Writing an Argumentative

Essay
The purpose of writing an argumentative
essay
• The purpose of writing an argumentative essay is to persuade the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or
take a specific action on a contentious issue.
• There are some key purposes:
1. Persuasion: The primary goal of an argumentative essay is to convince the reader of the validity of
your argument or position on a given topic. Through logical reasoning, evidence, and persuasive
language, you aim to sway the reader to agree with your viewpoint.
2. Debate and Discussion: Argumentative essays stimulate critical thinking and promote intellectual
discourse by presenting differing viewpoints on a topic. By engaging with opposing arguments and
providing counterarguments, you contribute to ongoing debates and discussions surrounding the issue.
3. Analysis and Evaluation: Argumentative essays require careful analysis and evaluation of evidence,
data, and information related to the topic. You must critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of
various arguments and evidence to support your own position effectively.
4. Problem-Solving: Argumentative essays often address complex issues or problems facing society,
politics, or the environment. By proposing solutions or advocating for specific actions, you contribute
to the process of problem-solving and decision-making.
The structure of argumentative essay
Example of Argementative Essay
• Topic: Capital Punishment (
• Sample of Introduction:
The death penalty has long been a divisive issue in the United States. 24 states allow
the death penalty, while the other 26 have either banned the death penalty outright or issued
moratoriums halting the practice. Proponents of the death penalty argue that it’s an effective
deterrent against crime. Time and time again, however, this argument has been shown to be
false. Capital punishment does not deter crime. But not only that—the death penalty is
irreversible, which allows our imperfect justice system no room for error. Finally, the
application of the death penalty is racially biased—the population of death row
is over 41% Black, despite Black Americans making up just 13% of the U.S. population. For
all these reasons, the death penalty should be outlawed across the board in the United States.
 Proponents of the death penalty have long claimed that the
practice is an effective deterrent to crime. It might not be pretty, they
say, but its deterrent effects prevent further crime. Therefore, its
continued use is justified. The problem is that this is just not borne out
in the data. There is simply no evidence that the death penalty deters
crime more than other forms of punishment, like long prison sentences.
States, where the death penalty is still carried out, do not have lower
crime rates than states where the practice has been abolished. States
that have abandoned the death penalty likewise show no increase in
crime or murder rates.
 For example, the state of Louisiana, where the death penalty is
legal, has a murder rate of 21.3 per 100,000 residents. In Iowa, where
the death penalty was abolished in 1965, the murder rate is 3.2 per
100,000. In Kentucky the death penalty is legal and the murder rate is
9.6; in Michigan where it’s illegal, the murder rate is 8.7. The death
penalty simply has no bearing on murder rates. If it did, we’d see
markedly lower murder rates in states that maintain the practice. But
that’s not the case. Capital punishment does not deter crime. Therefore,
it should be abolished.
 It might be nice to think that executing murderers prevents future
murders from happening, that our justice system is infallible, and no one is
ever wrongly put to death, and that the application of the death penalty is free
of bias. But as we have seen, each of those thoughts are just comforting
fictions. The death penalty does not prevent future crime—if it did, we’d see
higher crime rates in states that’ve done away with capital punishment. The
death penalty is an irreversible punishment meted out by an imperfect justice
system—as a result, wrongful executions are unavoidable. And the death
penalty disproportionately affects people of color. The death penalty is an
unjustifiable practice—both practically and morally. Therefore, the United
States should do away with the practice and join the more than 85 world
nations that have already done so.
Rubric
• Thesis Statement
• The thesis is clear, debatable, and effectively presents the main argument.
• Introduction
• Engages the reader with a compelling hook and provides context for the topic.
• Supporting Evidence
• Presents comprehensive and relevant evidence that effectively supports the
argument.
• Counter Arguments and Rebuttals
• Addresses and effectively refutes counterarguments, demonstrating
understanding of opposing viewpoints.
• Conclusion
• Restates the thesis and summarizes