The Argumentative
Essay
English 11 Research Project
What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative or position essay is one that
states a clear opinion of one side of an issue and
supports that opinion with logical reasoning,
facts, explanation, and reliable opinions of
others.

The audience is more interested in how
convincingly you support your opinion than in
the side you take.
Choosing a topic…

When choosing a topic you must be sure that

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It has two strong opposing sides, one of which you agree
with.
The defense of your position is interesting and varied, but not
too complicated for a five paragraph essay.
Research

To be valid, an opinion or point
of view must be supported by
facts and information.

Research will involve books,
newspapers, journals or internet
articles.
Types of Research Support

1. Statistics/Data
(why are the numbers significant?)

2. Examples
3. Expert opinions
(quotations)


4. Facts
EBSCO HOST:
search.ebscohost.com/

Google EBSCO:
Preparing Your Argument

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Thesis Statement

The thesis statement clearly illustrates which side you are for.
 A thesis statement often mentions the opposing point of view:
 Although there are certainly reasons to be cautious with stem cell research or
any new technology its potential benefits far outweigh its dangers.

Support it with logical reasons. Write down each reason that back your
belief- these are your arguments.
Counter- Argument


Every controversial issue has two sides. Once you can support what you
think, you need to explore the other side. Find three opposing ideas from
your arguments.
These ideas will help your form the body of your essay.
STOP
Pre-writing prep…


Use formal language and avoid using overgeneralizing words, such as always and never. And
avoid negative connotations and words like
“stupid”. Avoid emotional reasoning.
Rebut means to point out problems with the
other side’s 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 Pattern
 The Point by Point Pattern

Block Pattern


Present all the information about A and then present parallel information about B.
Each subtopic in Part 1 must be discussed in Part 2. Subtopics should be discussed in the
same order. Subtopics in Part 2 should generally include reminders of the point made
about the same subtopic in Part 1.
First: All of A:
Point 1 (plus support)
Point 2 (plus support)
Point 3(plus support
Second: All of B:
Point 1(plus support)
Point 2(plus support)
Point 3(plus support)
Example:
Thesis: Although dogs are often called man’s best friend, cats make more convenient pets.
Part A
Point 1:
Point 2:
Point 3:
Cats can clean themselves…
Cats can exercise by themselves…
Cats do not require training…
Part B
Point 1:
Point 2:
Point 3:
In contrast to cats, dogs need baths…
Unlike cats, dogs must be walked regularly…
Whereas cats need no training, dogs must be trained…
Point-by-Point Pattern

Present one point about A and then go to the parallel point about B. Move to the next
point, and do the same thing.

First A:
Then B:
Then A:
Then B:
Then A:
Then B:





Point 1 (plus support)
Point 1 (plus support)
Point 2 (plus support)
Point 2 (plus support)
Point 3 (plus support)
Point 3 (plus support)
Point 1:
Cats can clean themselves…
In contrast to cats, dogs need baths…
Point 2:
Cats can exercise by themselves…
Unlike cats, dogs must be walked regularly…
Point 3:
Cats do not require training…
Whereas cats need no training dogs must be trained…
The Introductory Paragraph

Present the issue or controversy clearly. Be
specific about what you are intending to argue
for or against.
Hook the reader with an interesting beginning
 Describe or give background on your topic
 Thesis statement

Building Body Paragraphs




You may use either model for your essay,
Remember whatever idea you present must have
a counter-argument.
ID- what is the argument?
SUPPORT- back it up with textual reference, (MLA cited)
EXPLAIN- give reasons/examples to why the support back up the
argument

Remember use of transitions to help shift your
argument.
MLA Citations

MLA (Modern Language Association) style is most
commonly used to write papers and cite sources within
liberal arts and humanities.

Use in-text citations when you use:




1. Another person’s ideas, opinion or theory
2. Any facts, statistics, graphs, drawings- any info that is not
common knowledge
3. Quotations of another person’s actual words
4. Paraphrase of another person’s spoken or written word.
MLA Citation

In Text Citation:
Direct quotation: Romantic poetry is characterized
by the "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings"
(Wordsworth 263).
 Wordsworth stated that Romantic poetry was
marked by a "spontaneous overflow of powerful
feelings" (Wordsworth 263).


Paraphrased citations: Wordsworth extensively
explored the role of emotion in the creative process
(Wordsworth 263).
MLA Style
Double-space
 12-point Times New Roman
 Name, course and teacher’s name appears on first
page in top left corner followed by date.
 Center title, but its still 12-point font
 Indent first line of paragraph, with Tab Key
 Create header that numbers all pages consecutively
with your last name included
 YOUR PAPER SHOULD LOOK LIKE THE
SAMPLE ESSAY!!!!!

MLA FORMAT
SAMPLE
Conclusion




A strong conclusion is vital. If the reasoning in the
body of the essay is presented in a clear, convincing
order, the summary of the main points and your
resulting opinion will also be strong.
Re-state your position about the topic
Review all reasons (short form) why your opinion is
best
End with a statement that ties it up for the reader
Using Easy Bib to Create A Works
Cited:



A bibliography using MLA is referred to as a
Works Cited.
www.easybib.com to create your works cited.
Keep you MLA Note-taking form handy for
easy reference to help create your works cited
through easy bib. You will be marked on these!