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Last updated July 10, 2007

 

 

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The Argumentative Essay

 

What is an argumentative essay?

An argumentative essay is a thesis-based essay on a topic that can be debated. In other words, the essay defends a thesis which can be argued for and against. The purpose of this type of essay is twofold: to persuade the reader to take one side of an issue, while giving serious attention to the other side. Argumentative essays can address topics ranging from the very personal, to the historical, social/political, to the literary, but whatever the topic, there must be at least two sides that can be intelligently defended.

 

Steps to writing an argumentative essay:

• Sample topics
• Brainstorming
  • pro/con list
  • evaluating the evidence
  • defining your terms
• Creating a thesis
• Creating an outline
• Concession paragraphs
• Using transition signals
• Introductory paragraphs
• Conclusions
• Quote integration
• Essay Models
  • Personal topic (9th grade) "Grades in Education"
  • Literary topic (11th grade) "Is Odysseus a Good Leader?"
• Peer Edit Sheet for Argumentative Essay in History

 

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About this page:
These materials were created by David Enelow, Anne Farnham, Andy Spear and Nancy Feidelman.