The Argumentative Essay

Unit 7
What do you see in this picture?
Have you ever been in a situation like this?
How did it end?

According to the picture what do you think will be the topic of our lesson?
(Motivation)
Introduction
W hy d o I n e e d to l e a r n a b o u t a rg u m e ntat i ve e s s ays ?

People think differently

We all have opinions

We want to prove our point of view We want others to agree with us

Argumentative essays teach us how to organize and support our opinion with
strong evidence and in a convincing way
(Motivation)
Contents of the Unit
I. Argumentation: Overview
1. Definition
2. Types of argumentative essays
III. Complementary materials
3. Modes of Persuasion and Logical
Fallacies Annotated examples
4. Argumentative or Persuasive? Dos and Donts
Language Tips
II. The Argumentative Essay Rubrics
1. General characteristics Instructor evaluation
Peer evaluation
III. Parts of an argumentative essay Check list
1. Introduction APA Format Style
a. The thesis statement Manuscript
2. Body paragraphs In-text citations
a. Argumentation Reference List
b. Concession and Rebuttal Writing Labs
3. Conclusion
 I. 1 Overview: Definition

The argumentative essay is a type of writing in which the student is required to

investigate a controversial topic
Collect, generate, and evaluate evidence
In favor and against
And establish his/her position on the topic in a concise manner

Argumentative essays call for extensive research to understand the different

points of view and to substantiate a particular stance.

Overview: Definition/
I. 2 Types of Argumentation: Classical vs Rogerian
Your side or my side! Lets find some
common ground!
The purpose of this Classical approach is to prove
that there is only one truth to the controversy , and In 1951, American
that the opposing side is wrong. psychologist Carl Rogers presented a different way of
It is called Classical because it is the oldest model argumentation: less confrontational, less one-sided,
of argumentation, developed by the Greek trying to build a consensus.
philosopher Aristotle more than 2000 years ago.
Carl Rogers believed that people could only resolve a
It is the traditional form of argumentation because controversy or a problem once they found common
it was the only one in use since then till the middle interests.
of the 1900s, and it is still the basic pattern for
developing argumentative essays in Academic More on
Writing classes today. Classical vs Rogerian
arguments
Overview/Definition/Types of Arguments 1
Which type of argumentative essay am I
going to write and why?

The classical Aristotelian because:

It has a less complicated structure

It strengthens awareness on the fact that there is always more than
one side to an issue
It is a first step towards learning how to build strong argumentation in
favor and against

Overview/Definition/Types of Arguments 2
I. 3 Modes of Persuasion
Aristotle described 3 ways (modes) in
which a writer/speaker could try to
appeal to an audience Firstly, Persuasion is achieved by
the writers personal character: we
think him credible

Thirdly, persuasion is
effected when the writer has
proved a truth.

Secondly, persuasion may

happen when the writer
stirs the emotions of the
readers

Overview/Definition/Types of Arguments/Modes of Persuasion 1

 A speaker/writer achieves these 3 modes of persuasion
through..

You will want

to read the article
Persuasive Tactics
you should know

to learn more
about modes of
persuasion.

Overview/Definition/Types of Arguments/Modes of Persuasion 2

 No logical fallacies or the Art of
Ethical Persuasion
Fallacies are statements/arguments that may sound reasonable/logical or
superficially true, but that are actually flawed or dishonest.
I feel I am losing a discussion because I ran out of valid arguments, so.

I point out a moral flaw I give statistics that show that

in my opponent to make him most people think like me: I say, The Pope is against the use of
lose credibility 70% of latins think gay condoms as a birth control method !
marriages are immoral.

Argumentum Ad
Argumentum Ad Argumentum Ad Vericundiam: capitalizing
Hominen: attack Populum or the on the influence that a
on the person Bandwagon famous person
Approach may have

Overview/Definition/Types of Arguments/Modes of Persuasion/Fallacies 1 There is more

 No logical fallacies or the Art
of Ethical Persuasion
Logical fallacies are commonly used by 1. Go over the fallacies resources in our
politicians in order to manipulated class Dropbox.
people in their favor. 2. Watch the Trump video.
3. Select a campaign speech given by any
This video reveals logical fallacies in a of the Dominican contenders to the
Trump campaign speech.
presidency.(Easily found on the
internet)
4. Find at least 3 logical fallacies and post
them on the Forum.
Logical
Fallacies
Resources

Overview/Definition/Types of Arguments/Modes of Persuasion/Fallacies 2

I. 4

Which modes
of persuasion
does each type
of essay use?
Which must use
ethical
persuasion?

Overview/Definition/Types of Arguments/Modes of Persuasion/Fallacies/Argumentative vs Persuasive

II. The Academic Argumentative Essay

Not all disagreement can be argued effectively- in a way that might

convince the other side base on objective reasons.

