Argumentative essay work usually requires extensive research into previously published literature or material. Argumentative tasks may also require empirical research, in which the student collects data through interviews, surveys, observations, or experiments. Detailed research allows the student to learn more about the topic and understand different points of view on the topic so that they can choose a position and support it with the evidence gathered during the research. Regardless of the amount or type of research, argumentative essays must make a clear thesis and follow a well-founded argument. Organize the essay into three or four body paragraphs. Start with one subject sentence at a time to let readers know what the paragraph will discuss. In each set of topics, include the main idea of the thesis, the topic of the paragraph, and a transition. Note: There may be some confusion between the argumentative essay and the explanatory essay. These two genres are similar, but argumentative essay differs from expository essay in amount of pre-writing (invention) and research.
The argumentative essay is usually assigned as a keystone or final project in advanced writing or composition courses during the first year and involves long and detailed research. Expository trials involve less research and are shorter. Expository essays are often used for writing exercises or classroom tests such as GED or GRE. A balanced argument not only represents your position, but also takes into account the opposition. The rebuttal section of the essay consists of two or three paragraphs to deny the rhetoric of the opposition. Their rebuttal presents convincing data to dispel or weaken their reasoning. This section of the essay appears just before graduation. Provide general information in the introduction. Spark interest in your topic by adding an anecdote, a surprising fact, a significant statistic, or even a fictional character that deals with the topic being discussed. Place the thesis in the very last sentence. Argumentation essays require you to take a stand on contentious issues.
Your position on this topic is your thesis. As Purdue Online Writing Lab notes, argumentation essays include research from factual and authoritative sources to support your ideas, not just personal opinions or anecdotes. References to these sources must conform to the style of the Modern Language Association, the primary writing style for research papers in English and the humanities. The work indicates your position in the last line of the introductory paragraph. Your thesis indicates the subject of your essay and your position, and suggests the purpose or direction of your argument. For example, “public schools should require one hour of daily physical activity for all students to combat obesity, improve mental clarity and increase health awareness.” Complex facts and detailed research require complex and detailed testing. Argumentative essays discussing a range of research sources or empirical research will certainly be longer than five paragraphs. Authors may need to discuss the context around the topic, the sources of information and their credibility, as well as a number of different opinions on the topic before concluding the essay.
Many of these factors are determined by the allocation. Although it may seem that an argumentative essay is no different from other types of articles, arguments have their own criteria. In addition to a close connection between their audience and their purpose, argumentative articles must have a thesis that is “an opinion, a preliminary judgment that is not widely disseminated, and that can be explained by reason and evidence,” say Rebecca Howard and Amy Taggart, authors of Research Matters. While it may seem confusing to take one point of view while considering other points of view, there are some standard steps that can ensure a successful argument essay from the Modern Language Association. Press paragraph points with specific evidence. Choose two or three pieces of information that support your claims and use these points to develop paragraphs. Offer evidence, including quotes, paraphrases, and summaries of sources, appeals, and examples. Explain why the evidence is important.
The visual layout of the MLA-style essays consists of a full one-inch border, double spacing, and a 12-point readable font like Times New Roman. No home page is required. The left header on the first page contains your full name, the name of your instructor, the course title, and the date. The header at the top right displays your last name and page number. The general format of citations in the text begins with the author`s last name, followed by the page number that contains the referenced citation. You should use the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th edition, to format your essay. Argumentative essay requires well-documented, accurate, detailed and up-to-date information to support the thesis and take into account other points of view. Some factual, logical, statistical or anecdotal evidence should support the thesis. However, students should consider several points of view when collecting evidence. As mentioned in the paragraph above, a successful and well-balanced argumentative essay will also discuss opinions that disagree with the thesis. It is unethical to exclude evidence that may not support the thesis.
It is not the student`s job to point out that other positions are directly wrong, but to explain how other positions may not be well informed or up-to-date on the subject. .
