The Argumentative Essay
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1
2THE ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
Writing which expresses the author’s opinions and argues in favor of them is argumentative writing.
Newspaper editorials and the commentaries of some television and radio personalities are often
argumentative. Students occasionally use argumentative writing on class tests when asked to give an
opinion and to support it with facts learned in the course. The purpose of argumentative writing is to
persuade.
An argumentative essay usually begins with a statement of opinion to be supported by paragraphs. This
statement is the central idea or thesis. There are several ways to support opinion. Perhaps the most
commonly used is the listing of facts or examples (evidence) in support of opinion. A writer may also
prove a point by giving reasonable arguments reached through logical thinking. (Note that an argument
differs from an opinion because an opinion is based solely on personal judgment while an argument is
based on logical reasoning.) A combination of evidence and reasonable arguments is the most effective
way to develop the essay. At the end of the essay, the writer must add a summarizing paragraph
(conclusion) to clinch important points.
Following is the order of ideas in an argumentative essay from lesser to greater importance, saving the
most powerful arguments and most convincing evidence until last, the climax.
Introductory Paragraph
State argument.
1st Body Paragraph
Recognize opposition.
2nd Body Paragraph
Build up case.
Use facts, logic, authorities.
Include sources in support of theme whenever
possible. Use direct quotes, if possible.
Last Body Paragraph
State most powerful argument. Include emotion,
if necessary.
Concluding Paragraph
Summarize and restate argument.
GUIDELINES FOR AN EFFECTIVE ARGUMENT
1. Avoid a one-sided or biased argument. Anticipate realistic objections, giving the opposition a fair
representation, by examining both pros and cons of your thesis.
2. Have a clear and unambiguous thesis statement. Make sure that the reader is not confused by an
overly general thesis.
3. Write an objective thesis statement. A subjective thesis (or an I believe statement) will not
convince your reader of anything but your opinion.
4. Avoid controversial supporting arguments. A thesis supported by “hot” topics will not be taken
seriously by the reader.
5. Express ideas as solid statements, not questions. Opponents will have answers for questions.
6. When including quotations, use neutral sources for evidence.
A biased source will not be
recognized by the opposition.
7. Avoid hasty generalizations (conclusions based on insufficient or biased evidence), red herrings
(diversionary tactics that avoid the key issues), and other logical fallacies (or errors in reasoning).
For more information on logical fallacies, please see an LTC tutor.
Learning and Tutoring Center, Summer 2011
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