For example
Matters of preference: Which flavor of ice cream tastes better.
Matters of faith or belief: The existence of God.
Facts easily quantifiable/proven by research: Use of sexist language in
rap.
Arguments of preference, belief or faith or proven facts CANNOT be
topic of an academic essay
What issues can be the object of an academic
argumentative essay?
Formal argumentative essays deal only with debatable opinion
that can be supported by:

Facts
Proven Examples
Opinion of experts
Logical reasoning

These are the 4 types of valid support.

 Debatable?
Two sides to an issue but only one purpose
In effective argumentation, writers should examine both sides of a
controversy in the quest for proving ones own side true.
For that, the writer must

1. Provide sound evidence to substantiate their own claim and to prove

that it is the strongest case.
2. Refute the opposite sides point of view showing that their reasons are
less valid or have weaker support.
3. Concede the opposing sides valid points (or the writers sides weak
points or limitations).
 Why refute? Why concede?
To gain credibility:
Readers are probably aware of the opposite side point of view
and will feel manipulated if they feel that information
is being ignored or hidden.
Which mode
Displaying a balanced and deep understanding of the issue of persuasion
by acknowledging the objections to the writers own arguments does this
will present to the reader an image of objectivity and respect. remind you
of?)

For practical reasons: Recognizing the opponents valid arguments is the

gateway to expanding the writers strong points.

Lets look at examples

Developing a strong argument in my favor
One reason people over 75 should not be allowed to drive is that they
are a hazard on the road. By that age, most peoples vision and hearing
have deteriorated; thus, they cannot see cars, pedestrians, and traffic
lights as well as they could in their youth. In addition, they have slower
reaction times. This is particularly problematic because while driving,
one must be constantly on the alert to the need to stop or swerve
suddenly to avoid a collision. These physical and mental impairments
lead to frequent accidents. In fact, if we compare on a per-mile basis
the elderly with other age groups of drivers, it turns out that the elderly
are involved in 25 accidents per 100 drivers. This is second only to the
group aged 24 and under.
I only develop my argument.
Conceding and refuting the opposite side
The opposite side argues that people over 75 should not be allowed
to drive because they are a hazard on the road. While it is true that
the accident rate per mile driven is high for the elderly, the fact is that
the elderly simply do not drive as much as those in other age groups;
consequently, the actual number of accidents in this age group is the
lowest among all the younger age groups. Moreover, while it is also
true that their abilities to see, hear, and react are not as sharp as they
were when they were younger, this does not necessarily have to make
them hazardous on the road. In fact, elderly drivers can be trained to
compensate for their deficiencies by taking special drivers education
courses designed for them.

I concede a proven fact and immediately provide information that

make this argument seem weak or irrelevant.
III. Parts of the argumentative essay
Introductory paragraph

Basically, the
structure is the
same as in other Body paragraphs
essays seen already
in class.

Concluding paragraph
What is different?
Providing background information might be very
important depending on how well known the
controversy is.

This context information could need an extra

paragraph, located after de Introduction and
before the first body paragraph.
More than 3 body paragraphs since you will
need to cover your reasons and concede and
refute the arguments of the opposing side.
An argumentative essay can have different patterns depending on the order in
which the writer lays out the arguments, concessions and counterarguments.

Pattern 1 Pattern 2 : variation of Pattern 1 Pattern 3

1. Introduction 1. Introduction
2. Background paragraph 2. Background paragraph 1. Introduction
(optional, could be part of (optional, could be part of 2. Background paragraph
the Intro) the Intro) (optional, could be part of
3. Reason 1 3. Reason 1 the Intro)
4. Reason 2 4. Reason 2 3. Opponents argument 1
5. Reason 3 5. Refuting and conceding with your refutation. (begin the
6. Refuting and conceding (you (you could also refute your paragraph with a short summary of the
opponents main argument before opposite sides argument but spend most
could also refute your opponents of the paragraph refuting it.)
main argument before you begin you begin your reasons).
your reasons). 6. Same as paragraph above 4. Same as previous
7. Conclusion 7. Conclusion paragraph.
5. Same as previous paragraph
6. Same as previous paragraph
7. Conclusion
Consequently,
an
argumentative
essay could
look like this.
.or like this
III. Parts of the argumentative essay

1.a Introduction: the thesis statement

The argumentative thesis

1. Must be debatable: if it is generally agreed upon or accepted, then

there is no reason to try to convince anyone.
2. Takes a clear position/side of the controversy.
3. Frequently, the thesis proposes a course of action (often expressed
with the modal should).
4. Needs to be narrow enough as to facilitate the search for evidence.
5. Sometimes it can indicate how the essay will be developed-the map
of the essay (controlling ideas or reasons to be supported).
1. The thesis statement must be debatable.
Are the following theses debatable?

