Argumentative Essay

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 4

What is an essay?

What is the purpose of an argumentative essay?

1. to compare and contrast two different or similar things.
2. to convince the reader by using logic and evidence
3. to answer a question through research of the relevant literature
4. to analyze a piece of literature from different angles

What is a counterargument in an argumentative essay?

1. A restatement of the thesis
2. An opposing viewpoint that is addressed and refuted.
3. A rhetorical question
4. A supporting example

What is the role of evidence in an argumentative essay?

1. To entertain the reader
2. To support the claims and convince the audience.
3. To provide background information
4. To introduce counterarguments

What is the structure of an argumentative essay?

1. Introduction, thesis, personal opinion
2. Body paragraphs, anecdotes, summary
3. Conclusion, analysis, evidence
4. Introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion.

What is a claim in an argumentative essay?

1. A conclusion based on evidence
2. A summary of the opposing viewpoint
3. A rhetorical question
4. A statement that asserts a position on a topic.

So, what is it?

Definition: An argumentative essay is a text type that takes a stand on an issue and uses logic
and evidence to convince (purpose) readers (audience) (Kirszner & Mandell, 2011). 

Argumentative essay assignments require research based on external sources. (Baker et al., 2013)

Structure: How many paragraphs should an argumentative essay have?

What could be a good way to start the introduction?

Create a thesis statement!
Topic: Homework should be forbidden.
Use 3 arguments!

Mandatory Assignments

1) Write an outline for the essay given as an example. What is the thesis statement? What are
the topic sentences? 

2) Write an outline for an essay topic of your own choosing. If you have written a good outline
(thesis statement + topic sentences) any student in this class should be able to complete your essay and write it out.

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Any questions about how to write an argumentative essay?

Optional Assignment

Choose one of the optional assignments. Your argumentative essay should be 400-500 words.

Need an extra challenge?

Choose either assignment 2, 3 or 4 and add an extra paragraph: a counter-argument!