CHAPTER 6

WRITING AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

The topics covered in this chapter are:

1. Understanding Classical Strategies for Arguing.
2. Writing Opinion Statements.
3. Writing Pro and Counter Arguments.
4. Writing Persuasive Statements.
5. Writing Refutations.
6. Writing a Complete Essay.
7. Presenting Argumentation in Oral Form.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

1. Identify the phases in the classical approach to arguing.

2. Write opinion statements.
3. Write pro-arguments.
4. Write persuasive statements.
5. Write refutations.
6. Write a complete essay.
7. Present oral / written argumentations.
8. Demonstrate an understanding of argumentative in oral
presentation.

6.1 DEFINITION

An argumentative essay i s a n e s s a y i n w h i c h y o u a r g u e a
p o i n t a n d try to change the readers mind by convincing the
reader to agree with your point of view. In order to convince the
reader that you are right, you need to provide the reader with
sufficient evidence.

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6.2 CHARACTERISTICS

An argumentative essay attempts to be highly persuasive and logical.

It usually assumes that the reader disagrees with the writer, but it
should be noted that the reader is no less intelligent than the
writer. Hence an argumentative essay should be written objectively,
logically and respectfully. When planning an argumentative essay, be
aware that the essay should contain the following characteristics:
The argumentative essay introduces and explains the issue or
case. The reader needs to know what the issue is going to be.
The essay offers reasons, and supports these reasons. The
essay should prove its point.
The essay, at times, refutes (proves wrong) opposing
arguments.

6.3 ORGANISATION

6.3.1 Introduction Paragraph

The first paragraph is the introductory paragraph. It consists of

general statement, your stand pertaining to the issue and the
thesis statement. Thesis statement should present all the
arguments as well as the counter argument.

General statement
Writers stand (to agree/ disagree)
Thesis statement : 2 pro-arguments + 1 counter argument

6.3.2 Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs contain the reasons. Each paragraph talks

about one reason. The reason is stated in the topic sentence and is
supported by supporting details or materials. These supporting
materials can be either in statistics, anecdote, example, reason or
authority.

Throughout the body of your essay, you should develop your case
one point at a time, perhaps devoting one paragraph to defense each
of your arguments. For example:

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 Body paragraph 1 : pro-argument 1
Body paragraph 2 : pro-argument 2
Body paragraph 3 : counter-argument + refutation

6.3.3 Conclusion Paragraph

The conclusion paragraph restates the main claims which accurately

summarize the arguments which support the main premise.
Furthermore, you should also provide your final comment in form
of suggestion, quotation or prediction. Finally, restate your stand to
reaffirm your reader.

Summary/ Restatement of ideas (2 pro-arguments +

counter argument).
Comment (suggestion/prediction/quotation)
Restatement of stand

6.4 STEPS TO WRITE AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

Firstly, when you write an argumentative essay, you need to ask

yourself who is the appropriate audience/reader for your essay. The
answer to that question will determine what you will say about your
subject and what purpose you hope to achieve.

In this kind of essay, we do not only give information but also

present an argument with the PROS (supporting ideas) and the
CONS (opposing ideas) of an argumentative issue.

We should clearly take our stand and write as if we are trying to

persuade an opposing audience to adopt new beliefs or behavior. The
primary objective is to persuade people to change beliefs that many
of them do not want to change.

Example: All public examinations in Malaysia should be abolished.

decide your stand: agree or disagree?
prepare your points: why do you agree or
disagree?

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6.4.1 Writing Audience and Purpose
Audience = The target readers of the essay to whom the
essay is directed (people, not object)
- The audience MUST be PLURAL and SPECIFIC.
e.g:
Topic: All public examinations in Malaysia should be abolished.

Audience: Government (x)

Ministry of Education (x)
Officials in the Ministry of Education ()
Minister of Education ()
public (x)
society (x)
primary and secondary school teachers ()

- The audience MUST be related to the topic of the essay and

specific.
e.g:
Topic: University students should be assigned to do more oral
assignments than written assignments.

