This document provides an overview of the structure and components of an argumentative essay. An argumentative essay presents a clear position on an issue and aims to persuade the reader through evidence-based arguments. It includes an introduction with a thesis statement, body paragraphs with opposing arguments and the author's response and evidence to refute them, and a conclusion that restates the key points. Body paragraphs each address one opposing argument, the author's counterargument, and how they refute the initial argument. The introduction provides background on the issue, and the conclusion summarizes the main arguments and refutations.

1. Argumentative essay By Megan Allman

2. What is it? Argumentative essays give information and present an argument with the pros and cons on the issue. You must take a clear stand and try to persuade the opposing audience of your opinion. PROS- Are your views CONS- The opposite views Refutation- The proof of your arguments

3. Structure Introduction thesis Body Paragraph 1- CON 1 + PRO 1 + Refutation Paragraph 2- CON 2 + PRO 2 + Refutation Paragraph 3- CON 3 + PRO 2 + Refutation Conclusion

4. Introduction Structure of an introduction: Introduce and explain topic Background information Thesis statement

5. Example Introduction The issue of whether we should allow marine parks to stay open has been widely debated in our community recently. It is an important issue because it concerns fundamental moral and economic questions about the way we use our native wildlife. A variety of different arguments have been put forward about this issue. This essay will consider arguments for having marine parks and point to some of the problems with these views. It will then put forward reasons for the introduction of laws which prohibit these unnecessary and cruel institutions. Introduction of topic Background information Thesis

6. Paragraphs Structure of a paragraph: 1. Topic sentence 2. CON - The opposing view 4. PRO - Your arguing view 5. Refutation- Proof of your argument

7. Example paragraph It has been argued that dolphin parks provide the only opportunity for much of the public to see marine mammals (Smith, 1992). Most Australians, so this argument goes, live in cities and never get to see these animals. It is claimed that marine parks allow the average Australian to appreciate our marine wildlife. However, as Smith states, dolphins, whales and seals can be viewed in the wild at a number of places on the Australian coast. In fact, there are more places where they can be seen in the wild than places where they can be seen in captivity. Moreover, most Australians would have to travel less to get to these locations than they would to get to the marine parks on the Gold Coast. In addition, places where there are wild marine mammals do not charge an exorbitant entry fee - they are free. Topic sentence CON PRO Refutation

8. Conclusion Include in a conclusion: Summarise your main PROs Summarise you main refutations

9. Example conclusion In conclusion, these parks should be closed, or at the very least, no new animals should be captured for marine parks in the future. Our society is no longer prepared to tolerate unnecessary cruelty to animals for science and entertainment. If we continue with our past crimes against these creatures we will be remembered as cruel and inhuman by the generations of the future Summary of refutation Summary of PROS

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