Argumentative Essays

What is an Argumentative
Essay?
An argumentative essay is an essay in which
you agree or disagree with a certain issue, using
reasons to support your opinion.

What is an Argumentative
Essay?
You may be asked a question like this:
Stem cell research offers a potential cure for
many fatal diseases. Many people oppose stem
cell research because it involves using cells from
human embryos. Do you agree or disagree that
stem cell research should be prohibited?

What is an Argumentative
Essay?
Note: What is unique about an argumentative
essay is that you do not just give reasons to
support your point of view. You must also
discuss the other sides reasons and rebut them.

(Rebut means to point out problems with the other sides reasons to prove they are
not good reasons.)

Organization of an
Argumentative Essay?
There are two common ways to organize an
argumentative essay.

the block pattern

the point-by-point pattern

Block Pattern
I.

Introduction
Explanation of the issue
Thesis statement

II.

Body

III.

A.
B.
C.
D.

Block 1
Summary of the other sides arguments
Rebuttal to the first argument
Rebuttal to the second argument
Rebuttal to the third argument

E.
F.
G.

Block 2
Your first argument
Your second argument
Your third argument

Conclusion - may include a summary of your own point of view

Point-by-Point Pattern
I.

Introduction
Explanation of the issue, including a summary of the other sides arguments
Thesis statement

II.

Body
A.
B.
C.

III.

Statement of the other sides first argument and rebuttal with your
own counter argument.
Statement of the other sides second argument and rebuttal with
your own counter argument.
Statement of the other sides third argument and rebuttal with your
own counter argument.

Conclusion - may include a summary of your own point of view

The Introductory Paragraph

The introductory paragraph contains an
explanation of the issue, which is a necessary
part of an argumentative essay.
You may also begin your argumentative
essay with a more engaging introduction with surprising statistics, for example, or a
dramatic story.

The Introductory Paragraph

If you choose to write an attention-getting
introduction, you may need to explain the
issue in a second introductory paragraph and
write your thesis statement at the end of this
(the second) paragraph.

The Introductory Paragraph

Thesis Statement
The thesis statement in an argumentative
essay states clearly which side you are for:
Stem cell research should receive the full
support of our government.

The Introductory Paragraph

A thesis statement often mentions the
opposing point of view. Notice that the writers
opinion is expressed in the main
(independent) clause, and the opposing point
of view is normally put in a subordinate
structure.
Although there are certainly reasons to be
cautious with stem cell research or any new
technology (subordinate clause), its potential benefits
far outweigh its dangers. (main clause)

The Introductory Paragraph

Use expressions like the following to
introduce opposing points of view.
Some people feel that the United States
should change their healthcare plan.
Many think that genetically engineered crops
are a grave danger to the environment.

The Introductory Paragraph

Smokers say that they have the right to
smoke.
It may be true that the U.S. constitution gives
citizens the right to own weapons.

The Introductory Paragraph

Then connect the opposing point of view to
your own with transition signals of contrast.
Some people feel that the United States
should change their healthcare plan; however,
others feel that the government should stay
out of the health care business.

The Introductory Paragraph

Although/Even though many think that
genetically engineered crops are a grave
danger to the environment, such crops can
alleviate world hunger and malnutrition.
Smokers say that they have the right to smoke
in spite of the fact that/ despite the fact that
smoking will kill them.

The Introductory Paragraph

While/Whereas it may be true that the U.S.
constitution gives citizens the right to own
weapons, the men that wrote the constitution
lived in a different time.

Questions?
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