This document provides information and instructions about writing an argumentative essay. It explains that an argumentative essay requires agreeing or disagreeing with an issue using reasons to support an opinion. There are two common patterns for organizing an argumentative essay: the block pattern, which rebuts the opposing arguments first before presenting your own; and the point-by-point pattern, which alternates between presenting an opposing argument and rebutting it with your counterargument. The introduction should explain the issue, include a thesis statement stating your position, and may reference opposing viewpoints.

1. Argumentative
Essays
Self-study versionSelf-study version

2. What is an Argumentative
Essay?
An argumentative essay is an essay in which you
agree or disagree with a certain issue, using
reasons to support your opinion.

3. What is an Argumentative
Essay?
You may be asked a question like this:
Stem cell research offers a potential cure for
many fatal diseases. Many people oppose stem
cell research because it involves using cells from
human embryos. Do you agree or disagree that
stem cell research should be prohibited?

4. What is an Argumentative
Essay?
Note: What is unique about an argumentative
essay is that you do not just give reasons to
support your point of view. You must also
discuss the other side’s reasons and rebut them.
(Rebut means to point out problems with the other side’s reasons to prove they are
not good reasons.)

5. Organization of an
Argumentative Essay?
There are two common ways to organize an
argumentative essay.
• the block pattern
• the point-by-point pattern

6. Block Pattern
I. Introduction
Explanation of the issue
Thesis statement
II. Body
Block 1
A. Summary of the other side’s arguments
B. Rebuttal to the first argument
C. Rebuttal to the second argument
D. Rebuttal to the third argument
Block 2
E. Your first argument
F. Your second argument
G. Your third argument
III. Conclusion - may include a summary of your own point of view

7. Point-by-Point Pattern
I. Introduction
Explanation of the issue, including a summary of the other side’s arguments
Thesis statement
II. Body
A. Statement of the other side’s first argument and rebuttal with your
own counter argument.
B. Statement of the other side’s second argument and rebuttal with
your own counter argument.
C. Statement of the other side’s third argument and rebuttal with your
own counter argument.
III. Conclusion - may include a summary of your own point of view

8. Now do exercises 1 and 2 from your assignmentNow do exercises 1 and 2 from your assignment
sheet and check your answers with the key.sheet and check your answers with the key.

9. The Introductory Paragraph
The introductory paragraph contains an
explanation of the issue, which is a necessary
part of an argumentative essay.
You may also begin your argumentative essay
with a more engaging introduction - with
surprising statistics, for example, or a
dramatic story.

10. The Introductory Paragraph
If you choose to write an attention-getting
introduction, you may need to explain the
issue in a second introductory paragraph and
write your thesis statement at the end of this
(the second) paragraph.

11. The Introductory Paragraph
Thesis Statement
The thesis statement in an argumentative
essay states clearly which side you are for:
Stem cell research should receive the full
support of our government.

12. The Introductory Paragraph
A thesis statement often mentions the
opposing point of view. Notice that the
writer’s opinion is expressed in the main
(independent) clause, and the opposing point
of view is normally put in a subordinate
structure.
Although there are certainly reasons to be
cautious with stem cell research or any new
technology (subordinate clause), its potential benefits
far outweigh its dangers. (main clause)

13. The Introductory Paragraph
Use expressions like the following to
introduce opposing points of view.
Some people feel that the United States
should change their healthcare plan.
Many think that genetically engineered
crops are a grave danger to the
environment.

14. The Introductory Paragraph
Smokers say that they have the right to
smoke.
It may be true that the U.S. constitution
gives citizens the right to own weapons.

15. The Introductory Paragraph
Then connect the opposing point of view to
your own with transition signals of contrast.
Some people feel that the United States
should change their healthcare plan;
however, others feel that the government
should stay out of the health care business.

16. The Introductory Paragraph
Although/Even though many think that
genetically engineered crops are a grave
danger to the environment, such crops can
alleviate world hunger and malnutrition.
Smokers say that they have the right to
smoke in spite of the fact that/ despite
the fact that smoking will kill them.

17. The Introductory Paragraph
While/Whereas it may be true that the
U.S. constitution gives citizens the right to
own weapons, the men that wrote the
constitution lived in a different time.

18. Now do exercises 3 and 4 from your assignmentNow do exercises 3 and 4 from your assignment
sheet and check your answers with the key.sheet and check your answers with the key.