Writing an Argumentative Essay

Writing an

Writing an

Argumentativ

Argumentative

e Essay

Essay

LFCS001

LFCS001

English &

English &

Communication Skills

Communication Skills

LFCS001

2 2

An Argumentative Essay

An Argumentative Essay





_{is an essay in which you agree or}

_{is an essay in which you agree or}

disagree with an issue,

disagree with an issue,





_{Using reasons to support your}

_{Using reasons to support your}

argument.

argument.

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 Your goal

 Your goal





_{is to convince your reader that you are}

_{is to convince your reader that you are}

right.

right.





 _{You need to}

 _{You need to}





_{take a stand on}

_{take a stand on an issue;}

_{an issue;}





_{support your stand with solid}

_{support your stand with solid reasons;}

_reasons;





_{support your reasons with solid evidence.}

_{support your reasons with solid evidence.}

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In an Argumentative

In an Argumentative

Essay,

Essay,

_

 _{You must give reasons to support}

 _{You must give reasons to support}





_{your stand}

_{your stand}





 _{You must also discuss the opposing}

 _{You must also discuss the opposing}

stand

stand





_{this is done by}

_{this is done by discussing the other side’s}

_{discussing the other side’s}

reasons and

reasons and





_then

_then

_{rebutting or refuting}

_{rebutting or refuting them.}

_them.





_{We do this to show the readers we}

_{We do this to show the readers we}





_{have considered all sides of an issue;}

_{have considered all sides of an issue;}





_{are reasonable and open-minded,}

_{are reasonable and open-minded,}

therefore readers are more likely to listen

therefore readers are more likely to listen

Communication Skills Writing anCommunication Skills Writing anLFCS001 English &LFCS001 English &

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Voice

Voice

 

_Definition:

_Definition:





 _{The ways in which the w}

 _{The ways in which the writer’s personality}

_{riter’s personality}

and attitude toward the topic are revealed

and attitude toward the topic are revealed

to the reader.

to the reader.





_{Depends on the audience (reader).}

_{Depends on the audience (reader).}





In academic writing, the voice should be

In academic writing, the voice should be

formal, objective and reasonable.

formal, objective and reasonable.





_{It is sometimes acceptable to have a}

_{It is sometimes acceptable to have a}

more personal, conversational voice,

more personal, conversational voice,

but the objective approach is preferred.

but the objective approach is preferred.

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For this assignment

For this assignment





 _{The argumentative essay should}

 _{The argumentative essay should}





_{be written using formal language;}

_{be written using formal language;}





_{use an objective and reasonable tone with}

_{use an objective and reasonable tone with}



_{Support for arguments andSupport for arguments and} 

_{Substantiated refutation of counter-argumentsSubstantiated refutation of counter-arguments}

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Organisation of 

Organisation of 

Argumentative Essays

Argumentative Essays





_{Block Pattern}

_{Block Pattern}





_{Plan A (}

_{Plan A (}

ConCon

_{arguments first, followed by}

_{arguments first, followed by}

ProPro

arguments)

arguments)





_{Plan B (}

_{Plan B (}

ProPro

_{arguments first, followed by}

_{arguments first, followed by}

ConCon

arguments)

arguments)





_{Point-by-point Pattern}

_{Point-by-point Pattern}

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Block Pattern

Block Pattern

I. I.

Introduction

Introduction



 _{Explanation of the issueExplanation of the issue} 

  _{Thesis statement of intent and opinion Thesis statement of intent and opinion} 

 _{Background ParagraphBackground Paragraph}

II.

II.

Body

Body



 _{Block 1 (Pro / Con arguments )Block 1 (Pro / Con arguments )} 

 _{Block 2 (Con / Pro arguments)Block 2 (Con / Pro arguments)}

III.

III.

