An argumentative essay puts forward a strong statement which may be new or potentially provocative and uses the standard essay format to expand on and support the thesis with evidence which attempts to persuade the reader that the opening statement is correct whilst acknowledging other arguments.
The method used will usually consist of reasoned argument where opinion is proposed as an undeniable fact and seek to prove this by means of logical debate of an issue. Typically, the argumentative essay will form reasons and inferences and propose them as convincing argument in support of the initial thesis.
The argumentative essay acknowledges contrary opinions but seeks to reject them by disproving them or undermining them. It makes judgements based on existing evidence and either qualifies, disproves or contradicts them by the introduction of new evidence, re-evaluation of existing evidence or reasoned contradiction determined by inference. In argumentative essays, the thesis proposed must, by the conclusion, be taken to be proven; unlike other essays, there is not so much room for manoeuvre in this type of essay as you are aiming to be convincing.
The method used will usually be to begin with a statement of the argument emphasizing its importance, often in relation to a larger topic where the argument is contributing to an ongoing debate to which it offers a new perspective. Following on from this, contemporary thinking on the subject will be thoroughly and critically assessed in order to demonstrate how much more effective the thesis statement under discussion is and explain why and how this supposition has been reached.
The final stage of an argumentative essay employs the same critical analysis that was applied to the thinking of others to assess the validity of the current thesis and ensure that the argument is watertight. The argumentative essay will conclude by attempting to anticipate and address possible objections to the thesis by pre-emptive rhetoric.
You May Also Find These Documents Helpful
-
There are many different ways to write an argumentative paper. An argumentative paper is a paper designed to push a reader toward an idea or feeling an author evokes (Skywire 332). An author will try to make ludicrous ideas seem more appealing to the reader. "A Modest Proposal" is a great example of this technique.…
- 481 Words
- 2 Pages
Good Essays -
Argumentative focus Thesis statement (using the although…however.. because…1,2,3 format – other formats may be used as long as the argumentative nature of the thesis is evident ) (essay map of the most imp points) Using your own logic and reasoning to prove your point & not relying solely on research Appropriately formulated claim Appropriate use of ethos, logos, pathos Relevant, detailed & varied support for the topic sentences & the thesis statement Appropriate use of logos, ethos & pathos Depth of development…
- 514 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
ANSWER THE QUESTION! You must focus on this throughout your essay, not just in the introduction and conclusion. The question will contain a word like evaluate, or assess, or explain, or discuss. All these words indicate that you must put forward an ARGUMENT – ie, a statement, supported by detailed evidence which explains the reasons for your making the statement in the first place.…
- 434 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
Your essay should be well developed, with an introduction that contains a precise thesis statement, an essay body that proves that thesis, and a conclusion that summarizes your argument and points out its historical significance. I expect the essays to be based on the lecture material.…
- 523 Words
- 3 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
Step 2: Write a thesis statement with three key points that you will argue. Remember: The thesis must be argumentative and debatable. You must take a position on the topic rather than provide topical information.…
- 464 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
The essay needs to be in the form of an argument- a dialogue between opposing views.…
- 6916 Words
- 25 Pages
Better Essays -
2. Write the thesis statement for your argument. It should consist of one or two complete sentences that clearly state your position on the issue and give a reason for your position.…
- 334 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
* Based on your notes and book chapter, what other elements of an Argumentation and Persuasion essay did the writer use? (Rogerian method, Toulminian method, refutes, etc.) These comments can be both positive and negative.…
- 369 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
This assignment asks you to analyze an argumentative article, editorial, essay, etc. using the criteria in our text. By analyzing the Ethos of the author and source, the Logos, Pathos, Language, Tone and Style of the piece, determine if you thought the argument was weak or strong and explain why. You are NOT responding to or writing about the subject of the argument. You are analyzing the strength of the author’s argument. In other words, your opinion about the subject does not matter. Consider yourself an objective observer whose job it is to report to your reader whether the author makes a strong or weak argument and explain why you feel this way. Summarize the article and provide context in your introduction so the reader can understand the situation, then analyze the appeals, the language, tone and style. Below is a checklist you should follow:…
- 353 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
Today rhetoric such as, epideictic and deliberative, is a part of language that is often given a negative connotation. It is usually perceived that corrupt politicians and sales persons use rhetoric in arguments to conceal the truth. In actuality, epideictic and deliberative appeal are rhetoric that should be seen as an important part of language. These kinds of rhetoric can help communicate ones point across and create something easily understood by the audience. Language is powerful and can be used to transform ideas and thoughts. Epideictic and deliberative appeal are useful tools that makes use of the power of language to more efficiently inform others of what we think, or persuade others of certain ideas. However,…
- 1212 Words
- 5 Pages
Better Essays -
An Argumentative Research Essay is an exploration of a topic in which a point of view is declared in the thesis…
- 1018 Words
- 5 Pages
Powerful Essays -
Pros: There aren’t really any pros to being an illegitimate child, except that you won’t ever…
- 1530 Words
- 7 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
how to pay for health care and proving that the counter argument is flawed. All of…
- 557 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
Throughout this 8-week semester, I have been learning how to write argumentative essays using the provided articles as well as the ones I find on my own to help support my arguments. I like how the first three papers are designed as a step by step teaching tool. For example, paper one teaches me how to read and summarize the articles and to give a short response to each article. This is very helpful, because without having a deep understanding of the issue being discussed, I would not be able to generate my opinion and present it to the audience. The second paper requires more than reading and summarizing. This paper actually introduces me to argumentative research essays by asking me to find one additional resource to support my arguments. The third paper, which is also the biggest research paper, requires me to have a well-broad understanding of the complexity of the topic and to be able to utilize three to four resources to effectively support my position. Thus, instead of throwing all the class material to me all at once, this class has taught me how to develop an argumentative paper step by step and provided me with a much stronger knowledge base about argumentative essays. However, writing argumentative essay is a challenging process. It requires a lot of thinking, researching and organization in order to create a well written paper.…
- 956 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
• UNC Thesis Statement Handout • Clarity • Specificity • Argumentative - states a position or interpretation, not fact • Sophistication • Significance…
- 3135 Words
- 13 Pages
Better Essays