1 Argumentative-Essay

THE ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
WHAT EXACTLY IS AN
ARGUMENT?
An argument involves the process of establishing a claim and

then proving it with the use of logical reasoning, examples,
and research.
WHAT IS AN ARGUMENTATIVE OR
ARGUMENT ESSAY?
The purpose of an argumentative essay is to present

well-reasoned conclusions in order to persuade the
audience to accept or at least seriously consider a
point of view.
THE AİM OF WRİTİNG ARGUMENTATİVE
ESSAYS
• To convince or persuade the reader.

• One attempts to change the reader’s mind and
convince the reader to agree with the point of view or
claim of the writer.
KEY TERMS TO LEARN BEFORE WRITING
AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
1. Argumentation: the act or process of forming reasons,
drawing conclusions, and applying them to a case in
discussion.
2. Pro Argument (PRO): point or statement that supports
one’s ideas.
3. Counter Argument (CON): point or statement in opposition
to the argument being made in a written document or
speech.
4. Refutation: the process of disproving an opposing
argument.
5. Opponent: a person who disagrees with something and speaks
against it.
6. Proponent: someone who argues in favor of something;
advocate.
CHART EXAMPLES
Elements of Argumentation
Argument/Claim
An argument states a claim and supports it with

reasons and evidence from sources.
Arguing your side makes you the proponent.
7
WHAT IS A GOOD ARGUMENT?
Consider an argument that:
• Can be support with factual evidence
• Is specific enough to hold a focus
• Has multiple perspectives and stances
• You are passionate about

Elements of Argumentation
Counterargument/Counterclaim
• The counterargument/counterclaim is an argument

that stands in opposition to your argument/claim.
• The counterargument/counterclaim is your
opponent’s (the other side’s) argument that tries to
explain why you are wrong.
9
HOW TO WRITE ARGUMENTATIVE
ESSAYS
Choosing a topic and writing the thesis statement
• Decide on a controversial topic (debatable and interesting).

• Write an argumentative thesis statement.
• Generate ideas (free writing or brainstorming).

WHEN SUPPORTİNG YOUR
ARGUMENT
One important concern in writing an argumentative essay is
to strengthen your argument. To do this, you need to base
your argument on sound evidence. In supporting your
argument, the evidence that you include can be:
• Facts: data that have been objectively proven and are
generally accepted (such as historical facts, scientific data,
statistics etc.)
• Examples: should be sufficient number of examples to prove
the case.
• Support from authority
• Opinions of experts
THE ROLE OF YOUR AUDIENCE
• Understanding your audience is key to effective writing of all kinds, especially
argumentative writing.
• An argument is an implicit dialogue or exchange with your audience, so in

writing arguments, assume there is a reader that will not agree with you.
• Audience awareness is absolutely essential to successful argument; therefore…
• Know your audience

• What is their position on the issue?
• How strongly do they feel about it?
• Are they open-minded enough to consider other views?
• What will their objections be to your argument?
You can overcome fair representations of your opponents’ views by giving a

well-developed “yes, but . . .” response.
DON NOT BE RUDE!
• You should make sure that you reach your

audience without offending them!
• Use tactful and courteous language
• Avoid sweeping statements like ‘’everybody
knows’’ or ‘’people with any intelligence agree
that’’.
ORGANIZE IDEAS INTO AN
OUTLINE
USEFUL SENTENCES
• Yes ____, but ____
• Although I agree up to a point, I still insist . . . (59).
• “I agree” that ____, but I cannot agree that ____.”
• X is right that ______, but she claims that ____ (60).
• I agree that ______ because my experience [of] ________
confirms it (57).
PRACTICE
Invent an argument statement for an audience
• Topic: pet ownership
• Audiences:
• Middle-class elementary school-age kids
• 25-y.o. Indian women in Seattle
• Dog show enthusiasts
What might each group care about? Already know?
Need to know? What points could you make about
owning a pet?
MODEL ESSAYS
https://www.collegeessay.org/blog/argumentative-essay-examples
IN CONCLUSION
• Have a point to your argument—make your own

decisions about your topic
• Identify your audience
• Explain what “They” say about your topic
• Respond to what “They” say with your argument
• Address potential objections with respect
• Show why your audience should care

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THE ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

An argument involves the process of establishing a claim and

The purpose of an argumentative essay is to present

• To convince or persuade the reader.

An argument states a claim and supports it with

Arguing your side makes you the proponent.

• Can be support with factual evidence

• Is specific enough to hold a focus

• Has multiple perspectives and stances

• You are passionate about

• The counterargument/counterclaim is an argument

Choosing a topic and writing the thesis statement

• Decide on a controversial topic (debatable and interesting).

• Generate ideas (free writing or brainstorming).

• An argument is an implicit dialogue or exchange with your audience, so in

• Audience awareness is absolutely essential to successful argument; therefore…

• Know your audience

You can overcome fair representations of your opponents’ views by giving a

• You should make sure that you reach your

• Have a point to your argument—make your own

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