HTML Preview Sample Paper Argumentative Essay page number 1.
The Writing Center-Valle Verde
Argumentative Essay
Purpose
The purpose of an Argumentative Essay is to defend a debatable position on a particular issue
with the ultimate goal of persuading readers to accept the argument. Although the goal is to
convince readers to accept the argument, the readers’ response will either be: agree
completely, agree with reservations, or disagree.
Thesis Statement
The thesis statement for an argumentative essay clearly announces both the theme/subject
(topic) of the essay and the debatable point of view the writer is claiming (argument).
Generally, the argumentative thesis is not factored as this can limit the scope of an argument.
Example:
Archaic
sex education programs (topic)
teach abstinence as the only effective means to
prevent unwanted pregnancy, but newer sex education programs that teach safe sex
practices have proven to be more effective and
should replace outdated abstinence-only
programs (argument)
.
The topic informs the reader the overall subject of the essay e.g. sex education
programs, specifically abstinence-only vs. safe sex.
The argument claims a debatable viewpoint e.g. newer programs should replace
outdated programs.
Identifying and Using Supporting Details
In an argumentative essay, a persuasive argument has supporting details that are aided by
credibility, logic, and emotion. For further suggestions, reference The Writing Center’s
Supporting Details handout.
Credibility refers to the believability of the sources and their ethical implications e.g.
quotations from authorities and valid sources cited in the Bibliography or Works Cited
page of the essay. Do the sources have the credentials in order to be considered valid in
persuasion?
Logic refers to reason, rationality, and analysis e.g. facts, quantitative data, statistics,
research studies, and logical flow in the essay.
Emotion refers to appealing to the heart and feelings of the reader e.g. narrative,
testimony, and personal experience. Although the appeal to emotion is used sparingly in
academics, it can be a powerful tool in persuasion.
Organization
The logical progression and organization of an argument is crucial. Remember to adhere to the
instructor’s directions and preferences for the writing assignment. The following is one
example of how to organize and develop an argumentative essay.