Conclusion

Conclusion



 _{Summary of main pointsSummary of main points} 

 _{Recommendation(s), solution or predictionRecommendation(s), solution or prediction}

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Writing an Argumentative Essay Writing an Argumentative Essay

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Block Pattern Body Plan A

Block Pattern Body Plan A





_{Block 1 (}

_{Block 1 (}

ProPro

_arguments)

_arguments)



 _{Pro argument #1 (your weakest argumentPro argument #1 (your weakest argument}

that supports your opinion) that supports your opinion)



 _{Pro argument #2 (stronger argument thatPro argument #2 (stronger argument that}

supports your opinion) supports your opinion)



 _{Pro argument #3 (strongest argument thatPro argument #3 (strongest argument that}

supports your opinion) supports your opinion)





_{Block 2 (}

_{Block 2 (}

ConCon

_arguments)

_arguments)



 _{Summary of other side’s argumentsSummary of other side’s arguments} 

 _{ConCon argument #1 + rebuttal / refutation of argument #1 + rebuttal / refutation of} 

the counter-argument the counter-argument



 _{Con argument #2 + rebuttal / Con argument #2 + rebuttal / refutation of refutation of} 

the counter-argument the counter-argument



 _{Con argument #3 + rebuttal / Con argument #3 + rebuttal / refutation of refutation of} 

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Writing an Argumentative Essay Writing an Argumentative Essay

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Block Pattern Body Plan

Block Pattern Body Plan B

B





_{Block 1 (}

_{Block 1 (}

ConCon

_arguments)

_arguments)



 _{Summary of other side’s argumentsSummary of other side’s arguments} 

 _{ConCon argument #1 + rebuttal / refutation of argument #1 + rebuttal / refutation of} 

the counter-argument the counter-argument



 _{Con argument #2 + rebuttal / Con argument #2 + rebuttal / refutation of refutation of} 

the counter-argument the counter-argument



 _{Con argument #3 + rebuttal / Con argument #3 + rebuttal / refutation of refutation of} 

the counter-argument the counter-argument





_{Block 2 (}

_{Block 2 (}

ProPro

_arguments)

_arguments)

I.

I. Pro argument #1 (your weakest argumentPro argument #1 (your weakest argument

that supports your opinion) that supports your opinion)

II.

II. Pro argument #2 (stronger argument thatPro argument #2 (stronger argument that

supports your opinion) supports your opinion)

III.

11 11

Point-by-point Pattern

Point-by-point Pattern

I. I.

Introduction

Introduction



 _{Explanation of the issue including a summaryExplanation of the issue including a summary}

of the other side’s arguments of the other side’s arguments



  _{Thesis statement of intent and opinion Thesis statement of intent and opinion} 

 _{Background ParagraphBackground Paragraph}

II.

II.

Body

Body



 _{Point-by-poinPoint-by-point arguments and cot arguments and counter-}

unter-arguments arguments

III.

III.

Conclusion

Conclusion



 _{Summary of your point of view.Summary of your point of view.}

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Writing an Argumentative Essay Writing an Argumentative Essay

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Body of Point-by-Point

Body of Point-by-Point

Pattern

Pattern

_{Organisation of Body Paragraphs:}

_{Organisation of Body Paragraphs:}

I.

I. Statement of the other side’s first argumentStatement of the other side’s first argument

and rebuttal with your own counterargument and rebuttal with your own counterargument

II.

II. Statement of the other side’s secondStatement of the other side’s second

argument and rebuttal with your own argument and rebuttal with your own counterargument

counterargument

III.

III. Statement of the other Statement of the other side’s third argumentside’s third argument

and rebuttal with your own counterargument and rebuttal with your own counterargument

In other words:

In other words:



 _{Counter-argument #1+Counter-argument #1+} ProPro _{argument #1 toargument #1 to}

refute it refute it



 _{Counter-argument #2 +Counter-argument #2 +} ProPro _{argument #2 toargument #2 to}

refute it refute it



 _{Counter-argument #3 +Counter-argument #3 +}LFCS001 English & Communication SkillsLFCS001 English & Communication SkillsProPro _{argument #3 toargument #3 to}

Writing an Argumentative Essay Writing an Argumentative Essay

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Step 1

Step 1





_{Clarify in your mind what the two sides}

_{Clarify in your mind what the two sides}

of the argument are.

of the argument are.