Audience: students (x)

university students ()

Purpose = The reason/reasons for writing the essay. Use verb to

present the purpose. (to convince / to persuade / to urge / to
influence)
e.g: To persuade university students that..

- The purpose MUST be related to the topic of the essay and

your stand/point of view.
e.g:
Topic: University students should be assigned to do more oral
assignments than written assignments.

Purpose: To persuade university students that they should be

assigned to do more oral assignments than written
assignments.

or

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 To persuade university students that they should not be
assigned to do more oral assignments than written
assignments.

Examples:

Topic: Drivers should be banned from using cell phones while

driving.
Audience: Minister of Transportation / drivers
Purpose: to urge the Ministry of Transportation / drivers that the
use of cell phones while driving should be banned.

Topic: Should the rain forests destruction be prohibited?

Audience: Minister of Natural Resources and Environment/
developers
Purpose: to urge/convince Minister of Natural Resources and
Environment/ developers that rain forests destruction should be
prohibited.

1. Introduction paragraph

Start with general statement such as background

information or perhaps an illustrative example to show
the significance of the subject (topic of your whole essay)
or the nature of the controversy.
Writers stand. As the writer of your essay, you should
clearly state your position/stand whether to agree or
disagree with the topic.
Present thesis statement. When writing your thesis
statement, present two(2) points of pro- arguments and
one(1) point of counter-argument (the opposing issue of
your argument) briefly. For example;
All public examinations in Malaysia should be abolished as they
have several drawbacks such as did not evaluate students real
ability as well as will bring burdens to several parties. However,
public examination will help students to be more focused in their
studies.

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2. Body paragraphs

In your body paragraph, you need to write 2 paragraphs (1

point, 1 paragraph) for pro-arguments and 1 paragraph
for your counter-argument (1 point only).
All together, you will need to write 3 body paragraphs (the
first 2 body paragraphs are for pro-arguments and the last
body paragraph is for counter-argument).

Pro-Arguments:

Throughout the body of your essay you should

develop your case one point at a time, perhaps
devoting one paragraph to the defense of each of
your arguments, or setting forth your evidence in
separate, meaningful categories. For example:
- Body paragraph 1 : pro-argument 1
- Body paragraph 2 : pro-argument 2
- Body paragraph 3 : counter-argument +
refutation

Counter argument and refutation:

Present your counter argument and some explanation of
it in the third body paragraph.
Then, you need to refute the counter argument you have
presented by giving relevant point/points.
This part can also be placed last, just before your
conclusion.
Showing you are aware of both sides of the issue.
The argumentative essay contains pro-arguments that
support the main conclusion. It also contains an
argument that opposes the main thesis/conclusion
(counter-argument). It is important to include an
opposing argument to show your reader that you have
considered both (or more) sides of the argument; and you
are able to anticipate and criticize any opposing argument
before it is even stated.

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1. Conclusion paragraph

R
estate your pro-arguments in the conclusion briefly.
Also restate your counter argument but don't forget to
refute it.
After all of your evidence has been presented and/or your
premises defended, pull your whole argument together in
the last paragraph by showing how the evidence you have
presented provides sufficient grounds for accepting your
conclusion.
F
urthermore, you may also add here your final comment
in form of suggestion, quotation or prediction. You can
leave some impacts on readers by doing these.
F
inally, restate your stand to reaffirm your reader.

6.5 MODEL AND IDENTIFICATION OF THE PARTS

OF ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

MODEL ESSAY 1

Stem Cells Research

Audience: Scientists/ policy makers/ those who are skeptical in

stem cells research/ specialists.
Purpose: To convince the audience that stem cells research
should not be banned.

