Unit 2 – Argument Essays

A. What is an argument essay?

In an argument’s essay, the writer’s purpose is to persuade the audience to agree with his or her opinion
about a controversial topic. The writer states the claim (opinion), gives reasons to support it, and tries
to convince the audience that he or she is correct.

I. Arguing pro or con

Choosing a topic that is appropriate for an argument is especially important because some things
cannot be argued.
Here are a few examples of effective topics and thesis statements for an argument essay:
- Marriage before the age of People under the age of eighteen should not be allowed
eighteen: to marry.
- Entrance exams: Entrance exams should not be required as part of the
application process for a university.
- Fast-food companies: Fast-food companies should list the calorie count for
all the food they sell.
You can argue either for (pro) or against (con) these statements. If your topic does not have two
viewpoints, your essay will not be effective. Look at the following example of an ineffective topic and
thesis statement:
- Jazz music: Jazz music began with African-Americans.

II. Convincing the reader

Your job as the writer of an argument essay is to convince your readers that your opinion about a topic
(your thesis statement) is the most valid viewpoint. To do this, your essay needs to include an opposing
viewpoint, or counterargument. Even though you are arguing one side of an issue (either for or
against), you must think about what someone on the other side of the issue would argue. As soon as
you give your opponent’s point of view, you must offer a refutation of it. This means that you refute
the other point of view, or show how it is wrong. If you give only your opinion, your essay will sound
like propaganda, and your readers will not be convinced of your viewpoint.

III. Sample argument essay

This essay argues the use of school uniforms. Read the essay and answer the questions that follow.
THE SCHOOL UNIFORM QUESTION
Individualism is a fundamental part of society in many countries. fundamental:
Most people believe in the right to express their own opinion without fear essential, basic
of punishment. This value, however, is coming under fire in an unlikely
place – the public school classroom. The issue is school uniforms. Should a public school:
public school students be allowed to make individual decisions about school run by the
clothing, or should all students be required to wear a uniform? School state government and
uniforms are the better choice for three reasons. paid for by taxes
Opponents of mandatory uniforms say that students who wear school
uniforms cannot express their individuality. This point has some merit on
the surface. However, school is a place to learn, not to show off wealth and

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 fashion. Society must decide if individual expression through clothing is
more valuable than improved educational performance. It is important to
remember that school uniforms would be worn only during school hours.
Students can express their individuality in the way that they dress outside
the classroom.
Wearing school uniforms would help make students’ lives simpler.
They would no longer have to decide what to wear every morning,
sometimes trying on outfit after outfit in an effort to choose. Uniforms
would not only save time but also would eliminate the stress often associated
with this chore.
School uniforms would help make all the students feel equal.
Students’ standards of living differ greatly from family to family, and some
people are well-off while others are not. People sometimes forget that school well-off: wealthy
is a place to get an education, not to promote a “fashion show”.
Implementing mandatory school uniforms would make all the students look to implement: to put
the same regardless of their financial status. School uniforms would promote into effect
pride and help to raise the self-esteem of students who cannot afford to wear
expensive clothing.
In conclusion, there are many well-documented benefits of
implementing mandatory school uniforms for students. Studies show that
students learn better and act more responsibly when they wear uniforms.
Public schools should require uniforms in order to benefit both the students
and society as a whole.
1. The topic of this essay is school uniform. What is the hook in the first paragraph?
_________________________________________________________________________________
2. What is the thesis statement? _______________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
3. Paragraphs 2 and 3 each give a reason for requiring school uniforms. These reasons can be found in
the topic sentence of each paragraph? What are the reasons?
Paragraph 2: ______________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Paragraph 3: ______________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
4. In Paragraph 3, what supporting information does the writer give to show that uniforms make
students equal? ____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
5. Which paragraph presents a counterargument – an argument that is contrary to, or the opposite of,
the writer’s opinion? ______________________ What is the counterargument? _________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

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6. The writer gives a refutation of the counterargument by showing that it is invalid. What is the
writer’s refutation? _________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
7. Write the sentence from the concluding paragraph that restates the thesis. ____________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
8. Reread the concluding paragraph. What is the writer’s opinion about this issue? _______________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

IV. Counterargument and Refutation

The key technique to persuading the reader that your viewpoint is valid is to support it in every
paragraph. However, the counterargument goes against your thesis statement. Consequently, every
counterargument that you include in your essay needs a refutation. A refutation is a response to the
counterargument that disproves it.
Look at the following sentences. Which one is the counterargument? Which one is the refutation?
Opponents of mandatory uniforms say that students who wear school uniforms cannot express
their individuality. This point has some merit on the surface. However, as stated previously, school
is a place to learn, not to show off wealth and fashion.
Read each counterargument below, then write a refutation. Remember to use a contrasting connection
word to begin your refutation.
1. Parents of extremely young beauty pageant contestants believe that these competitive contests help
build their child’s confidence.
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
2. A majority of health insurance companies do not provide financial coverage for preventive wellness
activities like nutrition management classes or gym memberships, stating that they are too costly to
manage.
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

