Argumentative Essays

Bian MelladoSteven ChacónAlfonso Navas

Chapter #9

Argumentative essay needs reasons with evidence to support the opinion in the essay.

Is an essay in which you agree or disagree with an issue.

Example: The most important element in a friendship is

trust. Agree or disagree with this statement. Support your opinion with reasons and examples.

Organization of Argumentative Essay

Logically ways to organize:

Block pattern Point-by-point pattern

IntroductionExplanation of issueThesis statement

Body

Block 1 : Summary of other side’s argument

Rebutal of arguments (one by one)

Block 2: Your arguments (one by one)

III. Conclusion

IntroductionExplanation of issue / summary

of other side’s argumentsThesis statement

Body

A. Statement of other side’s argument and rebuttal with a counterargument

B. (and so on with other arguments)

III. Conclusion

Introductory Paragraph

An introductory paragraph always has

an issue. This is a necessary in all

argumentative essay.

Example:

Curfew laws are unfair and should be

abolished.

Thesis Statement

If you pay attention, the thesis statement

is the opposing point of view.

Example:

Although there are certainly reasons to be

cautious with stem cell research or any

new technology, I believe that its potential

benefits far outweigh its dangers.

Connectors

There’s a lot of ways to connect the

thesis statement with your point of

view. Some phrases that start the

opposing statement are:

1. Some people feel that….

2. Many think that….

Also there are ways to connect your

point of view with the thesis statement

like:

1. I like pizza, however I always eat

chicken.

2. He likes to play video games in spite of

it is not good.

THANKS

Oshima, A., Hogue, A. (2006). Writing Academic English. N.Y: Pearson.