The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic, collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner. Argumentative essay assignments generally call for extensive research of literature or previously published material. Detailed research allows the student to learn about the topic and to understand different points of view regarding the topic so that s/he may choose a position and support it with the evidence collected during research. Regardless of the amount or type of research involved, argumentative essays must establish a clear thesis and follow sound reasoning.
A clear sense of argument is essential to all forms of academic writing. The conventions of the academic essay may vary in expression from discipline to discipline, but any good essay should show us a mind developing a thesis, supporting that thesis with evidence, deftly anticipating objections or counter-arguments, and maintaining the momentum of discovery.The introduction of an argumentative essay consists of two core parts:
| 1. | Background: |
| - | Introduce the issue(s) and/or provide relevant background information. |
| - | Write the thesis statement stating your position. |
| - | Give an overview of your essay, i.e. summarise the main points that you will use to support your discussion. |
| 2. | Thesis statement: |
| • | should clearly and directly state your position or your point of view in relation to the issue discussed; |
| • | should be narrow, focused and can be supported; |
| • | should be debatable (e.g. “Happiness is very important to our health” is not debatable. It is an accepted fact and we do not need to persuade people about it.) |
Sample introduction (1)Capital punishment is the execution of a criminal convicted of a crime. In much of Western Europe, capital punishment has been abolished altogether; but in about 125 countries, such as China and Singapore, the death penalty is still used. The subject of capital punishment is hotly debated. Some people strongly believe that all countries should abolish it, while others strongly support this punishment. I am against the death penalty and think it should be banned worldwide. My argument is based on both humanitarian grounds and statistical evidence. |
definition background and showing views from both sides state your position/thesis statement + reasons |
Sample introduction (2)It is certainly true that the position of women in society has undergone a dramatic change in the past twenty years but I do not feel that this is a direct cause of the indisputable increase in juvenile-related problems during this period. |
Introducing the issue State your position on the matter |
Constructing effective body paragraphs of an argumentative essay requires two skills: the general paragraph writing skill and the skill to present counterarguments and refutations.
1. General paragraph writing: topic sentence and support
Generally, each reason in support of your thesis should be placed in a separate paragraph. A typical supporting paragraph structure goes like this:2. Paragraphs of counterarguments and refutation
To write a good argumentative paper, it is necessary to possess knowledge on the subject and to research and analyse not only the pros but also the cons on the topic. In your essay, it is very important to discuss both the pros and cons. Even when the essay question is “give your point of view”, or “to what extent do you agree or disagree?”, you should state your opinion and also include the counter-arguments (the arguments opposite to yours) and refutation to show that you understand the issue and are fully aware of the major arguments from both sides. You need to introduce the counterargument(s) directly and clearly. For example:Useful expressions
(1) After presenting a counter-argument, you need to refute it and explain why this counterargument is not true, or not valid. You need to use transitional words/phrases to clearly introduce your refutation, for example:
Sample body paragraph: counter-argument + refutation (1)The pro-capital punishment argument emphasizes the potent deterrence of the death penalty. This could be a strong argument if it could be proved that the death penalty discourages serious criminals, such as murderers. However, if we look at crime statistics from around the world, the evidence is rather mixed. For example, Singapore, a country with the death penalty, is internationally known for its low crime rate. But the data of the U.S.A. show a different picture. Some states there enforce the death penalty and some do not. A survey by The New York Times (2000) found that between 1980 and 2000 the homicide rate in some states with the death penalty had been 48% to 101% higher than in states without the death penalty. It is clear that the death penalty does not deter crime in the U.S.A. |
counter-argument refutation Evidence to support refutation |
The concluding paragraph pulls all the main ideas of the essay together and indicates that you have proven your point. It can:
Useful expressions
(1) Concluding
Sample conclusion (1)In conclusion, I believe that the death penalty is inhumane and violates the right to life specifically and explicitly. It does not necessarily have the effect of reducing crimes. In the modern civilized world today, the death penalty should be banned universally. |
Restating your position Points to support |
(1) you must mention the major arguments from both sides to demonstrate your full understanding of the controversial issue;
(2) you must directly and clearly state your own opinion/stance/position and provide reasons.
Pattern 1
Introduction
Your own arguments + support
Counterarguments + refutation
Conclusion
Pattern 2
Introduction
Counterarguments + refutation
Your own arguments + support
Conclusion
Pattern 3
Introduction
Argument from one side
Your agreement with this argument + support
(or your disagreement with this argument + refutation)
Argument from the other side
Your disagreement with this argument + refutation
(or your agreement with this argument + support)
Conclusion
Pattern 4
This pattern is slightly more complicated and requires the proper use of transitional phrases to show the different sides of the argument.Introduction
Counterargument 1
your argument + refutation 1
Counterargument 2
your argument +refutation 2
Conclusion
| Types | Examples |
| To add | also, then, besides, furthermore, moreover, in addition, what’s more, next |
| To compare/ contrast | in the same way, by the same token, similarly, likewise, whereas, but, on the other hand, however, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the contrary, in contrast, by comparison, although, conversely, while |
| To show effect | because, for, since, that is, due to, thus, therefore, hence |
| To sequence | first(ly), second(ly), finally, previously, formerly, next, then, later, lastly, and so forth, following, afterwards, subsequently, concurrently, simultaneously |
| To repeat | in other words, as I have said (noted/mentioned), that is (i.e.) |
| To emphasize (use sparingly) | definitely, extremely, obviously, indeed, absolutely, never, emphatically, unquestionably, without doubt, certainly, undeniably, without reservation |
| To provide example | for example, for instance, to demonstrate, to illustrate, as an illustration |
| To conclude | in brief, on the whole, summing up, to conclude, in conclusion, as a result, consequently, all in all, the bottom line is |
| Qn. | Thesis Statement | Good | Not Good |
| 1. | Anyone, including those with Down syndromes, can tell that this statement is true. | ||
| 2. | I am an ardent supporter of this policy and my reasons will be elaborated in the following paragraphs. | ||
| 3. | Pollution is bad for the environment. | ||
| 4. | Hong Kong's anti-pollution efforts should focus on reducing our daily waste (e.g. food waste) because it would allow most citizens to contribute to our environment and care about the outcome. | ||
| 5. | At least 25 percent of the Hong Kong government budget should be spent on limiting pollution because only with this resource can we effectively reduce the pollution by 40% within 5 years. | ||
| 6. | It is indeed a controversial issue and we should consider it carefully. | ||
| 7. | The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that, contrary to the opinion of many experts, the potential benefits of learning vocabulary methodically are considerable. | ||
| 8. | The death penalty is wrong. | ||
| 9. | Media violence is harmful to society. | ||
| 10. | School uniforms provide many benefits to students, parents and educators. |
