Argumentative Writing

Notes
Write these notes in your Class Notes section
An Introduction to Persuasion
and Argument
Moving people to a belief, position, or
course of action
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Persuasion vs. Argument
Persuasion and argument are often used
interchangeably
Persuasion is a broad term, which includes
many tactics designed to move people to a
position, a belief, or a course of action.
Argument is a specific kind of persuasion
based on the principles of logic and
reasoning
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What exactly is an Argument?
An argument involves the process
of establishing a claim and then
proving it with the use of logical
reasoning, examples, and
research.
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Structure of a Classical
Argument
Introduction
Thesis Statement
Background Information
Reasons and Evidence
The Opposing View and the Refutation
Conclusions
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The Goal of Argumentative
Writing
The Goal of argumentative writing
is to get the reader to acknowledge
that your side is logically validated
through facts, evidence that
supports, and research.

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Before Writing...
Brainstorm ideas on the subject.
Identify the main topics and ideas that support
your argument.
Use logical research for organising your notes.
Decide which side you are on, i.e. which
arguments are most convincing. Make sure
you choose the side that you can fully
support.
Plan and write an outline for your essay noting
down the information you will include in each
paragraph.
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The Essay
Each separate point in your argument requires its own
paragraph.
Just as the purpose of your overall essay is to prove your
thesis, the purpose of each body paragraph should be to
prove a part of your argument.
This point should be articulated in the topic sentence of
the paragraph, and the rest of the paragraph should
present evidence that supports the point.

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Introduction Paragraph:
Start with an attention-grabbing
sentence to introduce the issue.
Briefly describe your argument
and lead into your thesis.
Thesis/Claim Statement: In one
or two sentences, state your
argument by taking ONE side of
the issue. Be clear and concise.
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The Thesis/Claim Statement
is the most important sentence in your paper
answers the question: What am I trying to
prove?
...brings focus to the entire essay
lets the reader know the main idea of the paper
is not a factual statement or an announcement of
purpose, but a claim that has to be proven
throughout the paper.
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The Body of the
Essay
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Body Paragraphs 1 & 2
Arguments for: The reasons parts of your thesis statement will be in your
body
Dystopia- The Fragmentation of a Society-go back to essential question
and form an argument for the topic you chose.
Body paragraphs 1 & 2 give clear arguments for your claim with (examples, statistics,
explanations, etc.).
Use transition words as you move from paragraph to paragraph (Firstly, secondly, furthermore, in
addition, moreover, finally).
You can also use any of the transitions from the other essay types as long as they are
appropriate for your argument. (You may want to compare/contrast things, give reasons/results,
descriptions, definitions etc.)

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Body Paragraph 3-Refutation
Paragraph
This is also used to support your claim.
Use the counter arguments to show that
your idea is the stronger one.
Do not focus only on the opposing ideas.
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Offering a Counterargument
Addressing the opposition demonstrates your
credibility as a writer.
It shows that you have researched multiple sides
of the argument and have come to an informed
decision.
Remember, keep a balanced tone when
attempting to debunk the opposition.

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Concluding paragraph
Your conclusion should:

Restate the main claim.
Present one or two general sentences which accurately
summarise your arguments that support the main
premise.
Provide a general warning of the consequences of not
following the premise that you put forward and/or a
general statement of how the community will benefit
from following that premise.
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