Argumentative Paragraph

ARGUMENTATIVE PARAGRAPH
1. What is an argumentative paragraph?
The purpose of an argumentative essay is to organize and present your well-reasoned

conclusions in order to persuade the audience to accept or at least seriously consider your point
of view
2. Paragraph structure and everything you need to know to write one:
a. Organize your ideas into an outline.

- Paragraph 1 - Introduction includes thesis statement and supporting ideas
- Paragraph 2 - Opposing argument and your refutation
- Paragraph 3 - Opposing argument and your refutation
- Paragraph 4 - Your strongest supporting argument
- Paragraph 5 - Conclusion includes restatement of thesis and supporting ideas. Make a

prediction, a recommendation, or a summary.
b. Choose a controversial topic that interests you.
Choosing an argumentative topic is not an easy task. The topic should be such that:
- It should be narrowed down.
- It should contain an argument.
- It should be a topic that can be adequately supported (with statistics, outside source
citations, etc.)
c. Begin with an introductory sentence which leads into your topic, and grabs the reader’s
attention. Your introduction must relate to your topic and blend well with the rest of the
paragraph.
d. Write a thesis statement.
our introductory sentences will lead into your thesis statement. Your thesis statement must be
clearly worded and strongly stated.
e. Choose three ideas to support your argument.

After writing a thesis statement, you must clearly list the three supporting arguments you plan to
use to support your thesis. These three supporting arguments should be stated in one to two
sentences only, and should not be described or expanded upon at this stage.
f. Consider the opposing arguments.
Try to proof your arguments, begin with the first supporting argument listed. Outline your first
argument, provide the necessary specific evidence and examples to prove your point. Finish by
examining the significance of this evidence, and explaining how this argument supports your
thesis. Then try to proof your other arguments.
g. Concluding sentences.
After all three arguments have been proven, you need to:
- Re-state the thesis (to remind the reader what you have proven);
- Re-state your three supporting arguments (briefly, in one sentence);
- Finish by commenting on the relevance, significance or impact of the topic
3. Grammar and Style
Proper spelling, grammar and form must be used consistently. In addition to clear writing in the
active voice, the following rules must be followed:
a. Absolutely no personal pronouns (I, me, my, you, your, we, our);
b. No contractions (can’t, won’t);
c. No short forms or symbols (Etc., eg., &, %);
d. No slang or expressions “avoid clichés”;
e. Always write in a very formal tone. Avoid using words that are too strong (in either a
positive or a negative sense). Remember, this is not creative writing, so avoid being too
dramatic.
How To Write an ArgumentativeText in 4 Steps
Argumentative essays should have a straightforward structure so they are easy for readers to
follow. The goal of an argumentative essay is to clearly outline a point of view, reasoning, and
evidence. A good argumentative essay should follow this structure:
1. Introductory paragraph. The first paragraph of your essay should outline the topic,
provide background information necessary to understand your argument, outline the
evidence you will present and states your thesis.
2. The thesis statement. This is part of your first paragraph. It is a concise, one-sentence
summary of your main point and claim.
3. Body paragraphs. A typical argumentative essay comprises three or more paragraphs

that explain the reasons why you support your thesis. Each body paragraph should cover
a different idea or piece of evidence and contain a topic sentence that clearly and
concisely explains why the reader should agree with your position. Body paragraphs are
where you back up your claims with examples, research, statistics, studies, and text
citations. Address opposing points of view and disprove them or explain why you
disagree with them. Presenting facts and considering a topic from every angle adds
credibility and will help you gain a reader’s trust.
4. Conclusion. One paragraph that restates your thesis and summarizes all of the arguments
made in your body paragraphs. Rather than introducing new facts or more arguments, a
good conclusion will appeal to a reader’s emotions. In some cases, writers will use a
personal anecdote explaining how the topic personally affects them.
How to Write a Thesis Statement in 3 Steps
Your thesis statement is only one sentence long, but it’s the most important part of your
argumentative essay. The thesis appears in your introductory paragraph, summarizes what your
argumentative essay will be about, and primes the reader for what’s to come. These steps will
help you get your point across clearly and concisely:
1. Turn the topic into a question and answer it. Set up a big question in the title of your
essay or within the first few sentences. Then, build up to answering that question in your
thesis statement. For example, in your title or introduction, you could pose the question,
“What is the best type of sandwich?” And then answer with your thesis statement: “The
best type of sandwich is peanut butter and jelly.” This method is effective because
intriguing questions draw readers in and encourage them to keep reading to find the
answer.
2. State an argument—and then refute it. Introduce an idea that contrasts with your
belief, and immediately explain why you disagree with it. For example: “While some
people believe peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are too simple, they’re versatile
sandwiches that you can easily turn into a gourmet meal.” This method is effective
because it uses evidence and immediately demonstrates your credibility.
3. Briefly outline your main points. Introduce your main point and explain how you’ll
back it up. For example: “You can turn a peanut butter and jelly sandwich into a gourmet
meal by using artisanal bread, toasting the bread, and adding additional toppings.” This
method is effective because it gives readers a clear idea of everything you’ll discuss in
your essay. It also serves as a roadmap to help keep you organized and on track.
5 Types of Argument Claims
Once you decide what you’re arguing and know your thesis statement, consider how you’ll
present your argument. There are five types of argument claims that can drive your essay:
1. Fact: whether the statement is true or false.
2. Definition: the dictionary definition of what you’re arguing, plus your own personal
interpretation of it.
3. Value: the importance of what you’re arguing.
4. Cause and effect: what causes the problem in your essay and what effects it has.
5. Policy: why the reader should care and what they should do about it after reading.

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ARGUMENTATIVE PARAGRAPH

1. What is an argumentative paragraph?

The purpose of an argumentative essay is to organize and present your well-reasoned

2. Paragraph structure and everything you need to know to write one:

a. Organize your ideas into an outline.

- Paragraph 2 - Opposing argument and your refutation

- Paragraph 3 - Opposing argument and your refutation

- Paragraph 4 - Your strongest supporting argument

- Paragraph 5 - Conclusion includes restatement of thesis and supporting ideas. Make a

b. Choose a controversial topic that interests you.

- It should be narrowed down.

- It should contain an argument.

d. Write a thesis statement.

e. Choose three ideas to support your argument.

f. Consider the opposing arguments.

g. Concluding sentences.

- Re-state your three supporting arguments (briefly, in one sentence);

- Finish by commenting on the relevance, significance or impact of the topic

3. Grammar and Style

b. No contractions (can’t, won’t);

c. No short forms or symbols (Etc., eg., &, %);

d. No slang or expressions “avoid clichés”;

3. Body paragraphs. A typical argumentative essay comprises three or more paragraphs

How to Write a Thesis Statement in 3 Steps

5 Types of Argument Claims

1. Fact: whether the statement is true or false.

3. Value: the importance of what you’re arguing.

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