The Argument Essay

A Rhetorical Guide

Types of Argument Essays

Here is an introduction to two types of argument essays:  

• a position paper on a controversial issue.  The writer would present the issue to readers, take a position, and develop a convincing, well-reasoned argument (such as “Shopping malls have a negative influence on teenagers,” “Using logos of minorities is racist,” “Civilian boot camps for juvenile delinquents are not successful,” etc.) OR
• an essay that proposes a solution to a problem (such as “Boot camps will reduce juvenile delinquency,” “Sex education will work to reduce teen pregnancies,” and “Abolishing corporate welfare will reduce the deficit,” etc.).  The writer would choose a problem faced by a community or group to which he or sbelong and address your proposal to one or more members of the group or to an outsider who might help to solve the problem.

The position essay can suggest a solution to the problem, but it’s not obligated to offer a developed solution. Whereas, proposals have to convince the reader that a problem exists and that a particular solution is required.  They may justify costs, argue for the ‘best’ solution, and show how to implement the solution.

Guides for topic selection:

Glendale Community College offers a helpful list of argument essay topics here and divides the resource into thematic links on Bioethics, Computing, Constitutional Issues, Social Concerns, and Educational Issues.  A sample thesis and web links are provided for each topic. 

Sample topics can also be found at good essay topics and Tidewater Community College. 

Additionally, here are a few suggestions that can be given to students:

•  

  Start by selecting a topic you can emotionally and intellectually manage, one for which you are willing to accept “both sides of the story.” Avoid writing about very broad, highly controversial topics, such as abortion, gun control, or the Darwin/Creation argument. The counter-arguments (your opponent’s view) are extensive and well-developed; incorporating them in your essay would involve a great deal of time. Consider avoiding topics that are so ‘near and dear’ that an open, unbiased position would be difficult for you to maintain.  However, choose a topic that you care enough about to explore in this assignment, something you have a stake in. 

•  

  Select topics that can be proved by empirical facts or by opinions established by such facts. Avoid writing about religious or philosophical topics or issues. They are not only too broad as topics, but there is no way to prove them using statistics or expert opinions or based on empirical or standard research methodology. However, prayer in the school is a complex issue that can be developed with much thought and research. You will have to read, interpret, and paraphrase sections of the constitution dealing with the complex problem of separation of church and state.

•  

  Limit your scope. Since you are obligated to prove the worthiness of your thesis (position), the broader your position, the more you have to prove. For example, if you claim there should be no gun or firearm regulation, you must attempt to justify that any number and any type of firearm can be owned by anyone, even psychotic killers.

• Consider the problem of topic ‘burn out.’  Avoid writing about over-used topics, such as gun control, abortion, or legalizing marijuana.

•  

Rhetorical guides for writing arguments:

Ian Johnton of Malaspina University-College created an open-domain textbook titled, "Essays and Arguments: A Handbook on Writing Argumentative and Interpretive Essays."  You can read the textbook in full here. 

Paradigm Online Writing Assistant offers an adaptation of Maxine Hairston's A Contemporary Rhetoric.  This site entails a complete rhetorical explantion of how to select an argument, expand the argument, anticipate opposition and includes an explanation of appeals and form. 

The Writing Center at Harvard provides an overview of the academic essay, defining the key terms as motive and idea, tension, and structure. 

ESLflow.com has collection a good library of web resources on writing arguments.  They provide links to topics and thematic readings, outlines, and a useful selection of fact vs. opinoin exercises. 

Metropolitan Community College provides a guide to identifying arguments, recognizing argument structure, and reasoning critically. 

The UBC Writing Center explains how to appeal to reason, the difference between induction and deduction, and the fallacies of argument. 

Roane State Community College's OWL offers guidelines for writing an effective argument essay. 

Purdue's OWL offers a PowerPoint introduction to the structure of the argumentative essay.  Scroll down to view the other PowerPoint shows available.  An additional discussion of the genre and structure of an argumentative essay is found here: The OWL at Purdue.

Rhetorical guides for organizing arguments:

The Writing Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill outlines an excellent introduction to argument, including how to make a claim, gather evidence, read critically, and make a counterargument. 

Patterns of development with a sample essay are explained here: Composition @ College of DuPage

Bogazici University OWL provides a guide for both selecting an argument, organizing the argument, and preparing counter-arguments.  There is also a sample essay provided.  Start by selecting "Essay Types" and explore "Argumentative Essay" and "Writing an Argumentative Essay." 

 Here is a sample organizational pattern for a position essay:

·         Introduction paragraph(s) with thesis or stated position.

·         Several paragraphs devoted to accommodating your opponent’s main ideas.

·         Two to five reasons, developed into paragraphs, that support your position.

·         Concluding paragraph reviewing the points you have made and reinforcing the position you have taken, and want your readers to take. 

Here is an example:

1    An introduction to the issue with background of the problem and your thesis (your position)

2    Opponent’s perspective. (Summarize objectively the main reasons that oppose your position.)

3    Your perspective

Reason 1: (write as a topic sentence)

Reason 2: (write as a topic sentence)

Reason 3: (write as a topic sentence)

Here is a sample organizational pattern for a proposal essay:

 The Problem

·         Describe the nature or the problem and its degree of seriousness. 

·         Describe what causes the problem.

·         Describe what will happen if the problem isn’t solved.

The Proposal 

·         Describe the proposal or solution.

·         Explain the way this solution could be implemented and provide evidence that supports the effectiveness of the solution(s).                                                              

·         Discuss possible objections to your proposal and attempt to show how these objections can be answered.

An Evaluation Checklist

Here are a few points to consider in evaluating an effective argument, beyond the needed considerations of focusing and organizing an essay: 

• Is the argument supported with clear reasons? 
• Are the reasons defended with evidence?  Does the writer include facts rather than only opinions?
• Does the position essay include some of the most important counter views?
• Has the writer avoided attacking an opponent and instead presented the opponent's position and the reasons for the position in an objective and balanced manner?
• Does the argument maintain a judicial tone?  Does the writer avoid being mean-spirited?  

Additional pitfalls are addressed at the Wheeling Jesuit Resource Center, and Roane State CC covers the final considerations of a convincing argument and a reasonable voice. 

Sample Essays

Here are professional examples where authors use the cause/effect aims for developing their purposes:

Here are additional student samples:

http://www.dianahacker.com/pdfs/hacker-Daly-MLA.pdf This is a researched, MLA documented, annotated essay included in Diana Hacker's manual.

http://www.rscc.cc.tn.us/owl&writingcenter/OWL/Types.html Several samples are offered here by the Roane State CC OWL. 

http://dis.fatih.edu.tr/store/docs/argument_COMPUTER%20CRIME_Thc6ri4N.doc

http://www.writingcentre.ubc.ca/workshop/tools/sample_arg.htm This link provides a sample argument draft with the instructors critique and a revision. 

http://www.pearsoned.ca/highered/divisions/text/brundage/data/brundage_act_1e_tes_ch06.pdf  Several sample essays are provided here by pearson education. 

 http://www.kent.k12.wa.us/KSD/KR/WRITE/ARGUE/sample_outline2.html This provides an outline for a sample argument essay.