ARGUMENTATION
Pages 89-104
What is Argumentation?
An argumentation essay takes a stand on a controversial
issue and offers valid reasons and evidence to support that
stand. Basic Types of Argumentation Essays:
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For/Against Essays: Take an either/or OR modified stance.
Solution Essays: Offer a solution to a problem.
Proposal Essays: Offer a method to accomplish a particular purpose.
Choose an Appropriate Prompt
Have a definite opinion.
Don’t be too emotional.
Narrow the topic if necessary.
Remember prewriting techniques: listing, questioning, freewriting, journal writing,
clustering, organizing lists
Prewrite for Both Sides
What is your stand?
Prewrite reasons for both sides and pick the
strongest points of both sides.
Think of a rebuttal for at least one strong
argument from the opposition
Reminder: Every thesis contains the essay topic
and the writer’s opinion about the topic.
Develop a Thesis Statement pgs. 93-95
In an argumentation essay thesis:
1) the essay topic = the controversial issue
2) the writer’s opinion = the writer’s stand on that issue
Note: Avoid the essay map (the three-part structure).
Example (p. 102): All states should reform their judicial
elections in favor of merit selection.
Example: The voting age should be lowered to age sixteen.
Outline pgs. 96-97
An argumentation essay outline should:
1.
Offer a different reason or rebuttal in each topic sentence.
2.
Leave the strongest point for last.
3.
Include at least one rebuttal.
4.
Put paragraphs of the same kind near each other.
Traditional Structure
Introduction: Background of the topic and the thesis
Body Paragraph 1: First major point with evidence and details
Body Paragraph 2: Second major point with evidence and details
Body Paragraph 3: Rebuttal of the opposition
Conclusion: Make a prediction and/or reflect.
Example Outline
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Thesis: The voting age should be lowered to age sixteen.
Topic Sentence 1: Many teenagers at the age of sixteen
work and pay taxes, so lowering the voting age would give
them the opportunity to say how the government spends
their money.
Topic Sentence 2: Lowering the voting age would get teens
into the habit of voting early and could increase their
chances of continuing to vote throughout their lifetime.
Topics Sentence 3 (Rebuttal): Opponents argue that
sixteen-year-olds are too immature and are not informed
enough to vote, but maturity and intelligence are not the
basis upon which the right to vote is granted.
Development: Prove Your Point
Provide evidence: logic, explanations, facts,
examples, expert opinions and analysis
Use the outside sources wisely. Pick useful evidence
and analysis, not just an explanation of something
the reader already knows. Always put outside
information in the middle of the paragraphs.
Explain why the opposition’s arguments are weak
or illogical.
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Rebutting the Opposition
1.
2.
3.
Begin with a topic sentence that states an idea from
the opposition and your general rebuttal. This is not
a pro-con paper!
After the topic sentence, summarize the other side’s
argument. Don’t suggest that this is your argument.
Use phrases such as “The opposition suggests . . .”
Explain why the other side’s ideas are weak or
illogical. Be nice. Use phrases such as “What this
argument ignores/overlooks/neglects is . . .”
Common Mistakes pgs. 90-93
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Overly emotional appeals: This makes your argument seem weak
because it avoids facts.
Repetitiveness: Don’t make the same argument in each paragraph.
Overgeneralization: Rely on facts, not assumptions. Don’t make
“all or none” statements.
Post hoc fallacy: Don’t assume a relationship because two things
happen close together in time.
Red herring: Don’t get off the real topic.
Don’t use circular logic.
Ad hominem fallacy: Don’t make personal attacks on members of
the opposition.