This document provides an overview of how to construct an argumentative essay. It begins by differentiating an argumentative essay from a persuasive essay, noting that an argumentative essay aims to present both sides of an issue rather than aggressively convince the reader of one side. The document then covers identifying a debate topic, developing a thesis statement, outlining paragraphs to present opposing arguments and the writer's response, using evidence and sources to support points, and structuring the introduction, body, and conclusion. Key aspects of an argumentative essay like addressing counterarguments and leaving the reader with the writer's perspective are also discussed.

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By :Nkambule Nkosingiphile
Sources used :Hermasari ,D.21 November 2013.
http://www.slideshare.net/DeviHermasari/argumentative-essay-28474955?qid=82c643b2-42874dd7-9900-05830cda3806&v=default&b=&from_search
Zaiden ,J.January 22 2014.Argumenattive essay
http://www.slideshare.net/jzaiden/argumentative-essay-30322143?qid=af306f1c-5ba7-4c989775-800039708b00&v=qf1&b=&from_search=1
Julieth,A. Jan 30, 2012, http://www.slideshare.net/jackstevenlangs/argumentative-essays11326531?qid=82c643b2-4287-4dd7-9900-05830cda3806&v=default&b=&from_search=12
student at La Gran Comision
isadorab on Sep 26, 2013
http://www.slideshare.net/isadorab/argumentative-essays-26570862?qid=82c643b2-4287-4dd79900-05830cda3806&v=default&b=&from_search=9

2. Learners should be able to do the
following.
1. Construct an argumentative essay.
2. Differentiate between the
argumentative essay and the
persuasive essay.
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3. In this kind of essay, we not only give information but also present an
argument with the PROS (supporting ideas) and CONS (opposing
ideas) of an argumentative issue. We should clearly take our stand and
write as if we are trying to persuade an opposing audience to adopt
new beliefs or behavior. The primary objective is to persuade people to
change beliefs that many of them do not want to change.

4.  Purpose: persuade your
audience
 Structure: five paragraphs
 Audience: fellow teachers and
teachers in training

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An argument follows when two groups disagree
about something.
An argumentative essay is also one that
attempts/tries to change the readers mind, to
convince the reader to agree with the point of view
of the writer.
Argumentative essays attempt to be highly
persuasive and logical.
When writing an argumentative essay assume that
your reader disagrees with you, but remember
your reader is no less intelligent than you.
Write objectively, logically, and respectfully

6. it should be narrowed down
X Marijuana should be considered illegal. (Not a good topic
because it is too general. In some medical cases, marijuana is
prescribed by the doctors and the patients are encouraged to
use it in case of suffering from too much pain)
√ Selling and using marijuana in public places should be
considered illegal.
 it should contain an argument
X We should decide whether we want a bicycle or a
car. (our stand is not clear: do we support having bicycles or
cars?)
√ If we are under the age of 30 and want a healthy life, we
should definitely get a bicycle instead of a car.
 it should be a topic that can be adequately supported (with
statistics, outside source citations, etc.)
X I feel that writing an argumentative essay is definitely a
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8. Persuasive Writing: Students aggressively try
convincing a reader to take their side. We
are NOT writing a persuasive essay.
 Argumentative Writing: Argumentative
writing is much more balanced. It requires
the development of both sides of an issue,
offering several claims for one side while
discussing valid counterclaims from the
opposition. Argumentative writing is about
giving the reader another perspective to
consider on a debatable topic.
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9. The writer supports a claim with a clear
reasons and relevant evidence.
 You can agree OR disagree with the
claim made.
 You must use both evidence and
credible sources to form your argument.
 You must write about both your reasons
for supporting or not supporting the
claim and the counterargument against
your claim.
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11. The claim might be that when using
certain websites we are losing our
privacy. Do you agree or disagree with
this claim? This is can be the basis of an
argumentative paper.
 Another example might be: As a
society, we are becoming less aware of
the Bill of Rights and our responsibilities
to uphold these rights our nation gives
us to new technology that we don’t
understand. Do you agree or disagree
with this claim? This is can be the basis
of an argumentative paper.
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You must state your position on the
argument and have relevant and credible
sources to support your argument. You
want to use logic and reason.
What is unique about an argumentative
essay is that you do not just give reasons to
support your point, you must also discuss
the other side’s point and rebut that point.
Rebut means to point out problems with
the other side’s P.O.V. and prove they are
not good reasons.

