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Argumentative Essay

Argumentative Essay
Argumentative Essay

Argumentative Essay

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The function of an argumentative essay is to show that your assertion (opinion, theory, hypothesis) about some phenom enon or phenom ena is correct or more truthful than others'. 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 successfully, and these folks are always surprised when others don't agree with them because their logic seem s so correct. Argumentative writing is the act of forming reasons, making inductions, drawing conclusions, and applying them to the case in discussion; the operation of inferring propositions, not known or admitted as true, from facts or principles known, admitted, or proved to be true. It clearly explains the process of your reasoning from the known or assumed to the unknown. Without doing this you do not have an argument, you have only an assertion, an essay that is just your unsubstantiated opinion.

Notice that you do not have to completely prove your point; you only have to convince reasonable readers that your argument or position has merit; i.e., that it is somehow more accurate and complete than competing arguments.

Argumentative essays are often organized in the following manner:

1.They begin with a statement of your assertion, its timeliness, significance, and

relevance in relation to some phenomenon.

2.They review critically the literature about that phenomenon.

3.They illustrate how your assertion is "better" (simpler or more explanatory) than

others, including improved (i.e., more reliable or valid) methods that you used

to accumulate the data (case) to be explained.

Finally revise and edit, and be sure to apply the critical process to your argument to be certain you have not committed any errors in reasoning or integrated any fallacies for which you would criticize some other writer.

Additionally, you will want to find out how your readers will object to your argument. Will they say that you have used imprecise concepts? Have you erred in collecting data? Your argument is only as strong as the objections to it. If you cannot refute or discount an objection, then you need to rethink and revise your position.

Persuasive Essay

What is a persuasive/argument essay?

Persuasive writing, also known as the argument essay, utilizes logic and reason to show that one idea is more legitimate than another idea. It attempts to persuade a reader to adopt a certain point of view or to take a particular action. The argum ent must always use sound reasoning and solid evidence by stating facts, giving logical reasons, using examples, and quoting experts.

When planning a persuasive essay, follow these steps

1.Choose your position. Which side of the issue or problem are you going to write

about, and what solution will you offer? Know the purpose of your essay.

2.Analyze your audience. Decide if your audience agrees with you, is neutral, or

disagrees with your position.

3.Research your topic. A persuasive essay must provide specific and convincing

evidence. Often it is necessary to go beyond your own knowledge and

experience. You might need to go to the library or interview people who are

experts on your topic.

4.Structure your essay. Figure out what evidence you will include and in what

order you will present the evidence. Remember to consider your purpose, your

audience, and you topic.

The following criteria are essential to produce an effective argument

?Be well informed about your topic. To add to your knowledge of a topic, read thoroughly about it, using legitimate sources. Take notes.

?Test your thesis. Your thesis, i.e., argum ent, must have two sides. It must be debatable. If you can write down a thesis statement directly opposing your own,

you will ensure that your own argument is debatable.

?Disprove the opposing argum ent. Understand the opposite viewpoint of your position and then counter it by providing contrasting evidence or by finding

mistakes and inconsistencies in the logic of the opposing argument.

?Support your position with evidence. Remember that your evidence must appeal to reason.

The following are different ways to support your argument:

Facts - A powerful means of convincing, facts can come from your reading, observa tion, or personal experience.

Note: Do not confuse facts with truths. A "truth" is an idea believed by many people, but it cannot be proven.

Statistics - These can provide excellent support. Be sure your statistics come from responsible sources. Always cite your sources.

Quotes - Direct quotes from leading experts that support your position are invaluable.

Examples - Examples enhance your meaning and make your ideas concrete. They are the proof.

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