The argumentative
essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic;
collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic
in a concise manner.
Please note: Some confusion may occur between the argumentative
essay and the expository essay. These two genres are similar, but the
argumentative essay differs from the expository essay in the amount of
pre-writing (invention) and research involved. The argumentative essay is
commonly assigned as a capstone or final project in first year writing or
advanced composition courses and involves lengthy, detailed research.
Expository essays involve less research and are shorter in length. Expository essays
are often used for in-class writing exercises or tests, such as the GED or GRE.
Argumentative
essay assignments generally call for extensive research of literature or
previously published material. Argumentative assignments may also require
empirical research where the student collects data through interviews, surveys,
observations, or experiments. Detailed research allows the student to learn
about the topic and to understand different points of view regarding the topic
so that she/he may choose a position and support it with the evidence collected
during research. Regardless of the amount or type of research involved,
argumentative essays must establish a clear thesis and follow sound reasoning.
The structure of
the argumentative essay is held together by the following.
·
A clear, concise,
and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay.
In the first
paragraph of an argument essay, students should set the context by reviewing
the topic in a general way. Next the author should explain why the topic is
important (exigence) or why readers should care about the issue. Lastly,
students should present the thesis statement. It is essential that this thesis
statement be appropriately narrowed to follow the guidelines set forth in the
assignment. If the student does not master this portion of the essay, it will
be quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive essay.
·
Clear and logical
transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.
Transitions are
the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without logical
progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s argument,
and the structure will collapse. Transitions should wrap up the idea from the
previous section and introduce the idea that is to follow in the next section.
·
Body paragraphs
that include evidential support.
Each paragraph
should be limited to the discussion of one general idea. This will allow for
clarity and direction throughout the essay. In addition, such conciseness creates
an ease of readability for one’s audience. It is important to note that each
paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical connection to the
thesis statement in the opening paragraph. Some paragraphs will directly
support the thesis statement with evidence collected during research. It is
also important to explain how and why the evidence supports the thesis (warrant).
However,
argumentative essays should also consider and explain differing points of view
regarding the topic. Depending on the length of the assignment, students should
dedicate one or two paragraphs of an argumentative essay to discussing
conflicting opinions on the topic. Rather than explaining how these differing
opinions are wrong outright, students should note how opinions that do not
align with their thesis might not be well informed or how they might be out of
date.
·
Evidential support
(whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).
The argumentative
essay requires well-researched, accurate, detailed, and current information to
support the thesis statement and consider other points of view. Some factual,
logical, statistical, or anecdotal evidence should support the thesis. However,
students must consider multiple points of view when collecting evidence. As
noted in the paragraph above, a successful and well-rounded argumentative essay
will also discuss opinions not aligning with the thesis. It is unethical to
exclude evidence that may not support the thesis. It is not the student’s job
to point out how other positions are wrong outright, but rather to explain how
other positions may not be well informed or up to date on the topic.
·
A conclusion that
does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence
provided.
It is at this
point of the essay that students may begin to struggle. This is the portion of
the essay that will leave the most immediate impression on the mind of the
reader. Therefore, it must be effective and logical. Do not introduce any new
information into the conclusion; rather, synthesize the information presented
in the body of the essay. Restate why the topic is important, review the main
points, and review your thesis. You may also want to include a short discussion
of more research that should be completed in light of your work.
A complete
argument
Perhaps it is
helpful to think of an essay in terms of a conversation or debate with a
classmate. If I were to discuss the cause of World War II and its current
effect on those who lived through the tumultuous time, there would be a
beginning, middle, and end to the conversation. In fact, if I were to end the
argument in the middle of my second point, questions would arise concerning the
current effects on those who lived through the conflict. Therefore, the
argumentative essay must be complete, and logically so, leaving no doubt as to
its intent or argument.
The five-paragraph
essay
A common method
for writing an argumentative essay is the five-paragraph approach. This is,
however, by no means the only formula for writing such essays. If it sounds
straightforward, that is because it is; in fact, the method consists of (a) an
introductory paragraph (b) three evidentiary body paragraphs that may include
discussion of opposing views and (c) a conclusion.
Longer
argumentative essays
Complex issues and
detailed research call for complex and detailed essays. Argumentative essays
discussing a number of research sources or empirical research will most
certainly be longer than five paragraphs. Authors may have to discuss the
context surrounding the topic, sources of information and their credibility, as
well as a number of different opinions on the issue before concluding the
essay. Many of these factors will be determined by the assignment.
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