ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

A.    Definition of Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay is an essay that is written to provide a persuasive argument to an opposing audience in order to change their minds.

In an argumentative essay the writer is trying to convince the reader by demonstrating the truth or falsity of a topic. The writer’s position will be backed up with certain kinds of evidence, like statistics or opinions of experts. The writer is not just giving an opinion, but making an argument for or against something and supporting that argument with data.

B.     The Function of Argumentative Essay

            The function of an argumentative essay is to show that your assertion (opinion, theory, hypothesis) about some phenomenon or phenomena is correct or more truthful than others'. The art of argumentation is not an easy skill to acquire. Many people might think that if one simply has an opinion, one can argue it successfully, and these folks are always surprised when others don't agree with them because their logic seems so correct. Argumentative writing is the act of forming reasons, making inductions, drawing conclusions, and applying them to the case in discussion; the operation of inferring propositions, not known or admitted as true, from facts or principles known, admitted, or proved to be true. It clearly explains the process of your reasoning from the known or assumed to the unknown. Without doing this you do not have an argument, you have only an assertion, an essay that is just your unsubstantiated opinion.

            Notice that you do not have to completely prove your point; you only have to convince reasonable readers that your argument or position has merit; i.e., that it is somehow more accurate and complete than competing arguments.      

Argumentative essays are often organized in the following manner:

1. They begin with a statement of your assertion, its timeliness, significance, and relevance in relation to some phenomenon.
2. They review critically the literature about that phenomenon.
3. They illustrate how your assertion is "better" (simpler or more explanatory) than others, including improved (i.e., more reliable or valid) methods that you used to accumulate the data (case) to be explained.

Finally revise and edit, and be sure to apply the critical process to your argument to be certain you have not committed any errors in reasoning or integrated any fallacies for which you would criticize some other writer.

C.    The Characteristic of Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay attempts to be highly persuasive and logical. It usually assumes that the reader disagrees with the writer, but it should be noted that the reader is no less intelligent than the writer. Hence an argumentative essay should be written objectively, logically and respectfully.

When planning an argumentative essay, be aware that the essay should contain the following characteristics:

·         The argumentative essay introduces and explains the issue or case. The reader needs to know what the issue is going to be.

·         The essay offers reasons, and supports these reasons.

·         The essay should prove its point.

·         The essay, at times, refutes (proves wrong) opposing arguments.

D.    The Structure of the Argumentative Essay

1.      Introduction

The first paragraph is the introductory paragraph. It introduces the problem and gives the background information necessary for the argument and the thesis statement.

2.      Body

The body paragraphs contain the reasons. Each paragraph talks about one reason. The reason is stated in the topic sentence and is supported by supporting details or materials. These supporting materials can be either examples, statistics, personal experiences, or quotations.

3.      Conclusion

The conclusion restates the main claim and presents one or two general statements which accurately summarize the arguments which support the main premise.

USEFUL TIPS for ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS

To write well developed paragraphs:

Ø  Avoid strong feelings (don’t say: nobody does this, or it is impossible to disagree with me)

Ø  Use generalizations (e.g. people say/believe/consider)

Ø  Do not use generalization (e.g. everybody believes that…..)

Ø  Do not use strong personal expressions (e.g. I think)

Ø  Use linking words (e.g. therefore, although, however etc.)

Ø  Use sequencing (e.g. firstly, secondly, lastly)

Ø  Make reference to other sources (e.g. The government claims that…)

Ø  Give examples – not personal thoughts (e.g. products such as sprayer can destroy the environment)

Ø  Give up banal introductions. Write something more original (Don’t write: This topic has been important since ancient times. When? Too vague = unclear)

Argumentative Essay Topics

            Argumentative essays can be written on many different topics. Delicate approach to choice of a topic or keen understanding of the given topic is the key element of good essay writing.    Here you can see some examples of argumentative essay topics:

1. argumentative essay on gender issues
2. argumentative essay on local produce and organic produce
3. argumentative essay on feminism
4. modern technology argumentative essay
5. hybrid cars argumentative essays
6. argumentative essay on obesity
7. argumentative essay on child obesity
8. from animal cruelty to serial murder argumentative essay
9. argumentative essay on drinking and driving

            If you hesitate either on choosing the essay topic or the idea for argumentative essay please feel free to contact us and we gladly help you any time you need assistance.

E.      Examples of Argumentative Essay

Why Women Should Not Have an Abortion

Many women in the entire world have abortions. Women believe there are many reasons to abort such as fear of having or raising a child, rape, or not having enough money. But whatever the situation, there is never an acceptable reason to get an abortion. Some important reasons why women should not abort have to do with human values, religious values, and values of conscience.

            The first reason why women should not have an abortion is related to basic human values. Women need to think about their unborn babies who are not responsible for this situation. These unborn babies should have the privilege to live and grow into a normal person. Women need to be more humanitarian and less egoistic with these babies. On the other hand, the baby doesn’t know how or why he is here. It is not necessary to kill a life; there are many other solutions to resolve this problem short of abortion.

