claim is, the more evidence you will need to convince readers that your position is right.

11. Keep Your Thesis Narrow Drug use is detrimental to society. There are several reasons this statement is too broad to argue: First, what is included in the category "drugs"? Second, in what ways are drugs detrimental Finally, what does the author mean by "society"?

12. Keep Your Thesis Narrow Illegal drug use is detrimental because it encourages gang violence. In this example the topic of drugs has been narrowed down to illegal drugs and the detriment has been narrowed down to gang violence. This is a much more manageable topic.

13. Evidence Do not stop with having a point. You have to back up your point with evidence. The strength of your evidence, and your use of it, can make or break your argument. Examples: Facts, Statistics, Examples.

14. Counterargument By considering what someone who disagrees with your position might have to say about your argument, you show that you have thought things through, and you dispose of some of the reasons your audience might have for not accepting your argument.

15. Counterargument When you are summarizing opposing arguments, be charitable. Present each argument fairly and objectively, rather than trying to make it look foolish. You want to show that you have seriously considered the many sides of the issue and that you are not simply attacking or caricaturing your opponents.

16. Organization Examples of Outline Patterns: Introduction Thesis Statement Pro idea 1 Pro idea 2 Con(s) + Refutation(s) Conclusion

17. Organization Examples of Outline Patterns: Introduction Thesis Statement Con(s) + Refutation(s) Pro idea 1 Pro idea 2 Conclusion

18. Organization Examples of Outline Patterns: Introduction Thesis Statement Con idea 1 > Refutation Con idea 2 > Refutation Con idea 3 > Refutation Conclusion