Argumentative Essay

1. Argumentative Essay July 27, 2011

2. Argumentation What defines a “reasoned argument?” How is this different from a basic argument?

3. Argumentation A “reasoned argument” contains convincing reason, plausible support and acknowledges opposing arguments. An argument vents strong feelings and can be reduced to quarreling instead of discussing.

4. Argumentative Essays This type of essay does not merely assert an opinion. It presents an argument backed up by data that persuades the reader to believe that the opinion is valid.

5. Audience You must assume that your reader will disagree with you, or be skeptical; therefore, your tone must be reasonable, professional, and trustworthy. However, this does not mean you must maintain objective. You may still “frame” your essay in a way that promotes your position.

6. Audience It's usually wise to think of your audience in an academic setting as someone who is perfectly smart but who doesn't necessarily agree with you. You are not just expressing your opinion in an argument ("It's true because I said so”). In most cases, your audience will know something about the subject at hand—so you will need sturdy proof.

7. Thesis Statements Making a claim In academic writing,the basicargument is usually the main idea of the essay, often called a "claim" or "thesis statement," backed up with evidence that supports the idea.The thesis statement tells your reader what you want them to think about the issue and why. The thesis must be something that people could reasonably have differing opinions on. If your thesis is something that is generally agreed upon or accepted as fact then there is no reason to try to influence people to agree with you.

8. Have a Debatable Thesis Pollution is bad for the environment. Because of the current rate of environmental destruction, at least twenty-five percent of the federal budget should be spent on limiting pollution.

9. Have a Debatable Thesis The second statement is an example of a debatable thesis because reasonable people could disagree with it. Some people might think that this is how we should spend the nation's money. Others might feel that we should be spending more money on education. Still others could argue that corporations, not the government, should be paying to limit pollution.

10. Keep Your Thesis Narrow The thesis statement must also be narrow. The narrower the thesis the more effective your argument will be. Your thesis or claim must be supported by evidence. The broader your claim is, the more evidence you will need to convince readers that your position is right.

11. Keep Your Thesis Narrow Drug use is detrimental to society. There are several reasons this statement is too broad to argue: First, what is included in the category "drugs"? Second, in what ways are drugs detrimental Finally, what does the author mean by "society"?

12. Keep Your Thesis Narrow Illegal drug use is detrimental because it encourages gang violence. In this example the topic of drugs has been narrowed down to illegal drugs and the detriment has been narrowed down to gang violence. This is a much more manageable topic.

13. Forecasting Forecasting is always a good idea because it gives your reader an understanding of the path and organization of your essay. “Illegal drug use is detrimental because it encourages gang violence.” Know where your argument is going: Forecast it in terms of how you will define your argument. “McDonald’s is bad for your kids… these jobs undermine school attendance and involvement, impart few skills that will be useful later in life, and simultaneously skew the values of teenagers…”

14. Evidence Do not stop with having a point. You have to back up your point with evidence. The strength of your evidence, and your use of it, can make or break your argument. Examples: Facts, Statistics, Examples. Your research will be done on the Gale Opposing Viewpoints Database.

15. Counterargument By considering what someone who disagrees with your position might have to say about your argument, you show that you have thought things through, and you dispose of some of the reasons your audience might have for not accepting your argument.

16. Counterargument When you are summarizing opposing arguments, be charitable. Present each argument fairly and objectively, rather than trying to make it look foolish. You want to show that you have seriously considered the many sides of the issue and that you are not simply attacking or caricaturing your opponents.

17. Organization Examples of Outline Patterns: (Basic Outline) Introduction Presentation of Issue Thesis Statement Body Reasons with Support Reasons with Support Opposing Positions - Refutation Conclusion

18. Organization Examples of other Outline Patterns: (if your readers are likely to disagree with you!) Introduction Presentation of Issue Some Aspect Opposing Position Thesis Statement Body Reason and Support for your position Reason and Support for your position Conclusion

19. Organization Examples of other Outline Patterns: (if your readers are likely to agree with you!) Introduction Presentation of Issue Thesis Statement Body Opposing idea > Refutation Opposing idea > Refutation Opposing idea > Refutation Conclusion

20. In-Class Journal Assignment Find a topic and issue. State your position on the issue (working thesis) List reasons (at least 3) for your position List potential readers (3) List possible reasons (3) for opposing the position