Argument Writing
An Introduction
What is an Argument Essay?



In argument writing, a writer takes a position FOR or
AGAINST an issue and writes to convince the reader to
believe or do something
Argument writing utilizes LOGIC and REASON to show
that one idea is more legitimate than another
idea.
It attempts to persuade a reader to adopt a certain point
of view or to take a particular action. The argument
must always use sound reasoning and solid evidence
by stating FACTS, giving LOGICAL REASONS, using
EXAMPLES, and QUOTING EXPERTS.
When planning an arugument
essay, follow these steps:




1. Choose your position. Which side of the issue or problem are you
going to write about, and what solution will you offer? Know the
PURPOSE of your essay.
2. Analyze your AUDIENCE. Decide if your audience agrees with
you, is neutral, or disagrees with your position.
3. RESEARCH your topic. A persuasive essay must provide specific
and convincing EVIDENCE. Often it is necessary to go beyond your
own knowledge and experience. You might need to go to the library
or interview people who are experts on your topic.
4. STRUCTURE your essay. Figure out what evidence you will
include and in what order you will present the evidence. Remember
to consider your purpose, your audience, and your topic.
The following criteria are essential
to produce an effective argument:




Be well informed about your topic. To add to your knowledge of a
topic, read thoroughly about it, using legitimate sources. Take
notes.
Test your thesis. Your thesis, i.e., argument, must have two
sides. It must be debatable. If you can write down a thesis
statement directly opposing your own, you will ensure that your
own argument is debatable.
Disprove the opposing argument. Understand the opposite
viewpoint of your position and then counter it by providing
contrasting evidence or by finding mistakes and inconsistencies
in the logic of the opposing argument.
Support your position with evidence. Remember that your
evidence must appeal to reason.
The Introduction

The introduction has usually has THREE parts:



The HOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!! (ATTENTION GRABBER)
Some Background Knowledge
The THESIS STATEMENT



1. It tells the reader the specific topic of your essay.
(PURPOSE)
2. It imposes manageable limits on that topic. (THREE
REASONS)
3. It suggests the organization of your paper. (The order in
which you are going to discuss those reasons)
The Hook: Some Examples




Opening with an unusual detail:
 Manitoba, because of its cold climate, is not thought of as a great place
to be a reptile. Actually, it has the largest seasonal congregation of
garter snakes in the world!
Opening with a strong statement:

Cigarettes are the number one cause of lung cancer in the United
States
Opening with a Quotation:

Elbert Hubbard once said , "Truth is stronger than fiction."
Opening with an Anecdote: An anecdote can provide an amusing and
attention-getting opening if it is short and to the point. (A short account of
a particular incident.)
 I remember the first time my father gave me my first allowance
payment. The sum was a meager two dollars, but at the time, I felt
like the luckiest kid in the world. A whole new concept opened up to
me: the idea that I could make money by working.
The Hook: Some More Examples



Opening with a Statistic or Fact: Sometimes a statistic or fact
will add emphasis or interest to your topic. It may be wise to include
the item's authoritative source.
 According to the Center of Disease Control, over 440,000
Americans dies each year from tobacco use.
Opening with a Question. Opening with a question is overused
and I recommend not using it!
 Have you ever considered how many books we'd read if it were
not for television?
Opening with an Exaggeration or Outrageous Statement or
Figurative Language.
 The whole world watched as the comet flew overhead.
Your Turn to Write an Intro

Topic:

Many parents give children a weekly or
monthly allowance regardless of their
behavior because they believe an allowance
teaches children to be financially
responsible. Other parents only give
children an allowance as a reward for
completing chores or when they have
behaved properly. Explain whether or not
you believe parents should give their children
allowances.
Take a Look at this Example


Starting when I was about eight years old, my parents gave me a list of
chores that had to be completed each week. If I did my chores, I got an
allowance, a bit of change that I could use as I pleased. If I didn’t do my
chores, I didn’t get my allowance. There was no other punishment, but no
other punishment was necessary. That dollar or two a week was all the
incentive I needed to help out around the house. Whether it was the latest
Barbie or a six-pack of Hubba Bubba chewing gum, there was always
something I wanted to buy. My parents could always count on me doing
my chores.
I think that giving children an allowance for doing chores is a smart
parenting move, for it accomplishes four important goals: It helps ensure
that important work gets done around the house; it teaches children that
they need to do their part to make things run smoothly for the whole
family; it rewards children in a realistic, practical way for good behavior;
and it helps teach children how to handle money.
What do you Notice?
Hook: What type is used?


