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Writing Argumentative Essays

Chapter Outline

Outline/Summary of Objectives in Chapter Thirteen: Writing Argumentative Essays

Following are the main learning objectives from the chapter.

Students should understand that the goal of presenting a quality argument is distinct from "winning" a fight or verbal dispute. You should recognize that . . .

A. argument should be considered not as a battle for supremacy and more as an attempt to work as a community that communicates in an effort to arrive at truth;

B. arguments which aim only for victory, at the expense of truth, do little to advance knowledge or understanding;

1. a "successful" argument is determined by the quality and relevance of the evidence to the conclusion.

2. a "successful" argument in not necessarily one which actually succeeds in persuading others.

(See 410)

Writing a Successful Argument (p. 410)

You should understand that writing an argument is not a linear process.

Before You Write (pgs. 411-433)

Writing good argumentative essays requires forethought and preparation. Before you begin writing a draft of your essay, you should take the time to . . .

A. know yourself; To this end, you should . . .

1. be willing to argue fairly and maintain critical thinking dispositions;

2. have a clear idea about why you are developing an argument;

3. honestly evaluate your own understanding of the issue you intend to address, distinguishing what you feel from what you think about the issue;

B. know your audience; To this end, you should . . .

1. know who your audience is an adjust your style accordingly;

2. anticipate your readers' reactions to what you write; in this aim, you'll want to . . .

a. consider the attitudes, positions and knowledge of your readers;

b. recognize common values between yourself and your readers;

c. assume your readers are somewhat skeptical, intelligent, rational and humane.

C. choose and narrow your topic carefully;

D. write a sentence that expresses your claim;

E. gather ideas through brainstorming and research; In developing your ideas, you should . . .

1. list supporting premises;

2. list opposing premises;

3. think critically about your thinking;

4. think on paper;

5. consider various methods of developing your ideas;

6. look over your brainstorming and consider the following questions:

a. Should I refine my claim?

b. Are there any additional premises in my rough collection of thoughts and ideas?

c. What do I still need to find out?

d. What can I use and what do I need to exclude?

7. research your topic.

F. Organize your ideas; In developing an organized and well-reasoned argument, you should . . .

1. be willing to revise or even change your approach as you are writing;

2. keep in mind that each paragraph in the body of your essay should relate to your thesis;

3. consider using one or more of the following methods of development to organize your paper:

a. Support your claim through illustration.

b. Organize your argument along he lines of a contrast or comparison.

c. Select a pattern of argument:

1. Deductive pattern

2. Problem-Solution Pattern

3. Evaluative Pattern

4. consider how you will respond to your opponent's arguments and objections;

5. consider whether a combination of the above-mentioned patterns of argument would best serve your aims.

(See 434-439)

Writing the First Draft (pgs. 434-439)

You should become familiar with the basic elements of a well-written argumentative essay. In writing a first draft you should incorporate the following:

A. An Interesting Opening that grabs the attention and interests of the reader

B. A carefully worded Thesis Statement that makes clear the main point you want to get across

C. Well developed Body Paragraphs that logically organize your ideas and help your readers better follow your reasoning

D. A Satisfying Conclusion which informs the reader that the essay is completed

(See 440-450)

After the First Draft (pgs. 440-450)

You should grasp the vital importance of revising your written work. In re-writing your essay, you should . . .

A. read what you have written and revise it, critically assessing the content of your paper from the perspective of a reader who may object to your views;

B. consider what you have not written and revise your essay, critically evaluating any assumptions or evidence you have failed to examine carefully;

C. show your work to others so as to receive critical comments from the perspective of a reader other than yourself;

D. Edit your work for grammatical errors and stylistic shortcomings.

2002 McGraw-Hill Higher Education

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