ARGUMENT ESSAY

Ya wanna fight about it?

How to Argue
The art of argumentation is not an easy skill to
acquire. Many people might think that if one simply
has an opinion, one can argue it effectively, and
these folks are always surprised when others don't
agree with them because their logic seems so correct
(to them). Additionally, writers of argumentation often
forget that their primary purpose in an argument is to
"win" it--to sway the reader to accept their point of
view. It is easy to name call, easy to ignore the point
of view or research of others, and extremely easy to
accept one's own opinion as gospel, even if the writer
has not checked his or her premise in a couple of
years, or, as is the case for many young writers,
never questioned the beliefs inherited from others.
Wait…What to Argue?
Want to know what you think about something? Then
write an argumentative essay. To be fair, however, you'll
find that one of the first things you must do is become an
expert on the issue. When you pick a topic, you should
avoid writing about issues that cannot be won, no matter
how strongly you might feel about them. The five hottest
topics of our time seem to be gun control, abortion,
capital punishment, freedom of speech, and euthanasia.
If possible, avoid writing about these topics because they
are either impossible to "win," or because I have read
way too many papers about them. But care should be
taken that if you read one side, you also read the other.
Far too many individuals only read the side that they
already believe in. These issues cannot be won for good
reason: each touches on matters of faith and beliefs that
for many people are unshakable and deeply private.
So, what do you write
about?
 Pick a well-defined, controversial issue.
(Spend some time with the latest copies
of several news magazines, watch 60
Minutes, or peruse procon.org to
generate ideas.) Readers should
understand what the issue is and what is
at stake. The issue must be arguable, as
noted above. After stating your thesis,
you will need to discuss the issue in
depth so that your reader will
understand the problem fully.
Choosing a Topic

The topic X Marijuana should be

should :
considered illegal. (Not a good
be topic because it is too general.
narrowe In some medical cases,
d down
marijuana is prescribed by the
doctors and the patients are
encouraged to use it in case of
suffering from too much pain)
√ Selling and using marijuana in
public places should be
considered illegal.
Choosing a Topic
X We should decide whether we want a bicycle or a
The topic car. (our stand is not clear: do we support having
should: bicycles or cars?)
√ If we are under the age of 30 and want a healthy
contain life, we should definitely get a bicycle instead of a
an car.
argume  
nt X Are you one of those who thinks cheating is not
good for students? (a question cannot be an
argument)
√ Cheating helps students learn.

X Considering its geological position, Turkey has an

important geopolitical role in the EU. (facts cannot
be arguments)
√ Considering its geopolitical role, we can clearly say
that the EU cannot be without Turkey.
Choosing a Topic

The topic
should:
X I feel that writing an
be a topic
argumentative essay is
that can definitely a challenging task.
be
adequatel
(feelings cannot be supported;
y we cannot persuade other
supported
(with
people)
statistics,
outside
source
citations,
etc.)
Choosing a Topic

If you  You can enjoy writing about

believe
that you such topics:
can find
enough
evidence  Stress is good for the human
to support
your idea body.
and refute
others
 Polygamy is quite natural.
effectively,  For women, there is no need for
you can
choose
men.
challenging
topics as
well.
Take a clear position.
 In your thesis sentence, state what your
position is. You do not need to say: "I
believe that we should financially
support the space station." Using the
first person weakens your argument. Say
"Funding for the space station is
imperative to maintain America's
competitive edge in the global
economy." The thesis can be modified
elsewhere in the essay if you need to
qualify your position, but avoid hedging
Make a convincing
argument.
 An argumentative essay does not merely assert
an opinion; it presents an argument, and that
argument must be backed up by data that
persuades readers that the opinion is valid. This
data consists of facts, statistics, the testimony of
others through personal interviews and
questionnaires or through articles and books,
and examples. The writer of an argumentative
essay should seek to use educated sources that
are nonbiased, and to use them fairly. Therefore,
it is best to avoid using talk shows or blogs
because they are frequently opinionated or
untrue.
Use a concession and
rebuttal.
 Assume that your reader will disagree with you or
be skeptical. It is important, therefore, that your
tone be reasonable, professional, and trustworthy.
By anticipating objections and making concessions,
you inspire confidence and show your good will.
 Start your concession in the last body paragraph
before the conclusion paragraph. You can start the
concession by saying, “Many people believe that...”
 Remember to use a rebuttal to prove how the
concession is wrong and you are right. You can start
the rebuttal by saying, “However, this is not true
because...
 Steps of an Argument Research
Paper
 Decide on a topic. Make sure it is one you are interested in and
that it is not too broad or too narrow to analyze adequately.
 Begin your library research. Start with the library catalogue or
computer subject headings. Your best bet may be to find a few
general books on the subject, and then study the bibliographies
in the back of the books. Oftentimes, the very best sources are
found this way. You may note, as you read, that one person
may be quoted repeatedly in several articles. This should tell
you that this person may be an authority. (See if their name is
in the catalogue.) If you run across the mention of an article
while reading another article or book, go find it. Use
encyclopedias, reference books, newspapers, microfilm, the
librarians, the World Wide Web, and other professors' advice.
Research is a back-and-forth, in-and-out process, rather like the
strategy of a good card game. USE NCLIVE, PEOPLE!!!
Steps of an Argument Research
Paper

 As you scan possible sources, make a list of sources

you won't use, sources you might use, and sources
you will definitely use. Make bibliography cards for
the latter two right away. Take a pic of all material
that you might or will use--even pamphlets and
personal books. This will save you time later, should
you need to return to the library. If you conduct a
good deal of research, the first list will help you keep
up with sources you've already checked (unless you
enjoy checking them three and four times).
 Write the outline, rough draft, and the final paper.
Then rewrite it to make it sound as professional as
possible.
 Steps of an Argument
Research Paper

 Paragraph 1: General introduction of the problem. Thesis

To analyze statement which states your opinion.
something,
divide it Paragraph 2-3: History of the problem (including,
perhaps, past attempts at a solution). Sources needed.
into parts.
Since you Paragraph 4-6: Extent of the problem (who is affected;
are writing how bad it is, etc.). Sources needed.
about a
Paragraphs 7-8: Repercussion of the problem if not
problem, solved. Sources needed.
the body of
your paper Paragraphs 9-10: Anticipate objections and make
might look concessions.
Write rebuttals to the concessions by pulling it all
something
together and connecting your argument with the facts.
like this: 

Paragraph 11: Conclusion: Restatement of thesis and

summary of main ideas.
Steps of an Argument Research
Paper

 Once your paper has been written, check

every quotation in it for accuracy. Be
sure that you are using quotation marks
for direct quotes OR thoroughly
paraphrasing. ALWAYS cite the source in
two places: in the text (in parentheses)
and on the Works Cited page. Review the
MLA Power Point.
Making sure your argument is logical

 Avoid fallacies—covered in the next

Power Point.