Writing an Argumentative Essay

GoalYour Argumentative Essay will:

The goal of an argumentative essay is to change the reader’s point of view, to bring about some action on the reader’s part, or to ask the reader to accept the writer’s explanation of an issue.

Present your claim

Use unbiased evidence from the text

What is an Argumentative Essay?

Elements of Argument

1.) A claim

2.) Textual evidence

3.) Counter-arguments

What is a claim?

A claim is an opinion that can be supported by textual evidence.

Example:

“Exercise leads to a healthier lifestyle.”

Textual Evidence

Textual evidence is evidence taken directly or indirectly from an article, textbook, or other source. Your evidence must come from the assigned articles.

Example:

I-Min Lee’s team discovered that “people who engaged in 15 minutes a day of moderate physical activity minimized their risk of heart disease by 14% as compared to inactive people.”

What is a counter-argument?

When you counter-argue, you consider a possible argument against your opinion or some aspect of your reasoning. * Your essay must include the counter-argument

You will have one brief body paragraph that will state your counter-argument.

Example: “Some argue that eating a healthy, balanced diet has a

greater impact on health than physical activity. While a healthy diet is essential, increasing physical activity will be more beneficial for overall health.

Lead/Attention- Getter

The lead/attention –getter should “hook” the reader. You want him/her to be interested in what you are writing. An interesting question A quote A shocking statistic

“Push-ups, jumping jacks, and jogging…oh my!”

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.”

Structure of Argumentative Essay

Introduction Lead-in/Hook Background Information Thesis Statement

Body Paragraphs 1st Reason supporting claim 2nd Reason supporting claim 3rd Reason supporting claim*optional/need for Exemplary Counterargument**brief paragraph

Conclusion Restate thesis in different terms Call to action/closing insight

Thesis Statement

The purpose of the thesis statement is to state your claim and provide reasons.

Example:

“Even a small amount of daily physical activity improves energy levels, reduces risk of heart disease, and increases life expectancy.”

Topic Sentence

The topic sentence should be the first sentence of each body paragraph. If you have two points in your thesis statement you

will have two body paragraphs, each beginning with a topic sentence.

You will have one brief body paragraph that will state your counter-argument.

The topic sentence should cover what the body paragraph will mainly be about.

“ Exercise can improve energy levels.”

Transition words

Words or phrases used to connect one idea to the next, both within paragraphs and in-between paragraphs. Examples: In the first place, as well as, similar,

additionally, although, however, at the same time, besides, unlike, in the hope that, in order to, in general, for example, to emphasize, specifically, as a result, therefore, as shown above, as can be seen, in conclusion, overall, after all, in fact, for the most part, eventually, meanwhile, to begin with, and finally.

Concluding paragraph

Restates the thesis in different termsSummarizes all major claimsIncludes a call to action/action stepsCall to Action example:

“Individuals should dedicate a few minutes of each day to physical activity, and they will see positive results.”

Formal Writing

Writing that is done for school or professional purposes should always be in a formal register. This mean that you should NOT use any of the following: Slang – ain’t, gonna, ‘cause, etc. Abbreviations or Symbols – b/c, w/, &, + Text Speak – LOL, OMG

Objective Tone

In formal writing, you need to avoid using first-person and second-person personal pronouns. In more simple terms, no “I”, “me”, “my”, “you”, or “your”.

The reader already knows that this is your writing. Therefore, you do not need to use statements such as “in my opinion”, “I think”, “I believe”, or “according to what I have read”.

Examples

Wrong – In my opinion, physical activity is necessary for good health.

Right – Physical activity is necessary for good health.

Wrong – You need to exercise. Right – People need to exercise.

Wrong – You might think that eating well is enough, but I think that you have to exercise.

Right – Some may think that eating well is enough, but exercise is also necessary.