ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY, AN EASY GUIDE...ppt
- 2. ARGUMENTATION The aim of writing argumentative essays is to convince or persuade the reader. One attempts to change the reader’s mind and convince the reader to agree with the point of view or claim of the writer. So an argumentative essay needs to be highly persuasive and logical.
- 3. Key Terms to Learn (p. 112) Argumentation _____ Refutation _____ Proponent _____ Opponent _____ Counter Argument (CON) ____ Pro Argument (PRO) _____ 1. a person who disagrees with something and speaks against it 2. the act or process of forming reasons, drawing conclusions, and applying them to a case in discussion 3. point or statement that supports one’s ideas 4. point or statement in opposition to the argument being made in a written document or speech 5. the process of discrediting the arguments that oppose your thesis statement 6. someone who argues in favor of something; advocate 2 5 6 1 4 3
- 4. WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF ARGUMENTATION? present an opinion on a controversial topic to the reader; explain, clarify and illustrate that opinion; persuade the reader that the opinion supported in the essay is valid by: a. moving the reader to action, b. convincing the reader that the opinion is correct, or c. persuading the reader that the opinion is at least worth considering; support the opinion by means of giving evidence: facts, examples, physical description, support of authority, and statistics; present counterarguments to the thesis and refute them respectfully and critically.
- 5. HOW TO WRITE ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS STAGE 1: CHOOSING A TOPIC AND WRITING THE TOPIC/ PROBLEM - Decide on a controversial topic (debatable and interesting) - Write an argumentative thesis statement.(A thesis statement clearly identifies the topic being discussed, includes the points discussed in the essay, and is written for a specific audience) - Generate ideas (free writing or brainstorming
- 6. The Argumentative Thesis Statement The thesis statement should define the scope of the argument and make an assertion(statement) that is open to debate.
- 7. Sample Argumentative Thesis Statements Something should be done on media bias. This is not an effective argumentative thesis statement because it does not clearly state the writer’s idea. The answers of questions like “what is that ‘something’ that should be done?” or “who should do it?” are not clear.
- 8. Sample Argumentative Thesis Statements CNN is the best TV channel. This is not an effective thesis statement. This sentence is not debatable as it involves personal choice or preference.
- 9. Sample Argumentative Thesis Statements Newspapers should not identify people by color, race, or religious faith in any way. This is an effective argumentative thesis statement. Firstly, the topic is open to discussion. There may be people who would oppose this argument claiming that this kind of restriction would damage the objectivity of the news. Therefore, the writer holds a clear stance. Above all, it is obvious that the writer’s aim is not simply to inform the readers but to convince them to take his / her side in the debate.
- 10. More Examples to Show the Difference There are three main reasons why the media manipulate the news. This thesis statement is not argumentative. Although the writer has the assumption that the media manipulate the news, the aim of this essay is not to convince the reader on this issue, but to simply list the three reasons for media manipulation. The reader, too, expects to learn the three reasons.
- 11. More Examples to Show the Difference The media should not manipulate the news in any way. This thesis statement is acceptable as an argumentative thesis statement because the writer clearly takes a stand in the debate about whether the media should manipulate the news or not. Here, the writer intends to influence the mind of readers rather than to merely inform them.
- 12. More Examples to Show the Difference It is essential that media literacy be taught in schools. This is clearly an argumentative thesis statement. Firstly, the topic is debatable. Secondly, the writer is clear about where in the discussion he stands. Finally, the purpose of the writer is to affect the readers’ ideas on this issue.
- 13. On the Whole On the whole, while writing argumentative thesis statements, be sure to have a debatable topic, state your claim and stance as strongly as possible and make the reader understand that your aim is to persuade rather than only to inform.
- 14. STEP 2: GENERATING IDEAS After formulating your argumentative thesis statement, you need to brainstorm a variety of supporting ideas, counter arguments and ways to refute these opposing views.
- 15. When Supporting your Argument One important concern in writing an argumentative essay is to strengthen your argument. To do this, you need to base your argument on sound evidence. In supporting your argument, the evidence that you include can be facts, examples, support from authority (testimony), and statistics. Facts: data that have been objectively proven and are generally accepted (such as historical facts, scientific data, statistics etc.) Examples: should be sufficient number of examples to prove the case. Opinions of experts
- 16. EXAMPLE 1. It is clear that TV triggers violence. According to a study by the American Psychological Association (2005), the average child living in a developed country will view 8000 murders and 100.000 other acts of violence before finishing elementary school. The average 27 hours a week kids spend watching TV - much of it violent - makes them more prone to aggressive and violent behavior as adolescents and adults (p. 10). TV executives have known this for a long time. One of the most comprehensive studies of the impact of violent TV was commissioned by CBS back in 1978. It found that teenage boys who watched more hours of violent TV than average before adolescence were committing such violent crimes as rape and assault at a rate 49 percent higher than boys who watched fewer than average hours of violent TV (as cited in APA, 2005, p. 3). Supporting technique used: ____________________________________________________ Statistics / Research Findings
- 17. EXAMPLE 2. Not letting their children watch television as a punishment is a futile effort of parents since almost every effect of punishment is negative. Dr. Bruno Bettleheim (2003, p. 8), famous psychologist and professor at the University of Chicago, writes, “Punishment is a traumatic experience not only in itself but also because it disappoints the child’s wish to believe in the benevolence of the parent, on which his sense of security rests.”… Supporting technique used: ________________ Authority’s opinion / testimony
- 18. Counter Arguments One way to strengthen your argument is to show that you have a deep understanding of the issue and also to show that you can anticipate and address the counterarguments or objections that your audience may have. In this way you show that you have thought the issue in detail.
- 19. Generating Counter Arguments How strong is the opposition? What arguments might be used against my thesis statement? How can I refute these arguments? Will I have to agree with some of these points? Which of my arguments might the opposition try to discredit? How closely does my audience identify with the opposition? Can I see any weak links in the opposition’s thinking?
- 20. Counter Arguments Sometimes it may be difficult to anticipate the counterarguments. Here are some strategies that you can make use of if you are having difficulty at this stage: Do some research. It may seem to you that no one could possibly disagree with your position, but you will be astonished to find that someone most probably already has. Talk with a friend or your instructor. Someone else may point out certain counterarguments that may never have occurred to you. Consider the thesis and your supporting arguments and think of how people may object to each of them.
- 21. Refuting the Counter Arguments Refuting Counter Arguments by Claiming that they are: 1. Incorrect: demonstrating that your opponent’s reasoning is wrong because it is based on incorrect or misleading information 2. Irrelevant: showing that your opponent’s viewpoint is inappropriate and unrelated because it is not relevant to the key point 3. Insufficient: showing that your opponent’s reasoning is weak because it is based on insufficient information or ignores significant information. Partially agree with the opponent’s point of view but on the whole prove that it is weak
- 22. Important Reminder! When writing an argumentative essay, arguments which have been suggested by opponents and proponents should be made clear. Otherwise, the reader may be confused.
- 23. STAGE 3: ORGANIZING IDEAS INTO AN OUTLINE
- 24. Final Tips for Writing an Argumentative Essay Find a debatable topic. Word your thesis carefully to provoke thought or action. Do research. Make a pro-con chart. Outline your arguments so that they are focused and organized. Anticipate objections and differing viewpoints and show why your argument is stronger even if the others have some merit. Support all your claims with convincing evidence and reasoned analysis. Avoid logical fallacies; they weaken any argument.
- 25. Time to Practice! Choose two of the topics, and write an argumentative thesis statement for each. 1. war journalism 2. advertisements / commercials 3. reality programs 4. radio programs 5. the government 6. newspapers