Argumentative Writing
CHOOSING A POSITION AND PERSUADING
YOUR READER USING LOGICAL ARGUMENTS
TO AGREE WITH YOUR POSITION.
Expository Writing
 Expository:
 An expository essay has a purpose to either inform, explain, or
describe a topic.
 It gives a balanced account of the topic.
 It has a neutral and objective tone.
 Structure:
 Introduction: lead the reader into the topic and state the
purpose of your essay
 Body: divide the main topic into sub-points. Describe, explain,
compare, or classify the information to support the topic.
 Conclusion: remind the reader of your overall point and
suggest wider implications to close the essay
Argumentative Writing
 Argumentative:
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An argumentative essay has the purpose to convince the reader of the
validity of your point of view.
Appeals to the readers logic rather than emotion.
Clearly states an opinion.
 Structure:
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Introduction: Leads the reader into the topic, the controversy or
debate surrounding that topic, and clearly states your position.
Body: Begins by making points that support your overall position.
Then presents and refutes opposing arguments (concession and
rebuttal).
Conclusion: Does not introduce new arguments but rather restates
the overall position clearly and briefly explains how you have
demonstrated its validity.
Concession
 Definition: recognizing the opposing viewpoint and
acknowledging that it has some merit.
 A reader of your essay is more likely to listen to you if
you show you can see his/her point of view before
you counter that argument.
Rebuttal
 Definition: to refute or disprove by offering a
contrary argument.
 Once you have shown the reader the other argument
you then need to disprove that argument to further
your main point and show that the other side is
flawed.
Example
 Concession example: Many school administrators
think an open campus would be a temptation for
students to cut classes and act irresponsibly.
 Rebuttal example: However, students who earn the
privilege of open campus would be unlikely to
jeopardize that privilege; besides, rules could be
created to rescind the privilege after one class cut.
Transitions
 Here are some transitions to help when writing
about the other side:
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It is true that…however…therefore…
Certainly…but…in short…
Admittedly…on the other hand…so…
Of course…nevertheless…as a result…
Obviously…on the contrary…finally…
Sure…however…in addition…
Citing from Multiple Sources
 When you are given multiple sources to take text
evidence from you must change how you cite your
concrete details.
 Your citation should include the authors last name
and the page number (if available). If it is not
available you may use the title of the text.
 Transition, lead in “Write your concrete detail here
making sure it is word for word” (Smith 29).
Assignment
 Write a 4 paragraph argumentative essay.
 Choose a position:
 The National Guard should continue to protect the Little Rock
9 to ensure their safety.
 The National Guard should not continue to protect the Little
Rock 9 because it is not changing anything; the students are
violent whether they are there or not.
Organization
 For your essay you will have:
 Introduction: 4-6 sentences introducing your topic.
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Your last sentence in your introduction is your thesis which must state
your position and your counterclaim.
Body Paragraph 1: This paragraph argues your position.
Your TS should state your position and two reasons supporting it
(which will be supported in your two chunks).
 Support your position in a 2 chunk paragraph using text evidence.
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Body Paragraph 2: This is your counterclaim/concession rebuttal.
Your TS should clearly acknowledge the opposing argument, and also
offer two reasons why it is invalid.
 In a 2 chunk paragraph acknowledge the other side’s argument and
offer a rebuttal using text evidence.
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Conclusion: Does not introduce new arguments. 4-5 sentences
restating your position and it’s validity.