An argumentative essay presents a controversial topic from opposing points of view in a clear and logical way. Typical tasks will ask you to discuss, assess or evaluate a topic or statement.
- Collect ideas and information about the topic; note arguments for and against it. Use mind maps or lists.
- Make an outline of what you are going to write and in which order. For the body of your essay choose a logical structure which fits the topic/task best:
Dialectical approach:
- Present all of the negative points first, then the positive or alternate between arguments and counter-arguments for each aspect.
- Arrange points, e.g. from weakest to strongest.
Other approaches:
- chronological order
- comparative: deal with similarities first, then differences
- enumerative ('list' form): neutral sequence of paragraphs
Decide if you want to persuade the reader to agree with you or if you want to remain neutral.
- Introduction
Present the issue and attract the reader's attention, for example using background facts about the problem and its relevance today; a suitable quotation or short anecdote or question(s) that you will give answers to in the essav. - Body
Based on your outline, present each point in a separate paragraph.Support your points with evidence (examples, statistics, personal experience etc.). - Conclusion
Give a short summary of what you have written, but do not introduce any new ideas here. You may: give an outlook on further consequences, future developments, possible solutions; state your own opinion, give a recommendation or appeal to the readers to reach their own conclusion.
Presenting aspects and examples
- It is a ... rather than a ... problem or issue.
- ... should also be considered or mentioned.
- ... is relevant/ or completely irrelevant to ...
- There are various reasons why...
- This also raises questions about...
- Some researchers say... or Studies show...
Talking about developments and results
- …can or will lead to...
- The main (short-term, long-term) consequences are ...
Conclusion
- In other words,.. Therefore,... Consequently,... As a result, people should (might)...
- And here's what really (matters, happens, is at stake): ...
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