The Argumentative Essay
This just won’t cut it . . .
A strong ARGUMENT essay will . . .
• address an issue you feel passionately about
• ask the reader to accept the writer’s
explanation or evaluation of an issue or
problem
• change the reader’s point of view through the
use of evidence and facts
• identify & address the counterpoints (the
other side of the issue) and disprove them
Elements of the Argumentative Essay
 Claim (this is your thesis)
 Evidence: relevant and verifiable facts & stats
(NOT emotion!) We call this LOGOS!
 Explanation: how the evidence supports the
claim
 Counter-arguments: acknowledgement of
differing claims
So, let’s begin . . .
Planning Stage
• For an argument essay to be effective, it must
contain certain elements. For this reason, you
must take a few minutes to plan and prepare
before you jump into writing an argument
essay.
Finding Your Topic
• To find good topic for an argument essay you should
consider several issues that will have two conflicting
points of view.
• As you look over a list of topics you should find one
that really sparks your interest. While a strong interest
in a topic is important, it's not enough to be interested.
You have back it up with EVIDENCE!
• As you explore the topics, make a mental list of points
you could use as evidence for or against an issue.
Possible Topics
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Are our zoos cruel to wild animals?
Are women are better parents than men?
Children should never be educated at home by their parents. .
Does modern technology make life more convenient, or was life better
when technology was simpler?
Education is the single most important factor in the development of a
country.
The destruction of the world’s forests is inevitable as our need for land
and food grows.
Human beings do not need to eat meat in order to maintain good health
because they can get all their food needs from meatless products and
meatless substances. A vegetarian diet is as healthy as a diet containing
meat.
Violent video games creates violent individuals.
Do we need art in our lives?
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Is cheating getting worse?
Should students be able to grade teachers?
How important is phys ed?
The school day is too short/long.
How should schools address bullying?
Is prom really worth it?
Are web filters at school too restrictive?
Is facebook beneficial?
How young is too young for an Iphone?
Do shows like 16 and Pregnant promote or discourage teenage
pregnancy?
Can graffiti be considered art?
Do parents have different hopes & standards for sons and
daughters?
Do photoshopped images effect our self-esteem?
Should college athletes get paid?
200 Prompts for Argumentative Writing - NYTimes.com
Consider Both Sides of Your Topic and
Take a Position
• Once you have selected a topic you feel strongly
about, you should make a list of points for both
sides of the argument and pick a side.
• One of your first objectives in your essay will be
to present both sides of your issue with an
assessment of each. Of course, you will conclude
that one side (your side) is the best conclusion.
• In the planning stage you will need to consider
strong arguments for the "other" side. Then you'll
shoot them down!
Gather Evidence
• No Emotion!
• In an argument essay you will have to provide
evidence without providing too much drama.
You'll explore two sides of a topic (briefly)
and provide proof as to why one side or
position is the best one.
Just The Facts, Please
Writing Stage
• Once you've given yourself a solid foundation
to work with, you can begin to craft your
essay.
• An argument essay contains three parts: the
introduction, the body, and the conclusion.
• Transition words and phrases between ideas
• The length of these parts (number of
paragraphs) will vary, depending on the
length of your essay assignment.
The Intro
• HOOK—Interesting quote, fact or statistic,
rhetorical question, anecdote/story
• TRANSITION STATEMENT—Provide some
background info and connect your HOOK to
your THESIS
• THESIS STATEMENT—Your Argument/Claim
The Body Paragraphs
Present both sides of the controversy
• State your argument
• Present your points (each will be a different paragraph)
• Use a mix of evidence types: statistics, surveys, anecdotal
stories, interviews. This part of your paper could be any
length, from two paragraphs to two hundred pages.
• Present the "other" side--the counterclaim! You will
then provide evidence to show why your position is the
correct one. Typically the last paragraph before the
conclusion
• Conclusion: Re-state your position as the most sensible
one in your summary paragraphs.
Tips for Your Essay:
• Avoid emotional language
• Know the difference between a logical
conclusion and an emotional point of view
• Don't make up evidence
• Cite your sources (APA style)
• Make an outline
• Be prepared to defend your side by knowing the
strongest arguments for the other side. You might
be challenged by the teacher or by another
student.