By Jessica Johnson
The specificity of argumentative essays is that a writer has topersuade a reader that his point of view is correct. To makepeople support his point of view, it is necessary for the writerto back his ideas with evidence, and that is why anargumentative essay must include counter-arguments outweighed bythe writer's argumentation. The danger of an argumentative essaylays in inclination of many writers for absolutization of theiropinion, negation of other opinions and inability to analyzetheir own ideas objectively. Such an essay shows the writer'sability to respect the opinion of other researchers and exposesthe writer's intellectual level. An argumentative essay requiresfrom the writer to possess comprehensive knowledge on theproblem or topic under discussion, so it usually provesnecessary for him to orientate easily in both sides of theargumentation so that to be able to refute counter-arguments. Tothis reason, it is necessary for the writer to consider his ownpowers carefully while choosing the topic for argumentativeessay, as there are topics that could not be won, no matter howstrong the writer could feel about them.
Perhaps, the most widespread topics of our times are drinkingage, capital punishment, abortion, gun control, and drugslegalization. Selection of one of these topics may becomedisadvantageous as many instructors have read hundreds of essayson such topics, and it will be next to impossible to grab theirattention and make favorable impression. It is also unavailingto take up the topics that prejudice against certain generallyaccepted human beliefs, which can sometimes be quite steadfast.
Below is the possible structure of the argumentative essay:
Paragraph 1. Introduction. General discussion of a problem.Expression of the writer's opinion in a thesis statement.
Paragraph 2-4. Arguments that support the writer's opinion.Clear discussion of the arguments supported by the sources.
Paragraph 5. Transitional paragraph. Includes a summary ofparagraphs 2,3,4 and introduces the counter-argument.
Paragraph 6. Rebuttal of the counter-argument stated inparagraph 5. Rebuttal should be supported by the sources. Thebasic structure of rebuttal is as follows: 1 - start withrebuttal sentence (However,?); 2 - support your opinion bysource (quote, paraphrase or summarize); 3 - Explain source.
Paragraph 7-8. Introduction and rebuttal of othercounter-arguments (similarly to paragraph 5 and 6).
Paragraph 9. Summary of the primary points and restatement ofthesis. May also include recommendations for further actions inthis area. -- Please, visit our Forum to discuss the currentWriting Guide with our editors and other users.
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