Modern science has achieved tremendous

successes in different fields. In this respect,
researches in the field of genetics are particularly
noteworthy because they can start a new era in
INTRODUCTION

medicine and science at large. However, today,

research of stem cells and their use in modern
medicine often confronts the opposition from part of General
the public as well as specialists. In spite of statement

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 considerable progress in stem cells research, it still
remains a kind of battlefield between opponents
and proponents of stem cells research. In actuality,
there are no alternatives to further research in the
field of genetics, including stem cells researches
because the potential of these researches outweighs
Stand
arguments of their opponents. Proponents believe that
stem cells research is beneficial to mankind as it
extends human knowledge of genetics and Pro-
functioning of living organisms as well as contributes argument
to the efficient treatment of terminally ill patients. 1&2
Despite the benefits, religious stand on this matter Thesis
pointed by the opponents should also be statement
considered.
First of all, stem cells research extends human Topic
knowledge of genetics and functioning of living sentence
organisms at large (Benoff & Grauman, 1997). The
research in this field provides scientists with valuable Counter
scientific information that can be used in medicine as argument
well as other fields. At the same time, stem cells research
PRO-ARGUMENT 1

y
definitely contributes to the progress of medicine and
genetics. In such a context, opposing to stem cells
research is similar to opposing research of the outer
space and solar system in the Middle Ages. What is meant
here is the fact that it is impossible to stop the progress. Supporting
Moreover, attempts to stop the progress, including the details
ban on stem cells research, can be harmful because, in
such a case, progress of modern medicine and genetics
will be postponed. Therefore, instead of the better
understanding of the subject and its essence and
using its full potential, scientists will view stem cells
research as a taboo.
In addition, stem cells research can contribute to
the efficient treatment of terminally ill patients (Duin, Topic
PRO-ARGUMENT 2

1999). For instance, today, health care professionals sentence

can save lives of patients who would have died
without findings made as a result of stem cells Supporting
research. Moreover, the stem cells research open details
larger opportunities for transplantation that will save

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lives of many patients and help them to return to
normal life.

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 Opponents of this position argue that scientist Topic
should not play God. The opponents of such
COUNTER ARGUMENT
sentence
researches basically stand on religious ground.
Obviously, this attempt is offensive for
representatives of different religions. Therefore, they
develop their arguments concerning the necessity to
Supporting
totally ban stem cells research. Their position is details
backed up by scientists, who believe that stem cells
research raises unsurpassable ethical barriers, because
such researches can raise the problem of cloning and
other arguable issues. Refutation
In brief, any attempts to ban stem cells research
lead to the retardation of the development of
medicine. In contrast, in-depth research of stem
cells will lead to a better understanding of the subject
as it extends human knowledge of genetics and
Summary/
functioning of living organisms as well as contribute
CONCLUSION

restatement
to the efficient treatment of terminally ill patients. of ideas
This will help to overcome ethically arguable issues
since the better the scientists know the subject of the
research the less is the risk of unethical behaviour of
researchers. Thus, the research of stem cells and their
Comment &
use in modern medicine should be encouraged for a restatement
better future of mankind. of stand

Adapted from :
Duin, J. (1999). Reckless reproduction? Insight on the News 15 (26), 41.
Retrived November 7, 2012, from http://essay4you.net/free-
essays/argumentative-essay.php.

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MODEL ESSAY 2

Arranged Marriages

Audience: society in the United States/ parents in the United States

Purpose: To convince the audience that arranged marriages should

not exist in the United States.

Many cultures believe in arranged marriages. Arranged

marriages usually exist in the country of these cultures, such as India
and Japan. Furthermore, many of these cultures bring this practice of
arranged marriages to the United States, and they force their
American raised children into marriages with people whom the
children do not love. There are many people who are against
arranged marriages, especially in the United States. On the other
hand, there are many people who believe that arranged marriages
should exist in America. I believe that arranged marriages should
not exist in the United States because it is a free country and
depression could occur. However, opponents may argue that
arranged marriages are more to develop a long-lasting relationship.
First, arranged marriages take away the freedom that America
has to offer. Every person in America has the right to choose what
he or she wants to do and whom he or she wants to be with. If
people are forced into marriages, regardless of their culture, then it
goes against everything that America stands for, which is freedom of
choice. For example, I have a friend who is part of the Indian
culture, but he is American-raised. Although his parents live in
America, they still forced my friend into a marriage against his free
will. Well, the freedom that America offers did not apply to his
parents, and my friend did not have the chance to experience the
freedom that my other friends and I got to experience. As you can
see, America is a land of freedom, but arranged marriages take that
freedom away, and everyone who lives here should be able to
experience that freedom.
Furthermore, arranged marriages should not exist in America
because it could cause depression. When you are with someone who
you do not naturally love, you become unhappy. When you are
unhappy, you become depressed. Depression prevents you from

