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What Is An Argumentative Essay?: How To Write An Argument Essay Step by Step

The document provides guidance on how to write an argumentative essay. It explains that an argumentative essay takes a position on an issue and supports it using evidence. There are 5 types of argument claims, including fact, definition, value, cause and effect, and policy. The thesis should present the argument as an answer to a question. It should also anticipate and refute any objections. The essay should include an introduction presenting the issue and thesis, a body with reasons and evidence supporting the position and addressing alternative views, and a conclusion restating why the reader should adopt the author's position.

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Zephyrine Chan
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158 views3 pages

What Is An Argumentative Essay?: How To Write An Argument Essay Step by Step

The document provides guidance on how to write an argumentative essay. It explains that an argumentative essay takes a position on an issue and supports it using evidence. There are 5 types of argument claims, including fact, definition, value, cause and effect, and policy. The thesis should present the argument as an answer to a question. It should also anticipate and refute any objections. The essay should include an introduction presenting the issue and thesis, a body with reasons and evidence supporting the position and addressing alternative views, and a conclusion restating why the reader should adopt the author's position.

Uploaded by

Zephyrine Chan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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How to Write an Argument Essay Step by Step

https://owlcation.com/academia/How-to-Write-an-Argument-Essay

What is an Argumentative Essay?


Argument essays seek to state a position on an issue and give several reasons, supported by
evidence, for agreeing with that position.

5 Types of Argument Claims


1. Fact: Is it true or not?
2. Definition: What does it really mean?
3. Value: How important is it?
4. Cause and Effect: What is the cause? What are the effects?
5. Policy: What should we do about it?

How to Write Your Thesis


Question/Answer format: To make your topic idea into a thesis you need to turn the topic idea into
a question first. Examples:

 Does divorce cause serious problems for the children? (fact)


 What is "domestic violence?" (definition)
 What are the causes of divorce? (cause)
 How important is it for couples to avoid divorce? (value)
 What can you do to make your marriage divorce-proof? (proposal)
Answer: Your question often can be the title of your paper, or it can be the last line of the
introduction. Your answer to this question is your thesis.

Example: The most important way to make your marriage divorce-proof is to make sure you have
carefully prepared for that commitment.

Refute Objections: You might want to put an introductory phrase in the first part of your thesis to
show that you are refuting other ideas about the answer.

Example: While some people think there is no way to divorce-proof your marriage, studies have
shown that there are fewer divorces when people carefully prepare for that commitment.

Roadmap: An additional way to make a strong thesis is to do a "Roadmap" which tells in just a few
words the three or more main points you will cover.
Example: While some people think there is no way to divorce-proof your marriage, studies have
shown that there are fewer divorces when people carefully prepare for that commitment by taking
time to get to know the other person before becoming engaged, spending time with one another's
family and friends, talking about hot-button issues like finances, and getting extensive premarital
counseling.

Introduction and Conclusion


Introduction Ideas Conclusion Ideas

What will happen if your solution is


Use a true story adopted or people accept your
argument.

Revise the scenario showing what will


Scenario: imaginary story which
happen if the reader adopts your
illustrates the problem
ideas.

Use a real-life example of how your


Startling quotation, fact or statistic
idea works.

Tell the reader what they need to


Explain the problem
think, do, feel or believe.

Appeal to the reader's emotions,


Describe vividly
character, or reason.

Frame story or flashback Finish the frame story.

You can mix and match these ideas for your essay.

Outlining Your Paper


Argument essays are fairly straightforward in their organization. In your paper, you will need to do
the following

1. Interest the reader in the situation and make them think it is worth learning more about.
2. Explain the controversy or problem clearly.
3. Explain the sides of the debate.
4. Tell them your side.
5. Convince them that your side is the best one to take.
6. Refute any objections they may be thinking about as they read.
7. Urge the reader to adopt our point of view to do, think or believe something.
I. Introduction: Explain the subject, the controversy, and end with your thesis. Here are some tips:
 Use the title to present your point of view. Often the title can be a question.
 Think about your audience—what aspects of this issue would most interest or convince
them?
 Check out the introduction and conclusion chart for creative ways to introduce your paper.
 Make sure you have a clear thesis which answers the question. The thesis should tell your
position and is usually the last sentence of your introduction.
III. Body: Explains the reasons your audience should agree with your thesis. Your body needs to
also refute objections or other points of view.

1. Reasons and support

 Usually, you will have three or more reasons why the reader should accept your position.
These will be your topic sentences.
 Support each of these reasons with argument, examples, statistics, authorities or anecdotes
 To make your reasons seem plausible, connect them back to your position by using “if…
then” reasoning
2. Anticipate opposing positions and objections

 What objections will your readers have? Answer them with argument or evidence.
 What other positions do people take on this subject? What is your reason for rejecting these
positions?

Conclusion: Make a final point which tells the reader what to think or do.

 Why should the reader adopt your point of view?


 You might use the anticipating objections in the conclusion.

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