How to Write an Argument Essay

1. How to Write an Argument Essay 

2. Definition:  • In this kind of essay, we not only give information but also present an argument with the PROS (supporting ideas) and CONS (opposing ideas) of an argumentative issue. • We should clearly take our stand and write as if we are trying to persuade an opposing audience to adopt new beliefs or behavior. • The primary objective is to persuade people to change beliefs.

3. Read TheQuestion Choosing an argumentative topic is not an easy task. The topic should be such thatit should be narrowed down; X Marijuana should be considered illegal. (Not a good topic because it is too general. In some medical cases, 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.

4. ThingsToConsiderBeforeStartingTo Write Step 1: Read and Underline Key Words Should governments spend money on space exploration, or should they spend the money on problemshere first? Step 2: Write Down Other Words with the Same Meaning Governments =  nations, countries, authorities, politicians Spend = allocate, give, allot, provide, budget, make available, waste, award Space exploration = space program, trips to the moon, the international space station, planets, planetary voyages Money =  budgets, taxes, resources,  Problems =  concerns, issues, worries, disasters, threats, threatening, war, famine, poverty, education, homelessness, drugs, global warming Here = on earth, in our own countries, closer to home, in developing countries, foreign aid,  Step 3: Use Your New Words in the Opening Sentences With many global concerns such as war, poverty, hunger and pollution, many people do not think that nations should waste money on exploring space. (One side) However, others are convinced that expenditure on space programs is justified. (Other side) 

5. LAYOUT/OUTLINE • Introduction • Pro • Pro • Con + Refutation • Conlusion

6. Introduction I.1. General statement I.2. Transitional statement+ Argument I.3. Transitional statement+ Counterargument I.4. Contrast signal (however, although, even though, but, yet, etc) + Thesis statement (withthewriter’s POV)

7. INTRODUCTION Write at leasttwo sentences to describe the two sides of the present situation. Then, thethesis sentence will describe yourpoint of view: One side of the present situation The other side of the present situation Thesis: What is going to be defended in the essay (andtakeyourside here)

8. Example: Does space exploration benefit mankind? Sentence For : Space, for many people, really is the final frontier. They are excited by the exploration and potential of space. Sentence Against:However, not everyone agrees that this money is well-spent. Many people feel that the problems here on earth shouldbe solved before the journey to space begins. Thesis Sentence:Whiletheproblems here on earthareabundant, there’snouse of spendingmoneyfortheunknown.

9. SomeStatementsTo Start An Essay Throughouthistory, peoplehavebeenconfrontedwithchallengessuch as…..Justas marriage, divorceis an eventwhicheverybody can experience in life.Undoubtedly,interestcircleswillstruggleto start andcontinuewars in theworld… Lately/ recently/Intoday'sworld/ Fordecades/ Inthepast/ Nowadays

10. BodyParagraph 1 Paragraph 1 (Argument/Pro/For) B.1. (Transition, e.g. First of all, first, to start with) + Reason 1 B.2. Supporting statement B.3. Example B.4. Transition (therefore, as a result, consequently, etc) + Elaboration

11. Body Paragraph 2 (Argument/Pro/For) B.1. (Transition, e.g. Next, Another … is, Second) + Reason 2 B.2. Supporting statement B.3. Example B.4. Transition (therefore, as a result, consequently, etc) + Elaboration

12. Paragraph 3 (Counterargument/Con/Against + Refutation) R.1. (Transition, e.g. However, On the other hand, Although, Even though) + Counterargument R.2. Reason 1 R.3. Example R.4. Transition (yet, but, however, etc) + Argument R.5. Refutation R.6. Transition (therefore, as a result, consequently, etc) + Elaboration

13. Conclusion C.1. Transition (In conclusion, To conclude, To sum up, In summary, In short, etc) + Rephrase the thesis statement C.2. Additional statement (Summarize the main points) C.3. Additional statement (Summarize the main points) C.4. General statement that leaves an impression on the reader (a clincher) C.5. Call for action (Look to the future)

14. Supporting our ideas Itis the most important part when persuading others. We are asking some people to change their beliefs or actions. We should be supporting our ideas with such facts, statistics and/or research that there should not be room for any doubts. Here are somefaulty supports we should avoid:

15. Refuting opposing arguments • Before we start saying that the opponents are wrong, we should specify their opposing ideas. Otherwise, it would be like hitting the other person with eyes closed. • We should see clearly what we are hitting and be prepared beforehand so that he cannot hit us back. • We can do this by knowing what we are refuting.

16. Pointingout opposing arguments (CONs): • Opponents of this idea claim / maintain that …             • Those who disagree / are against these ideas may say / assert that … • Some people may disagree with this idea, defending….

17. Statingspecifically why they think thatway: • Theyput forward this idea because … • They claim that … since … • Reaching the turning point: • However, • but • On the other hand,

18. Give the other side's opinion, and then give YOUR opinion Some people think that…   Although many people feel that…   It is claimed that…   Some people feel that…   • Inone sentence: While it is true that… … some people believe… Despite the fact that millions of people die every year from lung cancer, many people think it is cool to smoke. Although many people think that…., I feel that Although it is often said that…, in fact the opposite is true Despite the fact that millions of people die every year from lung cancer, many people think it is cool to smoke. Although many people think that…., I feel that Although it is often said that…, in fact the opposite is true • Intwo sentences: It is undoubtedly true that… …However… It is often argued that… However, it is Some people say that… They claim… However, I feel… Supporters of this viewpoint say that… However, it is

19. CONCLUSION The conclusion is the end of the essay. It should be clear and avoid confusing the reader’s mind.The reader expects the conclusion to do some or all of the following: • rephrase the question • summarize the main ideas • stress your opinion • look to the future (say what will happen if the situation continues or changes) The reader DOES NOT expect new information in the conclusion. Never add a new idea just because you have thought of it at the end!