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living a normal mental and physical healthy life. To illustrate, my
next-door neighbours have an arranged marriage. The wife explained
to my mother that she is very depressed because she did not marry
someone she loved, and she was never depressed before this
marriage. As a result, she never leaves the house, and she always
looks frail when we see her. Perhaps if my neighbour did marry
someone she loved, she would not be depressed.
Opponents of this position argue that arranged marriages are
more likely to develop a long-lasting relationship. Statistics indicate
advantages of arranged marriages include fewer divorces. For
instance, while the divorce rate for first-time newlyweds in America is
nearly 50% before the first ten years, couples whose marriages were
prearranged experience greater longevity. When it comes to choosing
a suitable mate, fathers and mothers may really know best. Parents
may possess the knowledge, wisdom and understanding of their own
child's character and nature to choose a suitable life partner.
However, not all the assumptions made by the parents are true all the
time. It is more on luck and the couples effort in order to earn a
greater longevity.
To sum up, there may be specific reasons why arranged
marriages exist; however, I am fully against them existing in America.
Arranged marriages prevent freedom of choice, and can cause
depression. America offers many choices, and one of those choices
should include being with the person who you want to spend the rest
of your life with. Although arranged marriages can promote a lasting
relationship, it is not based on true love.

Adapted from:
Rojas, M. (2011). How to write an argumentative essay (five paragraphs). Retrieved
November, 10, 2012 from http://college- college-
life.knoji.com/argumentative-essay/.

6.6 WRITING OPINION STATEMENTS

In argumentative writing, you need to convince your readers to

agree with your point of view or opinion. You can achieve this goal
by supporting your opinions with strong evidence. A careful study
of the model essay 1 Stem Cells Research will reveal that the
writer uses authority from several prominent figures in the respective
field to lend support to his opinions. Statistics from very reliable
sources as those used in the model essay 2 Arranged Marriages

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provide very strong evidence which can easily sway the readers to
the writers point of view.

There are different sources of evidence that can be used

in argumentative essays. Besides statistics published by reliable
sources and authority in the respective field, examples, reasons and
anecdotes can also be used.

You also can use forceful words to state your opinions. These words
can make readers rethink their views about the issue being
discussed. There are many examples of such words in the essay.

6.7 STATING COUNTER ARGUMENTS

When a topic is argumentative, it contains opposing views or

opinions. There can be ideas or points for (pro) which support the
issue being discussed, or ideas or points against (con/contra)
which disagree with the issue. This being the case, you should
make it a point to state opinions that oppose yours. By doing
this you are telling the reader that you have considered the opposing
views. These opposing statements that you make should be brief.
They should not be as detailed as your own views. Usually this is
mentioned near the end of the essay.

The formats below can be used in the final examination. You can
choose either one.

Format A

Paragraph I Introduction
Paragraph II Pro (your view)
Paragraph III Pro (your view)
Paragraph IV Con (opposing view)
Paragraph V Conclusion

Format B

Paragraph I Introduction
Paragraph II Con (opposing view)
Paragraph III Con (opposing view)
Paragraph IV Pro (your view)

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 Paragraph V Conclusion

To show the readers that the opposing views are not yours, you can
introduce these ideas with the following phrases:

It is believed that
It is commonly thought that
It is often said that
Some people say that
Some people think that
Another argument against this is
It is/has been argued that

Once you have introduced the opposing view, using the above
phrases, you have to disprove or rebut it. You must show why this
opposing view cannot be accepted. If you do this, your argument
will have more credibility. Some common techniques for dealing
with opposing views are:
provide solutions to the problems raised through the
opposing views,
point out the weaknesses that may exist in the
counter-arguments; and
make concessions to the opposing views.

