Argumentative Essay Writing Guide PDF

The issue of wearing face coverings in public comes up frequently these days. A common sentiment is, "If I am not personally at high risk for COVID-19, why should I wear a mask?" I suspect this is why I see so many people in public places who are not covering their nose and mouth. The CDC has recomm...

The issue of wearing face coverings in public comes up frequently these days. A common sentiment is, "If I am not personally at high risk for COVID-19, why should I wear a mask?" I suspect this is why I see so many people in public places who are not covering their nose and mouth. The CDC has recommended "wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission." The reason for this is that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread even before symptoms appear, by such things as coughing, sneezing, or even speaking at close range. Cloth face coverings have been recommended due to their low cost and ready availability. Using cloth face coverings preserves surgical masks and N-95 masks for healthcare workers who may be involved in the direct care of patients with COVID-19. The importance of using face coverings in public is illustrated in the graphic seen here. If I wear my face covering to protect you from me, and you wear your face covering to protect me from you, then we can all dramatically decrease our risk of transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19. This, in conjunction with social distancing and frequent handwashing or use of hand sanitizer, will be important in limiting the spread of COVID19 as we return to our usual activities.  3 1.What details are given in the introduction of the essay? a. Restatement of the main claim b. Background information of the issue c. Reasons supporting the claim d. Summary  4 2. How did the writer express his proposition? a. through Definition b. through Facts c. through Policy d. through Value  5 3. Does the writer try to change the views of the readers? a. Yes b. Maybe c. No d. Both A and B Structure of A Good Argumentative Essay 1. Introductory Paragraph The first paragraph of the essay must outline the topic, give background information of the argument, outline the evidence, and state the thesis. 2. Thesis Statement This is part of your first paragraph. It is concise, one-sentence summary of your main point and claim. Ex. The rise of online shopping in the wake of COVID-19 might lead to the permanent closure of millions of brick-and-mortar outlets. Structure of A Good Argumentative Essay 3. Body Paragraphs This part consists of three (3) or more paragraphs that explain the reasons why you support your thesis. Each paragraph covers different idea or piece of evidence and contains a topic sentence which explains why the reader should agree with your position. The body paragraphs back up your claims with examples, research, statistics, studies and text citations. 4. Conclusion This one paragraph restates your thesis and summarizes all the arguments made in your body paragraphs. A good conclusion appeals to the reader’s emotions. In some cases, writers use personal anecdote explaining how the topic personally affects them. Steps to Writing A Great Argumentative 8 Essay 1. Research. Before writing an argumentative essay, read and know more about your argument. 2. State your proposition. Define a short proposition or thesis statement as this is important to help you concentrate and be focused on your topic. Make sure that the statement is making a debatable assertion. 3. Think about the opposition. Always 9 remember that someone somewhere will disagree with your opinion. Your objective is to anticipate what someone who is opposed to your argument may say and to counter and overcome their objections by noting the following subsequently: Who may disagree with me? What points will they disagree with? How strong will the opposition be? How can I refute their opinions? Which points are the most debatable?  10 4. Structure your argument. Think of your essay in terms of paragraphs, with each paragraph addressing a separate element of the argument following a good argumentative essay writing structure.  Five (5) Types of Argument Claim That 11 Can Drive Your Essay 1. Fact: This technique presents the argument, whether true or false, clearly, and concisely. It asks you to answer the question with a "Yes" or "No" that supports the facts. 2. Definition: This technique gives meaning to a concept that forms the argument through the dictionary definition of what you are arguing, plus your interpretation of it. 3. Value: this technique gives importance to the value of your stance. It usually asks you to choose between things, ideas, beliefs, or actions and explain why you did so. 4. Cause and effect: This technique presents the causes of the problem in your argument and its effects. 5. Policy: This technique appeals to the reader's emotions by stirring up the reader's thinking about why they should care about your stance and what they should do about it after reading.  13 Any of the above argument claims can be presented in three (3) ways, namely: 1. Classical This is also called Aristotelian. This is the most popular strategy for making an argument because it is the simplest line of thinking. Present the main argument, state your opinion, and do your best to convince the reader why your stance is the right one.  14 Any of the above argument claims can be presented in three (3) ways, namely: 2. Rogerian This is also called the "common ground" argument. The writer acknowledges the opposing side of the argument with the assumption you and the readers share common ideas, beliefs, and arguments. Hence, the writer's task is to identify these commonalities and use them to argue further. This type of argument is effective for polarizing topics, as it acknowledges both sides and presents the middle ground.  15 Any of the above argument claims can be presented in three (3) ways, namely: 3. Toulmin Present your claim, present grounds to back up that claim, and justify that the grounds are linked to the claim. This type of argument is also effective for polarizing topics, but rather than present both sides, it presents one, hinging particularly on facts presented in a way that makes a claim difficult to argue with. 17 18