13. 
Introductory Paragraph
› One sentence Introduction/Global
Statement about the claim/issue
› A two-three sentence explanation of
both sides of the claim/issue. Keep it short
and to the point.
› Thesis: Here you will explain the position
you have taken for or against this
claim/issue.

14. 
Paragraph One, Two and Three:
› Statement of the other side’s argument
and your counter argument.
› Start with the opposing view and end
with yours. It is more effective. We will
review transitional and other key words.
› Pattern: (We will Discuss this more indepth in class)
 T.S. Topic Sentence
 Other sides argument
 Your argument
 Concluding sentence

15. Conclusion:
 End with a strong statement that supports
your side of the argument. Do not include
the opposing side’s argument in the
conclusion. You want to leave the reader
thinking about your side of the argument.
 The conclusion can be a combination of a
summary of the arguments in your essay
and a last strong statement that makes your
feelings/thoughts clear on the subject.
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Advantages and disadvantages
Expressing opinions/ providing
solutions to problems
Expressing arguments for and against
a topic

17.  The argumentative essay should introduce and
explain the issue or case. The reader needs to
understand what the issue is going to be.
 The essay should offer reasons and support for
those reasons. The essay should prove its point
 The essay should refute (prove wrong)
opposing arguments.
 Conclusion. Restate your premise and
summarize the reasons your thesis makes
sense.

18. There are three possible organization patterns:
( PROS :supporting ideas and CONS: opposing
ideas)of an argumentative issue.)
Pattern 1:
Thesis statement:
PRO idea 1
PRO idea 2
CON(s) + Refutation(s)
Conclusion
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19. Pattern 2:
Thesis statement:
CON(s) + Refutation(s)
PRO idea 1
PRO idea 2
Conclusion
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Pattern 3:
Thesis statement:
CON idea 1 -----> Refutation
CON idea 2 -----> Refutation
CON idea 3 -----> Refutation
Conclusion
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20. Brief
description of the
situation
Background information
and definitions.

21. This paragraph begins with your Thesis
Statement, a sentence which sums up
your perspective on the question being
debated.
 The other sentences provide support for
your argument with examples and
evidence
 Often, we cite experts to support our
argument
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22. We must address arguments
against our position in order to
make our own argument stronger.
 Outline 2-3 counter-arguments,
using examples and evidence
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23. Answer
the counterarguments
Provide more evidence or
examples supporting your
thesis

24.  Readdress
your thesis, keeping in
mind the counter-argument and
reply.
 Close with a recommendation in
line with your perspective on the
topic.

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Sources used :Hermasari ,D.21 November 2013.
http://www.slideshare.net/DeviHermasari/argumentative-essay-28474955?qid=82c643b2-42874dd7-9900-05830cda3806&v=default&b=&from_search
Jzaiden .January 22 2014.Argumenattive essay
http://www.slideshare.net/jzaiden/argumentative-essay-30322143?qid=af306f1c-5ba7-4c989775-800039708b00&v=qf1&b=&from_search=1
Anyely Julieth, Jan 30, 2012, http://www.slideshare.net/jackstevenlangs/argumentative-essays11326531?qid=82c643b2-4287-4dd7-9900-05830cda3806&v=default&b=&from_search=12
student at La Gran Commission
isadorab on Sep 26, 2013
http://www.slideshare.net/isadorab/argumentative-essays-26570862?qid=82c643b2-4287-4dd79900-05830cda3806&v=default&b=&from_search=9