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Argumentative Writing: Sajjad Iqbal Khan

This document discusses the elements and structure of an effective argumentative essay. It begins by defining an argumentative essay as one that uses facts and evidence to prove or disprove a thesis. It then outlines the key components, including presenting two sides of an issue, making claims supported by research, and refuting opposing ideas with logic. The document provides guidance on organizing an argument, with an introduction stating the thesis and previewing arguments, body paragraphs developing the arguments with topic sentences and evidence, and a conclusion restating the thesis and arguments. It emphasizes the importance of addressing alternative perspectives through counterarguments.

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M Waseem
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113 views

Argumentative Writing: Sajjad Iqbal Khan

This document discusses the elements and structure of an effective argumentative essay. It begins by defining an argumentative essay as one that uses facts and evidence to prove or disprove a thesis. It then outlines the key components, including presenting two sides of an issue, making claims supported by research, and refuting opposing ideas with logic. The document provides guidance on organizing an argument, with an introduction stating the thesis and previewing arguments, body paragraphs developing the arguments with topic sentences and evidence, and a conclusion restating the thesis and arguments. It emphasizes the importance of addressing alternative perspectives through counterarguments.

Uploaded by

M Waseem
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Argumentative

Writing
Sajjad Iqbal Khan
Overview:

 Elements of argumentative
essay
 Organising your argument
 Presenting an argument in
writing
ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING
An
argumentative essay uses
evidence and facts to prove whether
or not a thesis is true.

Itpresents two sides of a single issue


and covers the most important
arguments for and against.
Argumentative Writing
 Makes claims based on factual evidence
(research)
 Makes counterclaims – the author
neutralizes or “defeats” opposing ideas
 Logic-based - convinces audience through
the merit and rationality of the claim and
evidence offered
Elements of
Argumentation
Elements of Argumentation
Argument/Claim

An argument states a claim


and supports it with reasons
and evidence from sources.

Arguing your side makes you


the proponent.
6
Elements of Argumentation
Counterargument/Counterclaim

An argument that stands in opposition


to your argument/claim. The
counterargument is your opponent’s
(the other side’s) argument that tries
to explains why you are wrong.

7
Elements of Argumentation
Refutation
Simply disproving an opposing
argument. It is an important skill
because it is how a writer
successfully convinces the
audience of the validity of his/her
own argument.
8
Everyday Life Example
When we argue:
Claim Bob: That was a lame movie!
Suzy: Why?
Evidence Bob: The special effects were bad. The
monsters were obviously fake.
Counterclaim Suzy: I thought the movie was good
because the acting was
believable.
Refutation Bob: Yes the acting was good but the
horrible special effects were too
distracting and caused some awkward
moments.

9
Key Terms to Learn
1.a person who disagrees with
Argumentation something and speaks against it
2. the act or process of forming
reasons, drawing conclusions,
Refutation and applying them to a case in
discussion
3.point or statement that
Proponent supports one’s ideas and/or
thesis
4.point or statement in
Opponent opposition to the argument being
made in a written document or
speech
Counter Argument 5.the process of discrediting the
arguments that oppose your
thesis statement
3 6. someone who argues in favor
of something; advocate 10
Organizing Your
Argument
Why is Organization Important
in Argument Writing?
 Guides an audience through your
reasoning process

 Offers a clear explanation of each


argued point

 Demonstrates the credibility of the


writer
17
Organizing Your Argument
 Title
 Introduction
• Attention grabbing beginning (‘hook’)
• Background information (if necessary)
• Thesis statement
• State three arguments
 Body Paragraphs
• Constructing Topic Sentences
• Explanation of Main Points
• Factual Evidence (e.g. statistics)
• Counterclaims
 Conclusion
• Re-state thesis statement
• Re-state arguments
• End hook (concluding sentence) 18
What is an Introduction?
 Acquaints the reader with the topic and
purpose of the paper

 Generates the audience’s interest in the


topic

 Offers a plan for the ensuing argument:


Introduction: Tell them what you’re
going to tell them
Body: Tell them
Conclusion: Tell them what you told
them
14
Methods for Constructing an
Introduction

 personal story
 example-real or
hypothetical
 question
 quotation
 shocking statistics
 striking image
15
Practice
 Look at the Model Argument
Essay.
 Read the Introduction.
 After reading the introduction,
do you know what the writer
plans to tell you in his
argument essay?

16
What is a Thesis Statement?
 Lets the reader know the main
idea of the paper

 Answers the question: “What am I


trying to prove?”

 Not a factual statement, but a


claim that has to be
proven throughout the paper
17
Body Paragraphs and
Topic Sentences
 Body paragraphs build upon the claims made
in the introductory paragraph(s).

 Organize with the use of topic sentences that


illustrate the main idea of each paragraph.

18
Offering a Counterargument

 Addressing the claims of the opposition


is an important component in building
a convincing argument.

 It shows you have considered other


points of view – that other points
of view are valid and reasonable.

19
Placement of a
Counterargument
 Counterarguments may be located at
various locations within your body
paragraphs.
 You may choose to:
• build each of your main points as
contrast to opposing claims.
• offer a counterargument after you
have articulated your main
claims.
20
Placement of a
Counterargument
 Counterarguments may be located at
various locations within your body
paragraphs.
 You may choose to:
• build each of your main points as
a
contrast to
oppositional claims.
• offer a counterargument after you
have articulated your main 21
Placement of a
Counterargument
 Counterarguments may be located at
various locations within your body
paragraphs.
 You may choose to:
• build each of your main points as
a
contrast to
oppositional claims.
• offer a counterargument after you
have articulated your main 22
Research in Body Paragraphs
 Researched material can aid you in
proving the claims of your argument
and disproving opposing claims.

 Be sure to use your research to


support the claims made in your
topic sentences – make your
research work to prove your
argument.
23
Conclusion
 Your conclusion should reemphasize the
main points made in your paper.
 You may choose to reiterate a call to action
or speculate on the future of your topic,
when appropriate.
 Avoid raising new claims in your
conclusion.
Introduction: Tell them
what you’re
going to tell
them
Body: Tell them
Conclusion: Tell them
24

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