The Argumentative Essay

What exactly is an Argument?

An argument involves the

process of establishing a claim
and then proving it with the use
of logical reasoning, examples,
and research.
What is an Argumentative or Argument
Essay?

The purpose of an
argumentative essay is to
present well-reasoned
conclusions in order to
persuade the audience to
accept or at least seriously
consider a point of view.
The aim of writing argumentative
essays

• To convince or persuade the

reader.
• One attempts to change the
reader’s mind and convince the
reader to agree with the point of
view or claim of the writer.
 An argumentative
essay is based on logic
and reasons while a
persuasive essay is
based on emotions and
personal opinions.
 Key terms to learn before writing an
argumentative essay
1. Argumentation: the act or process
of forming reasons, drawing
conclusions, and applying them to a
case in discussion.
2. Pro Argument (PRO): point or
statement that supports one’s ideas.
3. Counter Argument (CON): point or
statement in opposition to the
argument being made in a written
document or speech.
 Key terms to learn before writing an
argumentative essay
4. Refutation: the process of
disproving an opposing
argument.
5. Opponent: a person who
disagrees with something and
speaks against it.
6. Proponent: someone who
argues in favor of something;
advocate.
 Elements of Argumentation

Argument/Claim

An argument states a claim and

supports it with reasons and
evidence from sources.

Arguing your side makes you the

proponent.
8
 Elements of Argumentation

Counterargument/Counterclaim

• The counterargument/counterclaim is an
argument that stands in opposition to your
argument/claim.
• The counterargument/counterclaim is your
opponent’s (the other side’s) argument
that tries to explain why you are wrong.

9
 How to write argumentative essays

Choosing a topic and writing the thesis

statement

• Decide on a controversial topic (debatable and

interesting).
• Write an argumentative thesis statement.

• Generate ideas (free writing or brainstorming).

 When Supporting your Argument
In supporting your argument, the
evidence that you include can be:
• Facts: data that have been
objectively proven and are generally
accepted (such as historical facts,
scientific data, statistics etc.)
• Examples: should be sufficient
number of examples to prove the
case.
• Support from authority
• Opinions of experts
 The Role of Your Audience
• Understanding your audience is key to
effective writing of all kinds, especially
argumentative writing.

• An argument is an implicit dialogue or

exchange with your audience, so in writing
arguments, assume there is a reader that
will not agree with you.

• Audience awareness is absolutely

essential to successful argument;
therefore…
 Do not be rude!

• You should make sure that you reach

your audience without offending them!
• Use tactful and courteous language
• Avoid sweeping statements like
‘’everybody knows’’ or ‘’people with any
intelligence agree that’’.