ESL 914 Beyazit Taner

Essay 3: Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay is based on an issue that is arguable, meaning there are two opposing sides to the argument. For this essay, you may choose any issue you are interested in. You can decide on an ongoing issue or a current issue. The issue can be global or local. For ideas, see the list of argumentative essay topics in ThoughtCo.com. In the end, you choose any topic you want as long as it is arguable and that you either agree or disagree with it.

The purpose of the essay is to convince the readers that your stance of the issue is right. Your opinions and ideas must be supported by facts from research. You may also include real-life examples. The stronger your support, the stronger your argument will be. For this type of essay, you must include the opposing views of your argument. For example, if you are writing about social media and you argue that social media does more harm than good in our society, you must also discuss how it benefits our society in order to show that you are aware of the other side’s arguments. However, the majority of the essay should be in support of your argument. 

Follow the six steps of the writing process: 1) prewriting, 2) organizing, 3) writing the first draft, 4) revising, 5) editing, and 6) writing the final draft.

Your textbook shows two different ways of organizing argumentative essays (p.156). Below is an example of one type of organization known as point-by-point.

I. Introduction

o   Begin with facts, statistics, or a dramatic story as a hook to grab the reader’s attention (p.158).

o   Include background information on the issue.

o   Write a thesis statement at the end of the introductory paragraph that includes your claim about the topic that is arguable (p.158-159).

II. Body

o   Include 3-5 body paragraphs

o   Begin each paragraph with an opposing view (an argument against your claim).

o   Follow each opposing view with a rebuttal (your argument against the opposing view).

o   The rebuttals must include reasons, examples, and facts from sources.

III. Conclusion

o   Restate the thesis statement.

o   Summarize the major points.

o   State your point of view clearly as your final thought.

 Requirements

o   The essay must include at least three facts, figures, or examples from at least two different sources, one of them from Cañada’s library database.

o   At least one source should be in the form of a direct quote and one in the form of a paraphrase or summary. (See Chapter 3.)

o   It must follow MLA guidelines.

o   It must include in-text citations. (See Chapter 3 and MLA guidelines.)

o   It must have a Works Cited list at the end of the essay.

o   It should have 5-7 paragraphs total.

o   It should be about 2½ - 3½ pages.

Timeline and Due Dates