Starting when I was about eight years old, my parents gave
me a list of chores that had to be completed each week. If I
did my chores, I got an allowance, a bit of change that I
could use as I pleased. If I didn’t do my chores, I didn’t get
my allowance. There was no other punishment, but no other
punishment was necessary. That dollar or two a week was all the
incentive I needed to help out around the house. Whether it was
the latest Barbie or a six-pack of Hubba Bubba chewing gum, there
was always something I wanted to buy. My parents could always
count on me doing my chores.
I think that giving children an allowance for doing chores is a smart
parenting move, for it accomplishes four important goals: It helps
ensure that important work gets done around the house; it teaches
children that they need to do their part to make things run smoothly
for the whole family; it rewards children in a realistic, practical way
for good behavior; and it helps teach children how to handle money.
What do you Notice?
Background Information:


Starting when I was about eight years old, my parents gave me a
list of chores that had to be completed each week. If I did my
chores, I got an allowance, a bit of change that I could use as I
pleased. If I didn’t do my chores, I didn’t get my allowance. There
was no other punishment, but no other punishment was
necessary. That dollar or two a week was all the incentive I
needed to help out around the house. Whether it was the
latest Barbie or a six-pack of Hubba Bubba chewing gum,
there was always something I wanted to buy. My parents
could always count on me doing my chores.
I think that giving children an allowance for doing chores is a smart
parenting move, for it accomplishes four important goals: It helps
ensure that important work gets done around the house; it teaches
children that they need to do their part to make things run smoothly
for the whole family; it rewards children in a realistic, practical way
for good behavior; and it helps teach children how to handle money.
What do you Notice?
Thesis:


Starting when I was about eight years old, my parents gave me a
list of chores that had to be completed each week. If I did my
chores, I got an allowance, a bit of change that I could use as I
pleased. If I didn’t do my chores, I didn’t get my allowance. There
was no other punishment, but no other punishment was necessary.
That dollar or two a week was all the incentive I needed to help out
around the house. Whether it was the latest Barbie or a six-pack of
Hubba Bubba chewing gum, there was always something I wanted
to buy. My parents could always count on me doing my chores.
I think that giving children an allowance for doing chores is
a smart parenting move, for it accomplishes four important
goals: It helps ensure that important work gets done
around the house; it teaches children that they need to do
their part to make things run smoothly for the whole family;
it rewards children in a realistic, practical way for good
behavior; and it helps teach children how to handle money.
Now Break Down the Thesis

Purpose:


I think that giving children an allowance for doing chores is a
smart parenting move, for it accomplishes four important goals:
Global Reasons in Order:




1. It helps ensure that important work gets done around the
house;
2. it teaches children that they need to do their part to make
things run smoothly for the whole family;
3. it rewards children in a realistic, practical way for good
behavior;
4. and it helps teach children how to handle money.
Another Example

I remember the first time my father gave me my
initial allowance payment. The sum was a
meager two dollars, but at the time, I felt like
the luckiest kid in the world. A whole new
concept opened up to me: the idea that I could
make money by working. Soon I was helping
around the house with every chore I possibly
could. I absolutely believe that giving children
an allowance is a brilliant parenting move
because is teaches children the value of hard
work, instills financial responsibility, and rewards
children for good behavior.
Writing the Body




