What Is an Argumentative Essay
Argumentative essay is a literary work (coherent text) written on a controversial topic. In other words, this essay defends a thesis with respect to which the arguments "for" and "against" can be stated. Argumentative essay is "genre" or a kind of written text, which is used to teach students the ability of reasoning. The word "argument" in the context of this kind of work is the research topic after determining its key issues through the development of ideas, which are supported by evidence from relevant sources.
Before writing an argumentative essay, a student should critically and selectively read a lot. Critical reading means understanding, questioning and assessment of reading material. Scientific references to other authors will only reinforce the arguments advanced by student. The data, information, and citations raised in the reading process, become significant only when they are sequentially and logically integrated into the argument. Performing tasks of this type also contributes to the development of your writers skills.
The objectives of an argumentative essay are:
1. To convince the audience of a particular point of view and to persuade it to your side (in this case a lot of attention is paid to the opposite position);
2. To clearly articulate why this position is preferred, but not the other.
The author in the course of writing the essay conducts a sort of an internal dialogue (evaluates the allegations, the evidence and support the assumptions hidden arguments and internal contradictions) and comes to the fact that one point of view is more preferable than the other, though the rest of the people are free not to accept it initially. Reasoned essays are turning to a variety of topics: from the socio-political to the personal. The main thing is the two reasonable points of view on this subject as minimum.
What Should You Know Before Writing Argumentative Essay
Before writing a persuasive essay, you need to get acquainted with the basic provisions of its four parts: an introduction, thesis presentations, waiting of objections and conclusion. In preparatory part it is necessary to determine: what information to include, whom to refer to, how to interpret the facts, what methodology to choose.
Two points should be used in the introduction:
1. Introductory statement (familiarity with the subject, its prehistory, the purpose of the study) using known techniques (unusual statement, interesting quote, amazing statistics, etc.)
2. Thesis assertion, which is, in essence, the position which you have to substantiate.
Presentation of the thesis is the main part of an essay, which sets out the arguments in favor of the chosen position. The most common method used in this is making a statement and providing further evidence as justification.
The following part is waiting objections. It seems thesis statement will be more convincing, if it provides the arguments of the opposite position by giving it a critical analysis. Next, offer a compromise solution in something yielding the opposite opinion.
The last part is conclusion. This part of the essay is to show the reasonableness and validity of the selected position. To achieve this goal, you should:
1. Summarize the main points of the application with evidence and examples;
2. Restate the thesis in order to emphasize its importance (can be repeated verbatim or paraphrased wording);
3. Discuss the perspective of fundamental thesis;
4. Show the practical importance;
5. Put questions to help look at the topic from a new perspective.
7 Tips on Writing Argumentative Essay
1. Adhere to the structure an essay. Once you've got a task, determine the type of essay and the plan on which you will write it. Then go straight on items: the title - the introduction - several paragraphs of the main part - conclusion. Be sure to follow this strict structure of the essay, otherwise your work will probably be not highly appreciated.
2. Prepare for any topic. Essay shows not only your level of knowledge of the language, but also learning. Therefore, before preparing for an exam, read texts on various topics. Clearly, this will help you to expand your horizons and memorize new words, phrases and clichés that you can use in their written work in the exam.
3. Express your thoughts correctly. The essay is the written expression of your thoughts on a particular subject. It is important not to forget about elementary delicacy in it. If possible, do not touch the politics, religion and other "slippery" themes. If the task involves consideration of some "painful" theme, present your views politely and tolerant. In this case it is better to stick to the formal tone and avoid violent displays of emotion. Although you have to write your thoughts on the matter, but try not to use the structures of the following form: "I’m sure that ..." "I know that ...", etc. Write softer, for example, "I think ...", "In my opinion ...”. It sounds more formal and correct in relation to the opinions of others.
4. Argues your statements. Every thought should be written not to sound unfounded. Reinforce it by arguments, clear example, statistical data, and so on. Your written work should show the examiner that you know what you're writing, and are confident of the correctness. At the same time, be laconic. The essay in English is a short written work. Some students think that the principle of "the more, the better" is triggered and write great opus. Unfortunately, the examiners will not increase, but decreased the estimate because you have not met the required volume.
5. Use a variety of vocabulary and grammar. Avoid repetition of words, using synonyms and complex grammar. Use complex structures and different times to express your thoughts. The text in which all the proposals are written in the Present Simple will receive a low mark.
6. Use draft. Since you will have not much time to write an essay, drafts should be used wisely. A reasonable way to save time and effort will be to jot down your thoughts and arguments to them in the form of short statements immediately after receiving task and familiarizing with the topic.
7. Leave time for review. Use the time in such a way that you will have at least 5 minutes to check the essay. As a rule, the assessment is not reduced to an accurate correction, so there is a real chance to hand in your work successfully by correcting detected mistakes.