Academic Writing II

Writing the Argumentative Essay

Your essay will consist of six paragraphs where each has an explicit function. It is
important that you spend time familiarizing yourself with the different elements that are
necessary for each paragraph. The paragraphs in your essay are as follows:
Paragraph 1: The introductory paragraph
Paragraph 2: Body paragraph supporting your thesis
Paragraph 3: Body paragraph supporting your thesis
Paragraph 4: A developed counterclaim
Paragraph 5: The refutation paragraph directly addressing the counterclaim
Paragraph6: The conclusion
A breakdown of what is required for each paragraph follows:
Paragraph 1. The Introductory Paragraph
The purpose of the introductory paragraph is to pique the interest of your readers, to
provide a context to the issue under discussion and to lay out a summary of your
argument.
Grabbing Attention
The introductory paragraph of any paper, long or short, should start with a sentence
that piques the interest of your readers. To get your paper off to a great start, you should
try to have a first sentence that engages your reader. It is called the attention-grabber.
Think of your first sentence as a hook that draws your reader in. Examples of attentiongrabbers include anecdotes, a definition, a quotation, questions, a surprising
fact or detail etc.
Providing context
In this section of the introduction, you want to write a few sentences that gives some
background to the issue. Depending on the question, you may also want to define some
key terms. Keep in mind that definitions should be more from expert sources than from
dictionaries.
Thesis Statement
The thesis as you know should summarize in a sentence your position on the issue you
are discussing as well as give the main arguments in support of your position.
Paragraphs 2 5: Body Paragraphs (2 paragraphs supporting the thesis, the counterclaim and the refutation)
When writing each body paragraph for your argumentative essay, you have to ensure
that you present your information clearly. Begin the paragraph with the main idea
(claim) that you are putting forward in support of your position. State this clearly so that
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your audience can easily see what your point of view is right from the start of the
paragraph.
To convince your audience that youre right youll need to provide supporting points,
information and referenced sources, if possible, in the main body of the paragraph. This
is where youll really convince your audience youre right. Dont leave them in any doubt
that your point of view is correct and give them the evidence to prove it. A paragraph
should not be too long so be concise in your expression
1.
2.
3.
4.

Introduce the main idea in the first topic sentence.

Support the main idea in the next few sentences with evidence
Use example and illustrations to clarify your points
Draw your conclusion while restating the main idea in the last sentence.

While you write, please ensure that you include relevant in-text citations and
transitions. In addition, remember the use of appeals and rhetorical strategies. These
will enhance the style of your paper.
Transitions See the following websites for more information on the use of transitions
https://www.msu.edu/~jdowell/135/transw.html
http://www.studygs.net/wrtstr6.htm

Paragraph 6: Concluding Paragraph

The conclusion is the climax of your paper. This is where you get to leave a lasting
impression on your reader. The main parts of your conclusion include a summary of
your main points and an appeal to your audience. Vivid, concrete language is as
important in a conclusion as it is elsewhere--perhaps more essential, since the
conclusion determines the reader's final impression of your essay. Do not leave them
with the impression that your argument was vague or unsure. Also ensure that you do
not introduce any new point in the conclusion.
Summary of your main points
This is where you repeat the main points in your paper. You also need to emphasize how
the main points relate to your thesis
The Appeal
In the appeal, you get an opportunity to impact your reader for the last time. You may
do this by: asking a provocative question
o
o
o
o

use a quotation.
evoking a vivid image.
call for some sort of action
end with a warning

2 N. Cameron March 2013