The writer then provides evidence to support the
opinion offered in the thesis statement in the
introduction. The body should consist of at least three
paragraphs.
Each paragraph is based on a solid reason to back
your thesis statement.
Since almost all issues have sound arguments on both
sides of the question, a good persuasive writer tries
to anticipate opposing viewpoints and provide
counter-arguments along with the main points in
the essay.
One of the three paragraphs should be used to discuss
opposing viewpoints and your counterargument.
Types of Supporting Evidence




Facts - A powerful means of convincing, facts can come from your reading,
observation, or personal experience.
 Note: Do not confuse facts with truths. A "truth" is an idea believed by many
people, but it cannot be proven.
Statistics - These can provide excellent support. Be sure your statistics come from
responsible sources. Always cite your sources.
 Example: A poll of 50 of my peers found that 68% of my classmates received a
weekly allowance. Of that 68%, 85% said they thought that their allowance
encouraged them to complete more house work.
Quotes - Direct quotes from leading experts that support your position are
invaluable.
 Dr. Linda Carter of the Center of Young Adults states, “Giving an adolescent a
weekly allowance greatly encourages responsible behavior and can further lead
to more mature and responsible decisions as an adult.”
Examples - Examples enhance your meaning and make your ideas concrete. They
are the proof.
 My friend Brenda also receives an allowance from her parents. She saves her
allowance in her own personal bank account. There is know doubt that Brenda
is learning financial responsibility.
What to Include in a Body
Paragraph







Topic Sentences
Concession Statements
Clarification Statements
Solid Supporting Evidence
Personal Experiences
Closing Statements
All of these sentences need to be linked together
via TRANSITION WORDS and PHRASES
Concession Statements


If you're writing a persuasive piece, you might consider beginning
with a CONCESSION--that is, by beginning with an
acknowledgement of part of your opponent's argument as being
valid. Remember that a concession is not a form of weakness. In
fact a concession is a strength as it finds common ground with your
opponent and establishes your ethical appeal: you are a reasonable
person willing to listen to/acknowledge that there are more sides to
an issue than yours.
You can’t ignore compelling opposing evidence. You must address
strong arguments on the other side; if you don’t, it looks like you
are not well prepared and have not looked at the issue you are
writing about from all perspectives.
Concession Statements

Now I want to have a concession statement to
begin my FIRST body paragraph before my
Topic Sentence…This is what it may look like:

I understand that many parents believe that children
should just complete their chores and help around the
house simply because they are told to. Others feel
that an allowance is a form of bribery and can
undermine the concept of putting the family first.
This may be true if a parent gives the child too much
money.
Topic Sentences

It is important to introduce the global reason,
or MAIN IDEA, within the first few
sentences of the paragraph. This establishes
the PARAMETERS of the paragraph and lets
the reader know exactly what you are going
to be discussing. You also need to use
TRANSITION WORDS OR PHRASES to
introduce this main idea. This gives the
essay fluidity.
Topic Sentences

This is what my topic sentence may look
like with a transition phrase, and it is
going to follow directly after my
concession statement…

Nevertheless, giving children a small
allowance is just a simple way to reward good
behavior.
Clarification Statement


Clarification statements are a simple way
to reiterate your main idea (REPITITION)
while adding some voice to your essay.
When used correctly they can be very
affective.
The trick is to not be redundant and
actually write your main idea IN
DIFFERENT WORDING.
Clarification Statement

Example Clarification Statement to follow
the Topic Sentence.