1. Pollution is bad for the environment.

2. At least twenty-five percent of the national budget should be spent on

limiting pollution.

3. The countrys anti-pollution efforts should focus on privately owned cars.

Check your answers on the next slide.

Answers
1. This thesis statement is not debatable. First, the word pollution means
that something is bad or negative in some way. Further, all studies agree
that pollution is a problem, they simply disagree on the impact it will
have or the scope of the problem. No one could reasonably argue that
pollution is good.

2. This is an example of a debatable thesis because reasonable people

could disagree with it. Some people might think that this is how we
should spend the nation's money. Others might feel that we should be
spending more money on education. Still others could argue that
corporations, not the government, should be paying to limit pollution.

3. In this example there is also room for disagreement between rational

individuals. Some citizens might think focusing on recycling programs
rather than private automobiles is the most effective strategy.
2 -3 An argumentative thesis takes a clear stand
and proposes a course of action
Some examples:

College students should have complete freedom to choose the academic

subjects of their interests and form a curriculum that suits their particular
needs.

Students should have a say in the hiring and firing of teachers.

Pornographic books ought to be banned from the library.

Citizens should not be allowed to carry guns.

Examine this thesis: IssueClaim..Action

The local government should not give building permits to anyone

in a known flood area, unless that person presents CODIA approved
constructions plans and can and does obtain private flood insurance.

Whether people should be allowed to build on a flood plain and

whether the local government should issue flood , that is the issue.

The writers belief is that people should not build on flood plains, but
if they do they should have pre-approved construction blueprints and
private flood insurancethose are his/her claims.

The suggested course of action is indicated by the modal should.

 4. The thesis needs to be narrow
Generally, the narrower the
thesis. the more effective your
argument will be.

Is the following thesis adequately

Since your thesis or claim must
be supported by evidence, the narrow?
broader your claim is, the more
evidence you will need to Drug use is detrimental to society.
convince readers that your
position is right. Challenge:Think of an answer before
going on to the next slide.
 The answer is: No, this statement is too broad to argue:
First, what is included in the category "drugs"?
Is the author talking about illegal drug use,
recreational drug use (which might include alcohol and cigarettes),
or all uses of medication in general?
Second, in what ways are drugs detrimental?
Is drug use causing deaths (and is the author equating deaths from overdoses
and deaths from drug related violence)? Is drug use changing the moral climate
or causing the economy to decline?
Finally, what does the author mean by "society"?
Is the author referring only to America or to the global population?
Does the author make any distinction between the effects on children and
adults?

.
There are just too many questions that the claim leaves open
This is an example of a narrow or focused thesis:

Illegal drug use is detrimental because

it encourages gang violence.

the topic of drugs has been narrowed down to illegal drugs and
the detriment (negative effect) has been narrowed down to gang
violence.

This is a much more manageable topic.

5. The thesis can, sometimes, indicate how the author will develop
the essay: the reasons and the order of presentation.

Thesis: At least twenty-five percent of the national budget

should be spent on limiting pollution.

New thesis including the 3 main arguments or reasons:

At least twenty-five percent of the national budget should be spent

on helping upgrade business to clean technologies, researching
renewable energy sources, and planting more trees in order to control
or eliminate pollution.
The body paragraphs developing these arguments
should follow the same order in which they are
mentioned in the thesis.
 III. Parts of the argumentative essay

2. Body paragraphs: Support of the thesis

Consequently, the body of

the essay should contain 3
When defining the task of proving true our side of
the controversy, we said the writer must:
types of paragraphs:

1. Provide sound evidence to substantiate their own

claim and to prove that it is the strongest case.
Of argumentation
2. Refute the opposite sides point of view showing that (our reasons)
their reasons are less valid or have weaker support.
3. Concede the opposing sides valid points (or the Of Counterargumentation
writers sides weak points or limitations). (rebuttal)
Of Concession
(for Ethos sake)
2a Argumentation: My point of view
Valid support: Facts and Opinion of Experts

There are two drugs that are legal now: alcohol and nicotine. These two
drugs demonstrate what will happen if other drugs, like cocaine, are legalized.
According to Dr. Herbert Kleber, who is currently with the Center on Addiction
and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, Today ten times more Americans
use alcohol and five times more use tobacco than illegal drugs (DEA, Claim
III,1). He quotes a recent survey stating that 98 million Americans had used
alcohol in the previous month and 54 million had used cigarettes, while only 11
million had used illicit drugs. (DEA, Claim III, 1). Drug Enforcement
Administration figures indicate that currently about half a billion people are
addicted to nicotine and 18 million are addicted to alcohol. In contrast, only 5
million are addicted to illegal drugs (Claim IV, 1). Those numbers clearly that if
drugs are legal, people are more likely to use them, since, by being legal, they
are accepted as being okay by society. Thus, legalizing drugs like cocaine and
heroin would most likely result in more drug use and more drug addiction.
2a Argumentation: My point of view

