40 Planning and Drafting the Argumentative

When you use argument, you take a position on an issue, and you try to prove or defend your position. Using effective argument strategies can help you convince somebody that your point of view is a valid one.

Argument is both a writing pattern and a purpose of writing. An argument consists of a conclusion you want to support, your reasons for that conclusion, and the evidence that supports your reasons.

The Outline

Because arguments can be complex, it can be very useful to start by creating an outline of your main reasons, possible objections to your position, and an answer to those objections.

The Thesis Statement

The thesis statement of an argument often indicates which position the writer will take, sometimes including the major reasons for that position.

topic                       controlling idea (the writer’s position)

Many corporate executives are overpaid for very substandard work.

A thesis statement of an argumentative essay should be debatable; it should not simple be a fact or a statement of opinion.

Fact                 In American restaurants, people generally tip for service.

     (This is a fact. It cannot be debated.)

Opinion           I think that tipping for service should be abolished in US restaurants.

(This is a statement of opinion. Nobody can deny that you feel this way. Therefore, do not use phrases such as In my                                         opinion,  I think, or I believe in your thesis statement.)

Argument        Tipping for service should be abolished in US restaurants.

(This is a debatable statement.)

Exercise: Evaluate the following statements. Write F for a fact, O for an opinion, or A for an argument.

1. In our state, many youths drop out of school.                                                             _____
2. I think that our town needs more police officers.                                                        _____
3. There are three effective strategies to reduce the high school dropout rate.        _____
4. Oil companies should not be permitted to drill in deep oceans.                                _____
5. I don’t think it is safe to drill in deep ocean waters.                                                     _____
6. Many Internet sites have pop-up advertising.                                                              _____
7. In my opinion, country music is predictable and repetitive.                                        _____
8. Our mayor should resign for three reasons.                                                                  _____

 Making a Guided Thesis Statement

 Your instructors may want you to guide the readers through your main points. To do this, mention your main and supporting ideas in your thesis statement. In other words, your thesis statement provides a map for the readers to follow.

High School students should receive art education because it promotes their creativity, enhances their cultural knowledge, and develops their analytical skills.

Exercise: Write Thesis Statements

Write a thesis statement for the next topics. Make sure that each thesis statement clearly expresses your position on the issue.

Example:  Topic: age in relationships

Thesis statement: Age matters in relationships.

1. Topic: etiquette in our technological age

Thesis statement: ________________________________________________________

2. Topic: concealed weapons on campus

Thesis statement: ________________________________________________________

3. Topic: a controversial issue

Thesis statement: ________________________________________________________

The Supporting ideas

To make a logical and reasoned argument, support your main point with facts, examples, and statistics.

You can also include the following types of support.

• Quote informed sources. Sometime experts in a field express an informed opinion about an issue. An expert’s thoughts and ideas can add weight to your argument. For example, if you want to argue that people are becoming complacent about AIDS, you might quote an article published by a respected national health organization.
• Emotional appeal. An effective argument not only appeals to the readers’ reason, but to his or her emotion. You can use certain words or descriptions to encourage a reader’s sense of justice, humanity, or pride.
• Consider logical consequences. When you plan an argument, think about long-term consequences of a proposed solution to a problem. For instance, maybe you oppose a decision to drill for oil off the coast of California. A long-term consequence could be an environmental disaster if there is an earthquake near the rig.
• Acknowledge opposing viewpoints. Anticipating and responding to opposing views can strengthen your position. For instance, if you argue that school uniforms should be mandatory, you might address those who feel that students need freedom to express themselves. Try to refute some of the strongest arguments of the opposition.

  Common Errors

When you write your argumentative essay, avoid the following pitfalls.

Do not make generalizations. If you begin a statement with Everyone knows or It is common knowledge, then the reader may mistrust what you say. You cannot possibly know what everyone else knows or does not know. It is better to refer to specific sources.

Generalization           American children are spoiled brats.

Better                         Parents should not overindulge their children for several reasons.

Do not make exaggerated claims. Make sure that your arguments are plausible.

Exaggerated              If marijuana is legalized, drug use will soar in schools across the nation.

Better                         If marijuana is legalized, drug use may increase in schools across the nation.

 Writing Exercise: Developing Supporting Ideas

You have learned about different methods to support a topic. Read each of the following thesis statement, and think of a supporting idea for each item. Use the type of support suggested in parentheses.

1. Volunteer work should be mandatory in all high schools.

(Logical consequence) ___________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

2. Online dating is a great way to meet a potential mate.

(Acknowledge an opposing view) __________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

3. Children should not be spanked.

(Emotional appeal) ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

4. The college dropout rate is too high in our state.

(Logical consequence) _____________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________