To clarify, the extrinsic reward of an
allowance is a fantastic way to encourage
positive choices.
Supporting Evidence


Supporting evidence is the heart and soul of
your persuasive essay. Without strong
supporting evidence your essay will fail at its
purpose. Please use FACTS, STATISTICS,
EXAMPLES, QUOTES, LOGICAL REASONS.
The whole point of supporting evidence is to
prove that your purpose is the correct way to
view the topic.
Supporting Evidence

Now I have to back my Topic Sentence
with evidence. This is how it may look…

When I was young, around eight or nine years old, my father started giving
me an allowance to complete simple chores around the house. The chores
started with minor tasks like cleaning my room or washing the dishes. As I
proved that I could handle those responsibilities with ease, the chores became
progressively more difficult. Soon I was vacuuming carpets and dusting
furniture. Then I graduated to the more difficult tasks of cleaning bathrooms,
mopping floors and mowing the law. As a consequence, the more challenging
the chores I completed, the more money I earned. Soon I didn’t have to asked
to do my weekly chores, I just did them. If, for whatever reason, I was not
responsible and did not complete my household tasks, I did not get paid. My
parents did not have to punish me any further; I knew right there and then that
I did not do something that I was supposed to. Without hesitation I would
instantly complete my work so I could get my paycheck.
Closing Sentence


The closing sentence wraps up the whole
paragraph and makes a smooth transition
to the next paragraph in the body.
Here is an example of a closing sentence…


I never fully realized until much later,
but my father was rewarding my responsible
behavior.
As a parent, wouldn’t you want to reinforce
positive behavior to maximize its occurrence?
Now Put it all Together!

I understand that many parents believe that children should just complete their chores and
help around the house simply because they are told to. Others feel that an allowance is a
form of bribery and can undermine the concept of putting the family first. This may be true
if a parent gives the child too much money. Nevertheless, giving children a small
allowance is just a simple way to reward good behavior. To clarify, the extrinsic reward of
an allowance is a fantastic way to encourage positive choices. When I was young, around
eight or nine years old, my father started giving me an allowance to complete simple chores
around the house. The chores started with minor tasks like cleaning my room or washing
the dishes. As I proved that I could handle those responsibilities with ease, the chores
became progressively more difficult. Soon I was vacuuming carpets and dusting furniture.
Then I graduated to the more difficult tasks of cleaning bathrooms, mopping floors and
mowing the law. As a consequence, the more challenging the chores I completed, the
more money I earned. Soon I didn’t have to asked to do my weekly chores, I just did
them. If, for whatever reason, I was not responsible and did not complete my household
tasks, I did not get paid. My parents did not have to punish me any further; I knew right
there and then that I did not do something that I was supposed to. Without hesitation I
would instantly complete my work so I could get my paycheck. I never fully realized
until much later, but my father was rewarding my responsible behavior.
The Conclusion

You need to include these three parts in
your conclusion:



Restate your thesis or focus statement.
Summarize the main points: The conclusion
enables your reader to recall the main points
of your position. In order to do this you can
paraphrase the main points of your argument.
Write a personal comment or call for action
The Conclusion

Ways to write a concluding sentence:




With a Prediction: This can be used with a narrative or a
cause and effect discussion. The conclusion may suggest or
predict what the results may or may not be in the situation
discussed or in similar situations.
With a Question: Closing with a question lets your readers
make their own predictions, draw their own conclusions.
With Recommendations: A recommendations closing is one
that stresses the actions or remedies that should be taken.
With a Quotation: Since a quotation may summarize, predict,
question, or call for action, you may use a quotation within a
conclusion for nearly any kind of paper.
The Conclusion

Making the decision to give a child an
allowance in an important one. Not many
parents take the time to think about the
consequences, beneficial or negative, this
decision may have on their child. Due to
the fact that allowances help children
prepare for the real world, I urge you to
consider giving your child an allowance.
The Conclusion

When parenting, it is so important to
make sure the good behavior is reinforced
so that the child will grow to become a
financially responsible adult with a strong
work ethic. If an allowance is not tied to
chores or proper behavior, these values
will not likely take root.
Quotes




"The difference between winners and losers is winners do things
losers don't want to do. And that's work hard to get ready to be a
star.“ Dr. Phil
“Over-indulgence is one of the most insidious forms of child abuse.”
Dr. Phil
“There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our
children. One of these is roots, the other, wings. -Hodding Carter.”
Life asks not merely what you can do; it asks how much can you
endure and not be spoiled.--Harry Emerson Fosdick