What is an Argumentative Essay?

The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic, collect,
generate, and evaluate evidence, and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.
Please note: Some confusion may occur between the argumentative essay and the expository essay.
These two genres are similar, but the argumentative essay differs from the expository essay in the
amount of pre-writing (invention) and research involved. The argumentative essay is commonly
assigned as a capstone or final project in first year writing or advanced composition courses and
involves lengthy, detailed research. Expository essays involve less research and are shorter in length.
Expository essays are often used for in-class writing exercises or tests, such as the GED or GRE.
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
s/he may choose a position and support it with the evidence collected during research. Regardless of
the amount or type of research involved, argumentative essays must establish a clear thesis and
follow sound reasoning.
The structure of the argumentative essay is held together by the following:
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 (exigence) 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.
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 essays 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.
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 ones
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 (warrant).
However, argumentative essays should also consider and explain differing points of view regarding the
topic. Depending on the length of the assignment, students 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, students should note how opinions that do not align with
their thesis might not be well informed or how they might be out of date.

Evidential support (whether 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, students must consider multiple points of view
when collecting evidence. As noted in the paragraph above, 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 students 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.
A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence
provided.
It is at this point of the essay that students may begin to struggle. This is the portion of the essay that
will leave the most immediate impression on the mind of the reader. Therefore, it must be effective
and logical. Do not introduce any new information into the conclusion; rather, synthesize the
information presented in the body of the essay. Restate why the topic is important, review the main
points, and review your thesis. You may also want to include a short discussion of more research that
should be completed in light of your work.
Planning Stage
For an argument essay to be effective, it must contain certain elements. For this reason, you must
take a few minutes to plan before you jump into writing an argument essay.
Find a Good Topic
To find good topic for an argument essay you should consider several issues that will have two
conflicting points of view or very different conclusions. As you look over a list of topics you should find
one that really sparks your interest.
While a strong interest in a topic is important, it's not enough. You next have to consider what position
you can back up with reasoning. It's one thing to have a strong belief, but when shaping an argument
you'll have to explain why your belief is reasonable and logical.
As you explore the topics, make a mental list of points you could use as evidence for or against an
issue.
Consider Both Sides of Your Topic and Take a Position
Once you have selected a topic you feel strongly about, you should make a list of points for both sides
of the argument and pick a side. One of your first objectives in your essay will be to present both sides
of your issue with an assessment of each. Of course, you will conclude that one side (your side) is the
best conclusion.
In the planning stage you will need to consider strong arguments for the "other" side. Then you'll
shoot them down!
Gather Evidence

When we think of arguments we might picture two red-faced people speaking quite loudly and making
dramatic gestures. But that's because face-to-face arguments often become emotional. In fact, the act
of arguing involves providing proof to support your claim, with or without emotions.
In an argument essay you will have to provide evidence without providing too much drama. You'll
explore two sides of a topic (briefly) and provide proof as to why one side or position is the best one.
Writing Stage
Once you've given yourself a solid foundation to work with, you can begin to craft your essay. An
argument essay should contain three parts: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. The length
of these parts (number of paragraphs) will vary, depending on the length of your essay assignment.
1. Introduce your topic and assert your side
As in any essay, the first paragraph of your argument essay should contain a brief explanation of your
topic, some background information, and a thesis statement. In this case, your thesis will be a
statement of your position on a particular controversial topic.
Example introductory paragraph with thesis statement:
Since the turn of the new century, a theory has emerged concerning the end of the world, or at least
the end of life as we know it. This new theory centers around the year 2012, a date that many claim
has mysterious origins in ancient manuscripts from many different cultures. The most noted
characteristic of this date is that it appears to mark the end of the Mayan calendar. But there is no
evidence to suggest that the Maya saw any great relevance to this date. In fact, none of the claims
surrounding a 2012 doomsday event hold up to scientific inquiry. The year 2012 will pass without a
major, life-altering catastrophe.
2. Present both sides of the controversy
The body of your essay will contain the meat of your argument. You should go into more detail about
the two sides of your controversy and state the strongest points of the counter-side of your issue.
After describing the "other" side, you will present your own viewpoint and then provide evidence to
show why your position is the correct one.
Select your strongest evidence and present your points one by one. Use a mix of evidence types, from
statistics, to other studies and anecdotal stories. This part of your paper could be any length, from two
paragraphs to two hundred pages.
Re-state your position as the most sensible one in your summary paragraphs.
Tips for Your Essay:

Avoid emotional language

Know the difference between a logical conclusion and an emotional point of view

Don't make up evidence

Cite your sources

Make an outline

Be prepared to defend your side by knowing the strongest arguments for the other side. You
might be challenged by the teacher or by another student.

Features

1. So, what do you write about? Pick a well-defined, controversial issue.

(Spend some time with the latest copies of several news magazines,
watch 60 Minutes, or listen to National Public Radio to generate ideas.)
Readers should understand what the issue is and what is at stake. The
issue must be arguable, as noted above. After stating your thesis, you will
need to discuss the issue in depth so that your reader will understand the
problem fully.
2. A clear position taken by the writer. In your thesis sentence, state
what your position is. You do not need to say: "I believe that we should
financially support the space station." Using the first person weakens your
argument. Say "Funding for the space station is imperative to maintain
America's competitive edge in the global economy." The thesis can be
modified elsewhere in the essay if you need to qualify your position, but
avoid hedging in your thesis.
3. A convincing argument. An argumentative essay does not merely
assert an opinion; it presents an argument, and that argument must be
backed up by data that persuades readers that the opinion is valid. This
data consists of facts, statistics, the testimony of others through personal
interviews and questionnaires or through articles and books, and
examples. The writer of an argumentative essay should seek to use
educated sources that are nonbiased, and to use them fairly. It is
therefore best to avoid using hate groups as a source, although you can
use them briefly as an example of the seriousness of the problem. Talk

shows fall into the same category as they are frequently opinionated or
untrue.
4. A reasonable tone. Assume that your reader will disagree with you or
be skeptical. It is important, therefore, that your tone be reasonable,
professional, and trustworthy. By anticipating objections and making
concessions, you inspire confidence and show your good will.

