Universidad de los Andes Departamento de Lenguajes y Estudios Socioculturales English 5 2012-19

Argumentative Essay

According to different sources, students who write argumentative essays are meant to:

Take a stand / make a claim. Convince / Persuade the reader. Support the stand with solid arguments.

Basic structure of an argumentative essay

An argumentative essay contains these five key elements:

An explanation of the issue.

A clear thesis statement. A summary of the opposing arguments. Rebuttals to the opposing arguments. Your own arguments.

Thesis Statements in Argumentative Essays

The author states her claim. The thesis statement may include an opposing point of view, followed by the authors position.

In case of including an opposing point of view, a subordinate structure is used.

In my opinion, curfew laws are clearly unconstitutional despite the claims that such laws are necessary to control juvenile gangs.

Organization Pattern

I. Introduction Explanation of the issue, including a summary of the other sides arguments. Thesis statement II. Body Statement of the other sides first argument and rebuttal with your own counterargument. Statement of the other sides second argument and rebuttal with your own counterargument. Statement of the other sides third argument and rebuttal with your own counterargument. III. Conclusion may include a summary of your point of view.

Funnel Introduction: Attention getter Contextualization (opposing point of view) Thesis Statement: main topic + subtopics Topic Sentence: Opposing arguments + rebuttal Support of my argument with specific facts, examples, statistics and quotations.
Topic Sentence: Opposing arguments + rebuttal Support of my argument with specific facts, examples, statistics and quotations. Topic Sentence: Opposing arguments + rebuttal Support of my argument with specific facts, examples, statistics and quotations.

Transition Signal
Revisit the claim and key points + my final opinion and thoughts

Getting ready for writing

Research a current event/issue that is related to Multiculturalism in the USA and present it to the reader Study in class the event and the different points of view people have on that issue
Audiovisual input
Written input Readings Create a solid and convincing thesis statement according to the issue discussed

Write the essay and support it with specific facts, examples, statistics, and quotations (APA style)

References:

Barnet, S, & Bedau, H. (2001). From critical thinking to argument. Boston: Bedford/St.Martin's.Langan, J. (2005). College writing skills with readings. New York: McGrawHill. Oshima, A, & Hogue, A. (2006). Writing academic english. White Plains, NY: Pearson Longman. Bean, J.C. (2001). Engaging ideas. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. ETS, (2006). Propell Workshop for TOEFL iBT. Hogue, A. (2003). The Essentials of English. New York: Pearson.