Decide which side you agree with.

Decide which side you agree with.

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Step 2

Step 2





_{Write a thesis statement}

_{Write a thesis statement}





_{Either include just your point of view,}

_{Either include just your point of view,}

or

or





_{Include both points of view.}

_{Include both points of view.}

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Writing an Argumentative Essay Writing an Argumentative Essay

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Step 3

Step 3

1.

1.

Generate ideas and details about your topic

Generate ideas and details about your topic

by:

by:



 _{BBrraaiinnssttoorrmmiinngg□ □ LLiissttiinng g □ □ OOuuttlliinniinngg} 

 _{FFllooww--cchhaarrttiinngg □ □ FFrreeee--wwrriittiinngg □ □ MMiinnd}

d--mapping mapping

2.

2.

Research the topic to get ideas and

Research the topic to get ideas and

supporting reasons for both sides of the

supporting reasons for both sides of the

argument

argument

3.

3.

Collect ideas and details about the topic

Collect ideas and details about the topic from

from

various sources and

various sources and resources:

resources:



 _{Library research (magazines, books)Library research (magazines, books)} 

 _{Internet (World Wide Web)Internet (World Wide Web)} 

16 16

More on Step 3

More on Step 3

1.

1.

From the material you research,

From the material you research,

 

_summarise

_summarise

 

_quote

_quote

 

_paraphrase

_paraphrase

2.

2.

Consider using non-text material

Consider using non-text material





_Diagrams

_Diagrams





_Photographs

_Photographs





_{Flow charts}

_{Flow charts}

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Writing an Argumentative Essay Writing an Argumentative Essay

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Step 4: Organisation of 

Step 4: Organisation of 

Essay

Essay

1.

1.

Decide whether you will use the block

Decide whether you will use the block

pattern or the point-by-point

pattern or the point-by-point

organisation.

organisation.

2.

2.

Develop an outline for your essay

Develop an outline for your essay

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Writing an Argumentative Essay Writing an Argumentative Essay

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Step 5: First Draft

Step 5: First Draft

1.

1.

Follow the outline you have drafted.

Follow the outline you have drafted.

2.

2.

Be sure to include an explanatory or

Be sure to include an explanatory or

attention-getting introduction.

attention-getting introduction.

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Writing an Argumentative Essay Writing an Argumentative Essay

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Step 6: Self-Edit

Step 6: Self-Edit

1.

1.

Use the Self-Editing Worksheet

Use the Self-Editing Worksheet

provided.

provided.

2.

2.

Revise the essay by

Revise the essay by





_{Adding or removing facts}

_{Adding or removing facts}





_{Providing more support to your}

_{Providing more support to your arguments}

_arguments





_{Correcting the grammar}

_{Correcting the grammar}

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Writing an Argumentative Essay Writing an Argumentative Essay

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Step 7

Step 7

1.

1.

Exchange papers with a classmate.

Exchange papers with a classmate.

2.

2.

Review each other’s essays by using

Review each other’s essays by using

the Peer-Editing Worksheet provided.

the Peer-Editing Worksheet provided.

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Writing an Argumentative Essay Writing an Argumentative Essay

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Step 8

Step 8





_{Make changes if necessary.}

_{Make changes if necessary.}





_{Print out the final copy, and proof-read}

_{Print out the final copy, and proof-read}

it once more before handing it in.

it once more before handing it in.

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Writing an Argumentative Essay Writing an Argumentative Essay

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Review

Review





 _{The different parts of an}

 _{The different parts of an}

argumentative essay

argumentative essay

2. 2.

Introduction

Introduction

3. 3.

Body

Body

4. 4.