6.7.1 Writing Refutation / Rebuttal of the Counter Argument

In order to win the argument or convince the readers to agree with

your stand, you need to refute /rebut any argument by the
opponent.

Your refutation must be related to the counter argument so that you

could reject whatever the opponent suggests.

For example, in model essay 2:

However, not all the assumptions made by the parents are

true all the time. It is more on luck and the couples effort
in order to earn a greater longevity.

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 Practice 1

For each topic, provide possible audience and the purpose.

1. Should cigarette smoking be banned in the government

building?

Audience:

Purpose:

2. Foreign language should be made a compulsory course in the

university.

Audience:

Purpose:

Now check your answers.

Practice 2

For each topic, provide two supporting /pro- arguments and one
counter argument. Include refutation statement as well for each
counter argument.

1. Topic: UUM should abolished dress code

among post-graduate students.

Pro-argument 1: _

Pro-argument 2: _

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 Counter argument: ________________________________

Refutation: _____________________________________

2. Topic: Undergraduate students should be encouraged

to join politics actively.

Pro-argument 1:

Pro-argument 2:

Counter argument: __________________________________

Refutation: ________________________________________

3. Topic: Severe punishment should be enforced to those

who violate traffic rules and regulations.

Pro-argument 1:

Pro-argument 2:

Counter argument: __________________________________

Refutation: ________________________________________

Now check your answers.

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 Practice 3

Write an argumentative essay of about 350 words on any topic that

will interest the members of your group. Write two pro-arguments
and one counter-argument to convince your readers.

The following steps and tips will help you to complete your essay.

Step 1
Argumentative essay topics are controversial. Choose a topic which
your readers can relate to.

Step 2
Your readers expect you to present both sides of the argument. So
put down on paper, the arguments for both sides of the issue. A pro-
con chart (see below) will be useful.

Title: Should university students be allowed to choose their own

residential colleges.

Write the arguments (both pros and cons) in point form. Include the
supporting details as well. These will enable you to choose strong
arguments to either support or counter the views to be discussed.

Step 3
Based on the arguments and the supporting details that you choose
from the pro-con chart, you can then decide on the format of the
essay, that is, either the pro-pro-con or the con-con-pro format.

Step 4
Once you have decided on the format, write a sentence to introduce
the issue that is going to be discussed.

Step 5
Write one or two sentences to explain the importance of the
topic or issue.

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Step 6
Write the thesis statement which clearly states your main premise.
The thesis statement includes a preview of the points that are going
to be discussed in the essay. (Example: Aggressive driving should be
avoided because it causes crashes, injuries and fatalities).

Steps 4, 5 and 6 are parts of the Introduction the first paragraph of

the essay.

Step 7
Write the topic sentence of the second paragraph of your essay.
This is the first paragraph of the body of the essay. This will be the
first point of your argument. (Example: The first reason why aggressive
driving should be avoided is it causes crashes).

Next, support this main point with supporting materials to convince

your reader.

Step 8
Write the topic sentence of the third paragraph of the essay. This is
the second paragraph of the body of the essay. (Example: The
second reason why aggressive driving should be avoided is it causes injuries).

Then support this main point with supporting materials.

Step 9
Write the topic sentence of the fourth paragraph of the essay. This
is the third body-paragraph. (Example: However, there are some
objections to the call for the ban of mobile phones while driving).

Lend support to this main point with supporting materials. Steps 7

9 are parts of the bodyparagraphs 2, 3 and 4

Step 10
Write a sentence to restate the main ideas of the essay.
(Example: Although there are objections, there is sufficient evidence to prove
that using the mobile phone while driving is risky).

Step 11
To finish the essay, write one or two sentences which
accurately summarise the arguments which support the main

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premise. (Example: Using a mobile phone while driving taxes the
cognitive skills of the brain at the expense of the driving. The vast majority of
drivers have no idea that using the mobile phone while driving is risky).

Now check your answers.

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