Argumentative Essay

The Controllers
Warning! Warning! Alarms go off inside your head. You?re at the mall walking around with one of
your best buds looking at CDs, when all of a sudden you look up and see this drop dead gorgeous
girl, whose looking at CDs in the next aisle. You grasp the CD case you were looking at firmly,
and use the reflection quickly to make sure none of your pimples are ready to burst, and that
your hair is fixed right. You glance down at you pants making sure they are set right on your
shoes to make them look as cool as possible. Then you make sure that your shirt is straightened
up. You take a breath and look up. She gives looks at you out of the corner of your eyes and you
feel a skip in you chest. She looked at you! You automatically double checked with your eyes to
make sure your zipper?s zipped and that she?s not laughing at you, but she?s really smiling at
you. Wow, you think, she must really think I look cool!
That was only a brief glimpse into the complicated life of a teenage boy. A boy who reads
magazines, wants a car, plays video games, and watches a lot of TV. Every morning he wakes up
and picks out his clothes sometimes taking them off and putting on others that match better. His
ultimate goal is to look as good and cool as possible, like those guys in the Gap commercials on
TV, with their perfect smiles and their arm always around that really hot girl.
Why have we as males become more concerned about our looks and body? It seemed that only
twenty years ago it was just the girls really worrying about their make up and nails. Even though
we have not come so far as to put on make up and paint out nails weird colors to match our 300
dollar outfit to go to the mall, we have become more aware of looking cool and more attracting to
the opposite sex. Yet it seems as if instead of looking to better out grades and get a good job to
attract females we?ve started to look more and more at our looks then what we do and who we
are.
What we teens don?t realize is that TV has a bigger impact on our daily life then we think it does.
It?s become the government?s way of talking to us. It?s also a way of communication and
entertainment. Since the 1940?s, when the television really became open to the public, the news
and our favorite shows have shown us different parts of the world. It imposed new ideas and
little by little, changed society. Because companies started to use the television to advertise and
introduce new styles, society has started to desire to be those people on television.
When I was younger and watched more TV, I would usually watch cartoons about superheroes
saving the world, like Captain Planet or the Ninja Turtles. A lot of times I would try to imitate
their hairstyles to make myself more like them. Now we do the same thing with the serial
comedies and action shows, though now we don?t admit that we want to imitate these people as

openly.
Most of the men and guys on TV look good or have good bodies. They most likely wear the
clothes that are in style. In the movies, these guys often get the girl or are the hero of the
picture. As of late, in shows like Friends, The Read World, and Sex in the City, where the
relationships are shallow and mostly based on looks, have become more and more popular. A lot
of times the reasons that they dump a guy are because his penis is too small or he needs to lose
fat around some areas.
Shows like these only make guys more self-conscious about their looks because they think that
the girls expect us to be a rippling Arnold Schwarzenegger with a perfect body. A lot of times we
also think they want us to look like the guys in the Abercrombie and Fitch ads, with their hands
down their crotches and an arm holding a hot girl. What they?re really saying is, ?Hey guys! Look
like me even though you probably won?t be able to. If you do though, you?ll get lots of hot girls
like this one.? These pictures tend to have a lot of sexual content, and this puts a lot of pressure
on having ?in? clothes and being cool.
Another source that has altered the male thinking is the magazine. Because girl magazines like
Cosmopolitan encourages women use the power to choose and be ahead of the relationship, it
also places stress on guys to look better for girls, and this stress in turn has made other
magazines come into existence and feed off of the new male impulse to look better. I looked on
the internet and found at allyoucanread.com their list of the top twenty men magazines. Three of
them were aimed to help men look better and be fit. A majority of the others included magazines
such as Maxim at number one and others that helps guys see the women on TV up close. They
also contain ads that promote the idea of having muscles and being cool, which encourages a lot
of guys to use steroids and lift weights.
These magazines are read by a majority of the male population in America, and anything that
gets published in them is sent out to a couple million males. Their opinions become the public?s
opinions. Personally, I was surprised to see so many health and fitness magazines. Both
magazines and the television have had a big effect on why we as males are more concerned
about our looks now, then fifty years ago. They control the need to look good around the world.
The real struggle is to not let these materials conflict with what we really know. When you
consider it in the long run, these things do not matter: popularity, money, and what you do.
Focus more on what matters, like relationships that are not based on whether your hair looks
good, or if your face is clear of acne.

Child abuse Essay

Child abuse is an immense problem that does require immediate help provided to the
child from the side of specialists. Once a teacher gets an allegation of abuse from a child, he
must not require a written statement from the child or must not make the child repeat the
allegation in front of other teachers or adult people. The teacher must not wait until the end
of the school day, but report immediately by the means of telephone and support it with a
written report within the next 36 hours. The teacher takes individual responsibility for the
report, so it cannot be done anonymously. Both the telephone and the written report are
subjects of certain legal procedures. The telephone report should include detailed
information about the person making the report and detailed information about the child,
suspected of being a victim of abuse: location, special needs, injury, ect. Afterwards all the
details must be repeated by the contact person and approved by the reporting teacher. By
no means a teacher should contact the childs parents and a teacher should not make an
investigation.