Argumentative Essay

Dr Jon Buscall

Argumentative Essay

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Requires you to investigate a topic, collect, evaluate & generate evidence, & establish a position.

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Argument underlies all writing

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Argument underlies all writing

you are “arguing” some point about your subject

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Whales can be understood best when seen at sea; whales may seem threatening but are really gentle; whale watching has helped increase public support for whale preservation.

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Using informal arguments to advance the primary purpose: explaining my impressions of a whale watch

Whales can be understood best when seen at sea; whales may seem threatening but are really gentle; whale watching has helped increase public support for whale preservation.

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Formal arguments use expository* patterns to convey information

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Formal arguments use expository* patterns to convey information *intended to explain or describe something

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Formal arguments must be developed according to rules of evidence & logical reasoning...

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You begin composing an argument by planning...investigating sources

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You begin composing an argument by planning...investigating sources

Argumentative essay assignments generally call for extensive research of literature or previously published material.

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Collect evidence...then evaluate it

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Collect evidence...then evaluate it

record the source for your Works Cited

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Your credibility is based on your sources

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Organise your argument into a draft

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Drafting: Organising your argument (i) Identify your audience Establish your identity (professional) Provide your readers with appropriate evidence

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Your thesis is central to your success set the context of the essay by reviewing the topic in a general way explain why the topic is importance (AKA exigence) state your thesis

Introductory paragraph

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There has been much discussion about the use of nuclear power ever since the first reactor was built. People who support nuclear power think that it provides a cheap and effective means of supplying energy needs. However, in reality it is not cheap at all and the dangers are well-known after the accidents at Chernobyl and Three Mile Island. The fact is that nuclear power is a tried, tested and failed technology. Because of its cost, risk and alternatives, the building of nuclear reactors should not continue.

Sample introduction

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Narrow down your topic General Topic > Social Networking Websites Narrowed Topic > Facebook Controlling Idea > Security on Facebook Thesis > Facebook compromises personal, emotional, and financial security and should be shut down.

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See page 24 b in Writing Academic English

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Not every subject can be treated in a formal argument

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No point arguing about facts

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No point arguing about facts

Smoking causes cancer

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No point arguing about facts

Smoking causes cancer The sale of tobacco products should be banned

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A formal argument must focus on a subject that can be debated

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Opposing opinions can be supported with evidence

A formal argument must focus on a subject that can be debated

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Opposing opinions can be supported with evidence

A formal argument must focus on a subject that can be debated Tip: when choosing a subject for an argument, view it as a controversy with at least two contending sides.

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Consider the opposition

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Consider the opposition

Draft an argument for “their side”

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Formulate your refutation This is used to support your claim Use the counter arguments to show your idea is stronger

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Useful phrases... It could be claimed... It....may be asserted that...; however, .... It might be argued... It has been claimed / asserted / argued / suggested / noted that...; however,

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Some people might claim that there is no real alternative to a new generation of nuclear reactors. However, combined heat and power units, which generate electricity are already economical for large houses or blocks of flats and smaller units will be on the market next year. Local generation of electricity eliminates the enormous losses of wasted heat in electricity generation by fossil fuels or nuclear reactors. Wind turbines and solar cells on the roof can also provide home solutions and will become more economical as costs come down with mass production.

Sample refutation

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Beware of... distortion slanting quoting out of context

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Tips... Avoid emotional appeals (CF 25 b, Writing Academic English) Strive for the logical appeal

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(ii)

Premise 1: All men are mortal. Premise 2: Socrates is a man. Conclusion: Therefore, Socrates is a man.

(Aristotle’s famous local sequence: the “syllogism”)

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Sample Structure: The 5 Paragraph Argumentative Essay 1 introductory paragraph 3 evidentiary body paragraphs that (may) include discussion of opposing views 1 concluding paragraph

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Checklist Choose a valid topic State your thesis clearly Identify reasons for asserting your thesis Substantiate your main points with compelling evidence Address the opposing argument(s) Cite all sources

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Look for features that obscure clarity or weaken your credibility

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Sample Topics Should the death penalty be mandatory for people that kill other people? Should the rain forests’ destruction be prohibited? How is it possible to protect forests? Should all doctoral theses in Sweden be written in English ? Should snus should be outlawed by the EU?

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