The Argumentative Essay
(The Opinion Essay)
Definition: The argumentative essay is an essay that
shows the opinions of the author. Argumentative
essays are used when discussing a controversial topic
such as which is the best football team, women joining
the military, or requiring uniforms in school.
Purpose: The purpose of an argumentative essay is to
convince the reader about one side of an argument. For example, if the writer thinks that Real
Madrid is the best football team, he would explain why. If the writer thinks that women should
not join the military, he would state is reasons to support his opinion and so on.
The Structure: The structure of the basic argumentative essay is a bit different than the basic
5-paragraph essay you were initially introduced to. The first, second, third, and fifth paragraphs
are the same structure: Introduction, First Support, Second Support, and Conclusion. However,
the fourth paragraph is the REFUTATION paragraph and is where the author writes the opinion
of the other side of the essay and then defends his opinions against that idea. This is the
paragraph in which many students have the most problems. You must tell the other guy’s
opinion BUT do not forget to REFUTE his opinion and explain why you are STILL RIGHT. See the
examples below of refutations below.
Refutation Example A
Topic: Should marijuana be legal?
THESIS STATEMENT: Marijuana should not be legalized for several key reasons.
Notice: Because this essay is going to explain why marijuana is bad, dangerous,
unhealthy, and so on, the first half of your refutation is going to explain why some people think
marijuana is okay. THEN you will again say why it is NOT okay.
90
REFUTATION:
On the other hand, many people argue that marijuana should be legal
because it is a natural substance that has several health benefits for different illnesses such as
glaucoma. However, even though there are a few benefits to this drug, there are safer, more
effective medications used to treat those illnesses without having the feeling of being high.
Furthermore, marijuana would likely be easier to abuse and distribute to children and
teenagers.
Refutation Example B
Topic: Smoking banned on school campuses
THESIS STATEMENT: Smoking should not be banned on school campus
due to three significant reasons.
Notice: Because this essay is going to explain why smoking should be allowed on school
campuses, the refutation paragraph will first explain why it should be banned. THEN the second
part will explain WHY that idea is not valid.
REFUTATION:
In contrast, some may argue that smoking should not be allowed on
campus because it makes the campus look dirty as people throw cigarette butts on the ground
and do not dispose of them properly. Yet, what many fail to realize is that it is not only
cigarette butts on the ground but also other trash as well, such as plastic bottles and candy
wrappers. If cleanliness is the opponents’ main issue, then other items such as water, candy,
and cola would need to be banned as well. Instead of banning cigarettes from school campuses,
rules against littering should be applied.
*Note about refutations: Be sure to argue the opposite point. Do not just mention the
opposite point, ignore it and then talk about something different. Defend! Defend! Defend!
Remember, no matter what your idea or opinion is, you are right…as long as you can prove it!
**The secret to writing a good argumentative essay is knowing BOTH SIDES to the argument. If
you do not know information about the topic, then you cannot write a good essay. Also, if you
don’t know information about the topic, find it. It’s called RESEARCH!
91