Argumentative Essay Writing Guide

Definition Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay is a type of academic writing. It presents a well-structured and coherent argument on a particular topic or issue. Its objective is to persuade the readers to adopt a certain position about an issue. Or take a particular stance about some debate.

This type of essay typically begins with an introduction, having a clear thesis statement that presents the writer’s stance. The body paragraphs then present supporting evidence, examples, and analysis to back up the argument. It also addresses opposite perspectives or counterarguments. The conclusion of the essay summarizes the main points, restating the thesis, and reinforcing the writer’s own position. Here are the main features of a good argumentative essay that students must include in their essays.

Main Features of an Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay typically consists of several key elements/features such as follows:

Element	Detail
1. Introduction	Captures the reader’s attention through a good hook.Provides background information on the topic.Includes a good thesis statement
2. Clear thesis statement	Presents the main argument.Placed at the end of the introduction.Provides a map to the readers.This is the heart of an argumentative essay.
3. Evidence and support	Body paragraphs present evidence, examples, and logical reasoning.Supports the thesis statement.Includes data, expert opinions, research findings, anecdotes, or logical arguments.Should be supported by relevant and credible sources. These are integral parts of an argumentative essay.
4. Counterarguments	Addressing counterarguments demonstrates the writer’s ability to anticipate and address potential objectionsAcknowledges opposing viewpoints.Strengthens the argument by refuting opposing claims and providing a well-rounded analysis.
5. Logical structure	Each body paragraph focuses on a single point or piece of evidence that supports the thesis statement.Paragraphs are organized in a logical sequence with smooth transitions between ideas.
6. Persuasive language and rhetorical devices	Effective use of persuasive language and rhetorical devices to engage the reader and enhance the impact of the argument.Includes emotional appeals through figurative language, rhetorical questions, and concise wording.This type of language is necessary for an argumentative essay.
7. Conclusion	Restates the thesis statement.Summarizes the main points discussed in the essay.Reinforces the writer’s stance.May provide a call to action or a final thought about or on the topic.
8. Proper citation and referencing	If outside sources are used, provide proper citations and references to give credit to the original authors.Following a recognized citation style (e.g., APA or MLA) ensures academic integrity and allows readers to verify the credibility of the sources used.

Reviewing these features reminds that by incorporating these elements, an argumentative essay presents a coherent, cohesive, and persuasive argument on a specific topic, making students and writers good in presenting logical arguments.

Types of Argumentative Essay

Type of Essay	Main Features
Classical Argument	Traditional structure
	Introduction with thesis statement
	Body paragraphs with supporting evidence and counterarguments
	Logical reasoning and evidence
	Persuasive aim
Rogerian Argument	Focus on finding common ground and compromise
	Acknowledgment and addressing of opposing viewpoints
	Emphasis on understanding and cooperation
	Respectful tone
Toulmin Argument	Use of logic and evidence
	Claim, grounds, warrant, qualifiers, and rebuttals
	Clear and logical structure
Deductive Argument	Starts with a general statement and narrows down
	Relies on syllogistic reasoning
	Persuasion through the logical conclusion
Inductive Argument	Starts with specific evidence and draws general conclusions
	Relies on empirical evidence and inferences
	Supports claim through examples and observations
Evaluation Argument	Assesses the value or quality of a subject
	Presents criteria for evaluation
	Provides evidence and analysis to support judgment
Causal Argument	Explores cause-and-effect relationship
	Analyzes contributing factors
	Presents evidence of causation
Definition Argument	Focuses on clarifying the meaning of a concept
	Presents different definitions and perspectives
	Argues for a particular understanding of the concept

These are the main features and characteristics of each type of argumentative essay. Keep in mind that these types are not mutually exclusive, and an essay can incorporate features of another essay or of multiple essays, depending on the specific argument.

Common Structure of Argumentative Essay (Classical Argumentative Essay)

The structure of a classical argumentative essay follows a specific format. This format helps the students/writers to organize and present their arguments. Here is the typical structure of a classical argumentative essay:

Structure Part	Details
1. Introduction	Hook: Attention-grabbing statement, anecdote, or question
	Background Information: Context and background on the topic
	Thesis Statement: Clear and concise main argument or claim
2. Background/Context	Necessary background information or context
	Definition of key terms or concepts if needed
3. Body Paragraphs	Each paragraph focuses on a separate supporting point
	Topic Sentence: Introduces the main idea of the paragraph
	Evidence and Examples: Supporting evidence, statistics, etc.
	Explanation and Analysis: Link evidence to the thesis
	Counterarguments and Rebuttal: Address opposing viewpoints
	Transition: Use transitional words/phrases for paragraph flow
4. Conclusion	Restate Thesis: Reinforce the main argument
	Summary of Main Points: Summarize key supporting evidence
	Final Thought: Strong closing statement
	Call to Action (Optional): Encourage specific action
5. Works Cited/References	Provide a list of references if external sources were used

This table outlines the main components and details to include in each section. It provides a structured approach to organizing the essay. It also ensures the inclusion of all parts. However, it must be kept in mind that essay prompts and requirements may ask for different organizational structures with changes in parts.

Functions/Roles of Argumentative Essay

Here are some of the important roles/functions that a good argumentative essay play. These functions are as follows.

• Persuasive
• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Research and Analysis
• Refutation of Counterarguments
• Education and Learning
• Influence and Impact
• Development of Writing and Communication Skills
• Examination of Ethical and Moral Issues
• Engagement with Different Perspectives

In fact, argumentative essays serve as a platform for writers to express their ideas, persuade others, engage in critical thinking, and contribute to good discussions to contribute to the body of knowledge in the specific field.

Examples of Argumentative Essay Topics in English Literature/Writings

1. The Role of Colonialism in J.M. Coetzee’s Works: Investigate how J.M. Coetzee’s novels, such as Disgrace or Waiting for the Barbarians critically examine the impact of colonialism on societies, shedding light on power dynamics, identity, and resistance.
2. Feminist Critique in Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse: Analyze Virginia Woolf’s novel To The Lighthouse through a feminist lens, exploring how it challenges traditional gender roles, addresses women’s experiences, and offers a nuanced portrayal of female agency and empowerment.
3. Postcolonial Perspectives in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart: Examine Chinua Achebe’s acclaimed novel, Things Fall Apart, and discuss how it presents a postcolonial critique of Western imperialism, emphasizing the complexities of cultural assimilation, identity, and resistance.
4. Symbolism and Allegory in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude: Explore the rich symbolism and allegorical elements in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s masterpiece, One Hundred Years of Solitude, and analyze how these literary devices convey deeper meanings and themes, such as the cyclical nature of history and the human condition.
5. Historical Memory in Toni Morrison’s Beloved: Delve into Toni Morrison’s novel, Beloved, and examine its portrayal of the historical trauma of slavery, emphasizing the significance of collective memory, remembrance, and the enduring impact of the past on individuals and communities.

Suggested Readings

1. Black, Simon. Crack the Essay: Secrets of Argumentative Writing Revealed. Gramercy House Publishing, 2018.
2. Kirszner, Laurie G., and Stephen R. Mandell. The Wadsworth Handbook. Cengage Learning, 2013.
3. McCann, Thomas M. “Student Argumentative Writing Knowledge and Ability at Three Grade Levels.” Research in the Teaching of English (1989): 62-76.
4. Mitchell, Candace. Writing and Power: A Critical Introduction to Composition Studies. Routledge, 2015.
5. Smith, Michael W., and Jon-Philip Imbrenda. Developing Writers of Argument: Tools And Rules That Sharpen Student Reasoning. Corwin Press, 2017.

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