            The second reason why women should not abort has to do with religious values. In almost all religions, a woman is not permitted to have an abortion. If they do, their religions will punish them. In some religions, for example, a woman cannot take communion after having an abortion, and before taking communion again, she must do many things as a form of penitence. In whatever religion, abortion is punished and for this reason, women should not abort.

            Finally, the third and most important reason why women should not

abort is the related to her conscience. When a woman has an abortion, she will always think about the baby she might have had. She will always believe about the future that could have happened with her baby which will always remind her that she killed it. Because she has had an abortion, she will never have a good life, and her conscience will remind her of what she had done. Because a woman who has an abortion can’t forget about what she has done, these thoughts will always be with her, and the results can be calamitous.

            There are many reasons why women should not have an abortion. The truth is that women need to think about the consequences that can occur before having sexual relations. I think that the effects of an abortion can be very sad for everyone involved, both for the woman who has the abortion and for the family who lives with her.

Why You Should Not Smoke
By Luisa Moad  ITESM, Campus Queretaro  Advanced English C

I am sure that you know that smoking harms your body. Then why do you continue smoking? Maybe you do it because you haven’t really become conscious about all the effects that smoking has. There are a lot of reasons why you shouldn’t smoke. Some of them are that smoking affects your health, that you spend a lot of money on cigarettes, and that when you smoke you are not respecting people around you.

The first reason why you shouldn’t smoke is that smoking affects your health. If you smoke, your physical condition will be negatively affected, so it will be very difficult for you to succeed in sports. Also, smoking produces lethal diseases like cancer and reduces the length and quality of your life. Maybe you don’t notice all the physical effects of smoking immediately, but you surely will be sorry one day.

The second reason why you shouldn’t smoke is because of all the money that you spend on it. Maybe you start smoking only when someone offers you a cigarette, but there will be a day when you will feel the need of a cigarette. By this time, you will pay whatever to smoke, and each time you will smoke more, so you will spend more money. All the money you would spend on cigars could have be spent in something better, don’t you think?

The last reason why you shouldn’t smoke is out of respect for the people around you. When you smoke, you not only harm yourself, but you also harm all the people around you. So you mustn’t be selfish; you should at least avoid smoking in front of people who don’t smoke. Also, many people don’t like the cigarette’s smell, so they won’t enjoy your company. Would you like that?

I have said just some reasons of why you shouldn’t smoke, so I hope that now those of you who smoke are able to think a little and try to make a smart decision. In addition to all the reasons I’ve said, I would like you to think about how much you love yourself and then whether you want to continue harming yourself. Think also about all the people who love you, like your family who doesn’t want to see you suffering or sick. If you decide to continue smoking, what a pity. But if you decide to stop smoking, congratulations! Remember that "If you can dream it, you can do it."

F.     How to Write an Argumentative Essay

 An argumentative essay uses reasoning and evidence—not emotion—to take a definitive stand on a controversial or debatable issue. The essay explores two sides of a topic and proves why one side or position is the best.

1.      The First Steps

·         Choose a specific issue to discuss.  Some debatable issues cover a wide range of topics.  For example, “legalizing drugs” is too broad a subject because topics within that issue include legalizing marijuana, the effectiveness of the FDA, or whether a painkiller made in Europe should be allowed into the US.  Any of these could be the sole focus of an argumentative paper.  

·         Research both sides of the topic thoroughly. Even if you know which side you want to argue, research can give you ideas for counterarguments and help your paper show balance rather than bias.

·         Develop a working thesis that states your position on the issue and summarizes your argument’s main reasons. Your body paragraphs should explain your reasons fully. 

2.      Body Paragraphs

a.         Present both sides of the issue, then state your opinion and explain why you chose that side. This option is useful if you did not have an opinion on the issue prior to research, or your audience is not very familiar with your topic. 

·         One half to two-thirds of your paper explains the issue, shows the two opposing sides, and gives an assessment of each.  This demonstrates that you have indeed conducted research and are an expert on the subject.  

·         Next, when you state your position, readers might be more inclined to agree with you.

·         Last, explain your reasons for choosing that side without repeating ideas from previous paragraphs.  

b.         State your opinion at the beginning.  List and explain the reasons for your choice. Acknowledge the other side’s arguments; then, disprove/refute those arguments. This option is useful when your audience already has some knowledge of the issue.  It allows you to be more assertive, thus making a stronger argument.  

·         Select the strongest evidence from your research and present your points—usually one point per body paragraph. 

·         Next, explain one or two of the opposing side’s points to show how readers might object to your argument. Then, show how these arguments are not reasonable, not logical, or not effective.  Be sure to reassert your own viewpoint and why it is the best choice.

c.       Final Steps: Revise and Edit

·         Pretend that your readers are a skeptical panel or jurors. You can best convince them of your arguments by avoiding emotional or aggressive language and by using a mix of evidence types—facts, statistics, examples, expert opinions, or even personal experience. 

·         Cite your sources!

·         To increase the chances that your audience will agree with you, start body paragraphs with ideas that both sides agree upon before arguing your point.

·         Know the other side’s strongest arguments to defend against challenges from other students or your instructor.

·         In your conclusion, emphasize why your topic is important, summarize your arguments,

·         and re-state your position as the most sensible choice. Do not include new evidence or arguments.