Argumentative Essays

What is an Argumentative Essay?An argumentative essay is an essay in which you agree or disagree with a certain issue, using reasons to support your opinion.

What is an Argumentative Essay?You may be asked a question like this:Stem cell research offers a potential cure for many fatal diseases. Many people oppose stem cell research because it involves using cells from human embryos. Do you agree or disagree that stem cell research should be prohibited?

What is an Argumentative Essay?Note: What is unique about an argumentative essay is that you do not just give reasons to support your point of view. You must also discuss the other sides reasons and rebut them.

(Rebut means to point out problems with the other sides reasons to prove they are not good reasons.)

Organization of an Argumentative Essay?There are two common ways to organize an argumentative essay.

the block patternthe point-by-point pattern

Block PatternI.IntroductionExplanation of the issueThesis statement

II.BodyBlock 1A.Summary of the other sides argumentsB.Rebuttal to the first argumentC. Rebuttal to the second argumentD. Rebuttal to the third argument

Block 2E.Your first argumentF. Your second argumentG. Your third argument

III. Conclusion - may include a summary of your own point of view

Point-by-Point PatternI.IntroductionExplanation of the issue, including a summary of the other sides argumentsThesis statement

II.Body

A.Statement of the other sides first argument and rebuttal with your own counter argument.B.Statement of the other sides second argument and rebuttal with your own counter argument. C.Statement of the other sides third argument and rebuttal with your own counter argument. III. Conclusion - may include a summary of your own point of view

The Introductory ParagraphThe introductory paragraph contains an explanation of the issue, which is a necessary part of an argumentative essay.You may also begin your argumentative essay with a more engaging introduction - with surprising statistics, for example, or a dramatic story.

The Introductory ParagraphIf you choose to write an attention-getting introduction, you may need to explain the issue in a second introductory paragraph and write your thesis statement at the end of this (the second) paragraph.

The Introductory ParagraphThesis Statement

The thesis statement in an argumentative essay states clearly which side you are for:Stem cell research should receive the full support of our government.

The Introductory ParagraphA thesis statement often mentions the opposing point of view. Notice that the writers opinion is expressed in the main (independent) clause, and the opposing point of view is normally put in a subordinate structure.

Although there are certainly reasons to be cautious with stem cell research or any new technology (subordinate clause), its potential benefits far outweigh its dangers. (main clause)

The Introductory ParagraphUse expressions like the following to introduce opposing points of view.

Some people feel that the United States should change their healthcare plan.

Many think that genetically engineered crops are a grave danger to the environment.

The Introductory ParagraphSmokers say that they have the right to smoke.

It may be true that the U.S. constitution gives citizens the right to own weapons.

The Introductory ParagraphThen connect the opposing point of view to your own with transition signals of contrast.

Some people feel that the United States should change their healthcare plan; however, others feel that the government should stay out of the health care business.

The Introductory ParagraphAlthough/Even though many think that genetically engineered crops are a grave danger to the environment, such crops can alleviate world hunger and malnutrition.

Smokers say that they have the right to smoke in spite of the fact that/ despite the fact that smoking will kill them.

The Introductory ParagraphWhile/Whereas it may be true that the U.S. constitution gives citizens the right to own weapons, the men that wrote the constitution lived in a different time.

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