2. Argument: Definition
An argument is a line of reasoning intended to
persuade the reader or listener that certain ideas
are valid while others are not.
An argument has three essential parts:
An issue
A position
Support
3. Appeals
An argument is based on the use of three different
appeals:
Emotional (ethos)
Logical (logos)
Ethical (ethos)
However, in an argument essay, logical appeals
should take precedence over the others.
4. Argument: Thesis Statement
The thesis statement for an argument essay
should:
identify the issue
state your position on the issue
list the major reasons used as support for your position.
The thesis statement should also be debatable. You
should be able to create an antithesis to your thesis.
5. Analyzing Audience
It is important to consider the three kinds of audience
members who may read your argument:
Audiences who agree with your position
Neutral audiences
Audiences who disagree with your position
6. Using Support
There are two main kinds of support in an
argument essay:
reasons - general statements that logically support your
position
evidence - outside research that supports your position.
The most common types of evidence are: facts and
statistics, quotations from authorities, examples, and
personal experience.
7. Dealing with the opposition
A key element of any argument essay is to acknowledge and
argue against an opposing viewpoint. This is known as
refutation.
Refutation has two benefits in an argument essay:
It can expose the weakness of the opposing argument and reinforce the
strength of your own
It can show that you are being fair and accurate, thus avoiding sounding
overly biased in your essay.