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3. Opponents of the fast-food ban in high schools insist that students should have the freedom to eat
whatever they wish.
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

B. Developing an argument essay

I. Choosing a topic
Writing Pro and Con Thesis Statement
Read the following list of topics for argument essays. For each topic, write a pro (for) thesis statement
and a con (against) thesis statement related to the topic. Then compare your statements with your
classmates’ statements. The first one has been done for you.
1. Topic: Women in military
Pro thesis statement: In a society where women are CEOs of companies, leaders of nations, and family
breadwinners, there is no reason why they should not play an active role in the military.
Con thesis statement: Women should not be allowed to fight in the military because they do not have
the strength, the endurance and the flexibility required in combat.
2. Topic: Using animals in disease research
Pro thesis statement: ________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Con thesis statement: _______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
3. Topic: Driver’s license age restrictions
Pro thesis statement: ________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Con thesis statement: _______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
4. Topic: Space exploration
Pro thesis statement: ________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Con thesis statement: _______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

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5. Topic: Internet privacy
Pro thesis statement: ________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Con thesis statement: _______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

II. Outlining
The following outline, which is designed for an argument essay, is missing some supporting
information. Use your imagination, knowledge of the topic, and understanding of essay organization
to complete this outline.
Topic: Mandatory physical education in school
I. Introduction (Paragraph 1)
Thesis statement: Physical education classes should be required for all public school students in
all grades.
II. Body
A. Paragraph 2 (counterargument and refutation)
1. Counterargument: Some parents might disagree and claim that only academic subjects
should be taught in school.
2. Refutation: Then again, most parents do not have the time or the resources to see to it
that their children are getting enough exercise.
B. Paragraph 3 (Pro argument 1) topic sentence: Physical education courses promote children’s
general health.
1. Researchers have proved that exercise has maximum benefit if done regularly.
2. ______________________________________________________________________
3. Students should learn the importance of physical fitness at an early age.
C. Paragraph 4 (Pro argument 2) topic sentence: Physical education teaches children transferable
life skills.
1. Kids learn about teamwork while playing team sports.
2. Kids learn about the benefits of healthy competition.
3. ______________________________________________________________________
D. Paragraph 5 (Pro argument 3) topic sentence: _____________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
1. Trained physical education teachers can teach more effectively than parents.
2. Physical education teachers can usually point students toward new and interesting sports.
3. Schools generally have the appropriate facilities and equipment.

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III. Conclusion (Paragraph 6) (restated thesis): ___________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Physical education has often been downplayed as a minor part of daily school life. If its benefits are
taken into account and if schools adopt a 12-year fitness plan, the positive results will foster a new
awareness of not only physical fitness but also communication skills.

C. Original student writing

I. Choosing a topic
Here are some ideas for topics for an argument essays. Choose one and develop a thesis statement for
your topic.
1. At what age should a person be considered an adult?
2. Is technology (television, computers, cell phones, tablet devices) beneficial for children under the
age of five? Should a child be allowed to have full access to technology before the age of five?
3. Does food prepared at a restaurant taste better than food prepared at home?
4. Should teachers be held fully responsible if students do poorly in school?
5. Does giving children chores helps teach them about responsibility?
Essay topic: _______________________________________________________________________
Thesis statement:___________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

II. Brainstorming
Write everything you can think of that supports your argument. Then, choose three or four reasons that
support your thesis most effectively and circle them. These will be your major supporting information.

Think of opposing points of view. Write at least one counterargument and a refutation for your essay.
Counterargument: __________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Refutation:________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

III. Outlining
Complete the following outline for your essay.

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Topic: ___________________________________________________________________________
1. Introduction (Paragraph 1)
A. Hook / General topic: __________________________________________________________
B. Connecting information: ________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
C. Thesis statement: ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2. Body
A. Paragraph 2 (counterargument and refutation)
1. Counterargument: ___________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
2. Refutation: _________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
B. Paragraph 3 (first reason) topic sentence: ___________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
1. __________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________________
C. Paragraph 4 (second reason) topic sentence:_________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
1. __________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________________
D. Paragraph 5 (third reason) topic sentence: __________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
1. __________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________________
3. Conclusion (Paragraph 6)
A. Restated thesis: _______________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
B. Opinion: _____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

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IV. Peer editing your outline
Writer: _____________________________________________________________________
Peer editor: _________________________________________________________________
Topic: _____________________________________________________________________
Answer the following questions. Circle Yes or No. If the answer to any of these questions is No, tell
the writer why and make any suggestions for improvement that you can think of.
1. Is the hook interesting? In other words, does it catch the reader’s attention? Yes No
2. Is the writer’s opinion clear in the thesis statement? Yes No
3. Do the topic sentences in the body paragraphs support the thesis? Yes No
4. In each paragraph, do the supporting details relate to the topic sentence? Yes No
5. Are the counterargument and refutation strong? Yes No
6. Does the writer restate the thesis in the conclusion? Yes No
7. The best part of the outline is: ________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
8. Questions I still have about the outline: _________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________