Argumentative Writing Notes

Argumentative Writing

What is argumentative writing

In argumentative writing, you are typically asked to take a position on an issue or topic and explain and support your position with research from reliable and credible sources.

​When writing an argumentative essay introduction, you must introduce the claim and organized ideas, reasons, and information.

​Claim What do you believe?
• Many strongly believe...
• (topic) is important for many reasons...
• Everyone should...

​An argumentative essay must include evidence to support your claim and facts related to the topic.

Evidence Give examples that support your claim.
• For example...
• Another reason why...
• You would agree if you knew...
• Not many people know that...

Be sure to address the opposing point of view.

Counter-Argument What might someone say if they disagreed with you?
• Some people say...
• It may be true that...
• It’s easy to think...
• You might argue that...

Be sure to include a rebuttal to that opinion.

Rebuttal What would you say to the person who disagreed with you to change their mind?

• ...but it can be argued that...
• However, the truth is...
• ...but when you look at the facts...
• But, the evidence shows...

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​The conclusion paragraph should start with a transition, restate your claim and reasons, and summarize the information from the body paragraphs.

Conclusion Restate your claim in a powerful way!
• In conclusion...
• Now you can see why...
• It is clear that...
• Therefore...

At the beginning of each body paragraph, there ​should be a transition word, and at the end of each body paragraph, a concluding sentence should be provided.

*Do not forget to indent!

​The organization of the essay must be logical and effective throughout the essay. Be sure to use precise, vivid language. ​

Sentence structure should vary and include simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences, ​

​Exlamatory (!) and interrogative (?) sentences should be used at least once in the essay.

Evidence or proof from the passages must be cited correctly to avoid plagiarism. ​

​The heading at the top of the page must include your name, subject, and date.

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Essays should be typed in Microsoft word using Times New Roman 12 and should be double spaced. ​

​You MUST

• Take a position

• ​Gather evidence

• ​Present argument logically

• ​Provide counterarguments

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​Don't use first person language—"I think," "I feel," "I believe,"—to present your claims. Doing so is repetitive, since by writing the essay you're already telling the audience what you feel, and using first person language weakens your writing voice.