Argumentative Essays

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Argumentative Essays

Part 1: The structure of a good argument

Lesson goals

- To know the difference between a deductive and inductive argument.

- To know the different levels of counterarguments, from least convincing to most convincing.

-To be able to formulate a good argument.

So first, let's look at some examples. In the next video, whose arguments are more persuasive for you?

Whose arguments were more persuasive?

1. Donald Trump's arguments
2. Kamala Harris' arguments

What made the person, whose arguments (or structure of the arguments) you preferred, persuasive?

Worst

Middle

Best

Essay 1

Essay 2

Essay 3

Deductive vs. Inductive Arguments

The premises of an inductive argument, by comparison, simply present the conclusion as probable, rather than logically necessary:

Deductive vs. Inductive Arguments

The stronger of these are deductive arguments, as the conclusion of a deductive argument follows necessarily from the truth of its premises:

-> An argument is valid if the truth of all its premises forces the conclusion to be true.

1st Premise:   All human beings are mortal.

2nd Premise: Sam is a human being.

Conclusion:   Thus, Sam is mortal.

Deductive vs. Inductive Arguments

Come up with a finite set of premises that illustrate the line of reasoning for the argument. These premises and conclusions constitute your main points, which should act as the main topic for each of your paragraphs.

Normally you would need to include evidence/sources, but for this practice exercise you do not have to, which means your reasoning has to be sound.

www.scribbr.co.uk

How to

disagree:

Choose 3 of these statements.

Abortion should be banned.

Animal testing should be stopped.

The #metoo movement is a good thing.

Illegal immigrants should be granted residency.

There is a fake news problem. (What is the source?)

 "Big pharma" has people’s best interests at heart.

The death penalty is a just punishment.

Are there moral concerns that should make genetic cloning illegal?

What should people do to stop human trafficking?

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Practice

Now it is time to formulate your own arguments!

Write down: One could agree/disagree, because....

Argumentative Essays

Part 2: The structure of a good argumentative essay

Lesson goals

- I know what the structure of a good argumentative essay is.

 - I can describe what makes an essay strong/weak, good/bad.

Last class, we reviewed how to formulate a strong argument and today we we will discuss what else can help you convince someone (in writing).

Just to be clear: 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

Argumentative Essay Structure

- Title
- Introduction
- Main argument 1
- Main argument 2
- Counterargument 1
- Conclusion

Suggestions on how to create a hook

• Start with an interesting fact
  
• Share an anecdote
  
• Write about a common misconception about your essay topic
  
• Start with a rhetorical question
  

Examples & Tips

https://www.academicwritingsuccess.com/7-sensational-essay-hooks/

The Title

- Avoid boring titles (or having no title at all!):
          -> Repeating the statement or only stating the topic.
          -> "Guns are good." "Guns in the Netherlands." "Guns."
- Try to come up with an exciting / interesting/clever title 
          -> "The controlling nature of gun control laws."
          -> "Gun control laws are bulletproof."
  

The Introduction 

• Hook =  a catchy sentence or paragraph in the introduction which serves as an attention-grabbing element.
• Background information (if necessary)
• Thesis statement including the three arguments to be expanded on. 

Introduction - Match

Kids with black eyes. Kids crying themselves to sleep. Kids afraid to go to school these are just some of the things that happen when kids are bullied. 

Millions of kids are bullied every month. They are bullied every month. They are bullied physically and emotionally, and made fun of and intimidated in person, online over phones, and almost everywhere. Not enough is being done. 

Bullying should be punished by a fine or jail time because it is too prevalent, it leaves long-lasting emotional and academic scars, and it can lead to suicide. In addition, fines and jail time will prevent further bullying. 

Hook

Background info

Thesis statement

Why is (or isn't) this a good thesis statement:

Grades should be eliminated because they cause anxiety and put unnecessary pressure on students.

The Body

• Each paragraph is focused on one (counter)argument
• Structure for each paragraph:   

 - Introduction by means of a topic sentence (one 

sentence that shows what the main argument

is that you're going to make) 
- Sub-arguments, evidence, examples 

- Conclusion

Conclusion

• Thesis and arguments restated in a different, interesting manner. 
• Call to some sort of action or response. 
• Thought -provoking ending. 

Practice!

So now you know how to build an argument and use the structure of an argumentative essay to your advantage, but what else is important?

1. Choose and study 1 of the three examples given in the following slide

2. Write down the strengths and weaknesses of each essay in note form.

www.scribbr.com

Self Assessment

See the suggestions on the website in the notes by scrolling over the underlined sections. Compare to your notes.

How to structure your body paragraphs using the PEEL method? 

Point: start your sentence with a clear topic sentence that establishes what your paragraph is about. 

Evidence/ Example: here you should use a piece of evidence that helps to reaffirm your iniitial point and develop the argument. 

Explain: next you need to explain exactly how your evidence supports your point. 

Link: you need to link the point you have just made back to your thesis or the following paragraph using a linking word

Do not ...

...simply repeat your introduction or thesis.

...introduce any new or significant evidence or example for your main argument. 

What was the main point made while deciding how to rank the essays?

Argumentative Essays

Part 3: (Actually,) Writing a good argumentative Essay

Lesson goals

- I can write an argumentative essay.

- I know how to reflect on my own argumentative essay.

The last two lessons were focussed on the structures of arguments and the argumentative essay as a whole. Today, it is time to start writing your own.

Recap

What did you pay attention to last time?

- Structure of the essay.

- Content

- Cohesion

- Persuasiveness

- Grammar

- Vocabulary / Register

Practice

1.  Write an argumentative essay about the protection of endangered species*.

2. Try to pay attention to all the previously discussed elements that can make your essay stronger.

3. Check your work using the self-evaluation rubric and hand in your work when you are done (Showbie).