Conclusion

Conclusion

23 23

The Introductory

The Introductory

Paragraph

Paragraph

_

_{Start with}

_{Start with}





_{an explanation of issue or}

_{an explanation of issue or}





_{dramatic story or}

_{dramatic story or}





_{surprising statistics}

_{surprising statistics}





 _{The thesis statement}

 _{The thesis statement}





_{clearly states which side you are for.}

_{clearly states which side you are for.}





_{often mentions the opposing point of view.}

_{often mentions the opposing point of view.}

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The Background

The Background

Paragraph

Paragraph



_{is the second paragraph (after the}

_{is the second paragraph (after the}

Introduction)

Introduction)





_{should be as objective as possible. Its aim}

_{should be as objective as possible. Its aim is to}

_{is to}

inform

inform, not persuade.

, not persuade.





 _{This can consist of:}

 _{This can consist of:}



 _{definitions of key termsdefinitions of key terms} 

 _{a brief history of the a brief history of the issue or problem (depending onissue or problem (depending on}

the audience) the audience)



 _{political or social background essential for readerpolitical or social background essential for reader}

understanding understanding



 _{current relevant information about the topic fromcurrent relevant information about the topic from}

books, magazines, websites, interviews, surveys books, magazines, websites, interviews, surveys



 _{information about the way(s) information wasinformation about the way(s) information was}

gathered (e.g. how and to

gathered (e.g. how and to whom a survey waswhom a survey was

administered; how an authority about the topic was administered; how an authority about the topic wasLFCS001 English &LFCS001 English &

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25 25

More about the

More about the

Background Paragraph

Background Paragraph





_{allows the writer to show how s/he has}

_{allows the writer to show how s/he has}

researched the topic

researched the topic





_{should include citations (references)}

_{should include citations (references)}





_Example:

_Example:





_{Researchers have studied birth order to}

_{Researchers have studied birth order to}

discover whether or not the

discover whether or not the sequence in

sequence in

which children are born affects their

which children are born affects their

personalities and their lives (Kinsmen,

personalities and their lives (Kinsmen,

1990). According to this research…. Paul

1990). According to this research…. Paul

Mussen, professor of child

Mussen, professor of child psychology,

psychology,

states that “First-born children tend to have

states that “First-born children tend to have

very high standards for themselves and are

very high standards for themselves and are

highly motivated to achieve the best they

highly motivated to achieve the best they

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26 26

The Body

The Body





_{Contains the opposing stand or point}

_{Contains the opposing stand or point}

of view;

of view;





 _{The refutation of this stand;}

 _{The refutation of this stand;}





 _{Your own arguments; and}

 _{Your own arguments; and}





_{Solid evidence to support your}

_{Solid evidence to support your}

arguments.

arguments.

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Some expressions

Some expressions





_{to introduce opposing points of view:}

_{to introduce opposing points of view:}





_{Some people feel that…}

_{Some people feel that…}





_{Many think that….}

_{Many think that….}





_{It is believed that….}

_{It is believed that….}





_{It maybe true that….}

_{It maybe true that….}





_{Use contrast transition signals to}

_{Use contrast transition signals to}

connect opposing arguments and your

connect opposing arguments and your

counter-arguments, e.g.

counter-arguments, e.g.





_H

_Ho

_ow

_we

_ev

_ve

_err,,

_□

_{□ A}

_Alltth

_ho

_ou

_ug

_gh

_{h /}

_{/ E}

_Ev

_ve

_en

_{n tth}

_ho

_ou

_ug

_gh

_h,,





_{In spite of the fact that,}

_{In spite of the fact that, / Despite the fact}

_{/ Despite the fact}

that,

that,



28 28

The Conclusion

The Conclusion





_{should summarise the main points of} 

_{should summarise the main points of} 

the essay;

the essay;





_{wrap up with a concluding sentence to}

_{wrap up with a concluding sentence to}

reiterate your stand and include

reiterate your stand and include

 

_{a recommendation,}

_{a recommendation,}

 

_{solution or}

_{solution or}

 

_prediction

_prediction

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