Valid support: Logical reasoning

Giving football scholarships is really just a wise investment on the part of the
university. What the university really needs and wants is money in the form of
football tickets sales, contributions, and endowments from alumni, and allotments
and grants from state legislature. By giving football scholarships, many smaller,
struggling universities can attract talented, sought-after football players. These
players build a winning football team, and the university builds a reputation. The
universitys football games may be on television, and the team may be asked to
play in a bowl game. With this publicity, fans and alumni are eager to attend the
games, thus boosting ticket sales. Rich alumni, who are proud of their school, give
endowments and grants. And for state schools, members of Congress and
representatives at the state Capitol are pleased with the publicity the school, and
thus the state, receives. As a result, the states coffers are a little more open and
the money flows, enabling the university to pay its faculty, build new buildings, and
maintain the quality of its teaching. Yes, the football scholarship is a small
investment from which the university hopes to reap big gains.
2a Argumentation: My point of view
Valid support: Proven example

There are many reasons for restricting the methods and quantity of pesticides used in
farming, but one of the most compelling reasons is that pesticides kill not only harmful
insects which destroy crops and damage property, but also those insects which are helpful to
farmers and the environment, such as ladybugs and honeybees (1) . In fact, the case of the
honeybee is an excellent example of the damage that pesticides do. Honeybees must
pollinate more than 30% of the food consumed in the United States or the plants simply will
not grow(2). When pesticides are used on food plants, however, the honeybees carry the
poison back to their hives with the pollen they have gathered, so the pesticide will no only
kill one bee, but the entire hive. Today, almost no wild colonies of honeybees remain in the
United States, and beekeepers keep only about 3 million hives; this is about half as many as
in the past. To keep fruit and vegetable crops yields high, many farmers are finding that they
must hire beekeepers to bring honeybees into their farms on trucks to pollinate the
crops(3). Without enough honeybees to pollinate the crops, the amount of food we produce
will decrease drastically. Therefore, we must restrict the use of harmful pesticides if the
world is to have enough food to feed its growing population.
2. b/c Conceding and refuting
The opposite side argues that people over 75 should not be allowed to drive
because they are a hazard on the road. While it is true that the accident rate per
mile driven is high for the elderly, the fact is that the elderly simply do not drive as
much as those in other age groups; consequently, the actual number of accidents in
this age group is the lowest among all the younger age groups. Moreover, while it is
also true that their abilities to see, hear, and react are not as sharp as they were
when they were younger, this does not necessarily have to make them hazardous
on the road. In fact, elderly drivers can be trained to compensate for their
deficiencies by taking special drivers education courses designed for them.

Grammar: It is convenient to express the concession as a

subordinate clause to diminish its importance.
III. Parts of the argumentative essay

3 Concluding paragraph
Restates the thesis
Summarized, in brief, the main arguments
Could:
Suggest further research
Give new insight into possible solutions
Discuss the implications of the issue,
culminating in a final appeal to the readier

Does not introduce/add new arguments that have

not been presented in the thesis and the body of the essay.
Final Assessment Activities
1. List differences and similarities
between the Classical and
Rogerian argumentative types.
2. Explain in your own words: how
can the writer achieve the 3 modes
of persuasion?
3. Find any argumentative essay
online, and then:
a. Identify the main parts of the essay
by coloring each one.
b. Identify the pattern used by the
writer and create a layout.
c. Complete the layout with the
elements of the pattern found in the
essay.
d. Prepare to present the layout in
class. Be creative. Use different
materials.
4. Outline and draft your own argumentative
essay:
a. Follow the steps of the Writing Process
discussed previously.
b. Choose a topic that is close to you.
c. Submit the brainstorming and the outline
together with the draft.
There is a list of Suggested Topics in our
Dropbox.
Check the PPt on: Writing Process and
APA Style (Dropbox)
Analyze the Argumentative Essays
Annotated Examples (Dropbox)
You can always ask for help!!!! Just post a
message on our Argumentative Essay
Support Forum, and you will receive
immediate feedback from both instructor and
peers.
The content of this Power Point presentation has been adapted from
varied web sources retrieved between 2010-2016. It contains literal,
paraphrased and summarized ideas; proper citation has been avoided
with the purpose of making the text lighter and user-friendlier.