Argument is not a quarrel at all. It is simply a rational means of persuasion.

In argument only some statements are offered as matters of facts which are given as reasons to make us believe assertions or claims.

Heffernan, J. A. W. and Lincoln, J. E. 1986.

Writing. A College Handbook. Second Edition.

USA. Library of Congress. (pgs.112-114)

In argument one or more statements are claims in need of defending, and statements of facts are introduced to defend them. Effective arguments combine general claims with specific evidence. The general claim or proposition is essential because it tells the reader what you are arguing for.

Outline: Main Ideas and supporting details/Facts/Examples Introduction: Definition of the quotation-agree with it. Main Body: Reasons why you think so. Paragraph 1: Differences between loneliness and complete isolation. Impossible to exist if denied all human contact. Paragraph 2: Importance of human contact. -home environment, school, rest of community. Paragraph 3: Basic unit in society is family. Paragraph 4: Human contact is basic need -effects on those who have no contact. Conclusion: We all need privacy and space but contact and communication is essential to humans.

When writing on the advantages and disadvantages of something: Consider both sides of the question. State your own opinions at the introduction or conclusion. Put each point in a new paragraph. Support arguments with examples, statistics, illustrations, etc. Plan your arguments logically. Use logical connectors. Eg. on the other hand, however, etc.

Advantages
1. 2. 3. 4.

Disadvantages
1. 2. 3.

Obtain education Make good use of time; enjoyable Safe place Structured and organised

4.

Hands-on experience out of school Waste a lot of time; boring Over protected; weak and dependent Individual needs not catered for

Conclusion: School may not be perfect but difficult to find another alternative (18/7/08 pl2)

Outline: Mind map

QUESTION ALL EVILS?

Development Charities Good works

BENEFITS

Money

BAD

Politics Materialism Greed

ANSWER Can be evil Can do good

Conclusion: Repetition of ones position

Besides Moreover Further more

In addition, Apart from this/that, Other than that,

But Still Although On the other hand Nevertheless In contrast In spite of

Even though However Yet On the contrary Despite this Conversely

In fact As a matter of fact

So As a result Therefore

Consequently Accordingly

For example For instance

In other words A good example is

-First/Firstly -Next -Then -Later

Order

-Afterwards -Finally/Lastly -Subsequently -Meanwhile -Until

-While -Since -When

Time

-Where

Place

-Wherever

In short, The gist of it is

In brief, To sum up,

Argumentative essay writing is the type of essay that requires you to take a stand, support your point of view and win letting the reader change their own point of view about the given topic. To be an effective argumentative essay writers you need to become an expert about the topic, if youre going to write something about any issues, make sure you can defend your stand. You also have to choose your stand first considering which point of view should you be defending as your essay goes on; once done you have to gather evidence or data that will support your claim about your argumentative essay topic but be noted that your evidence must be facts and not just some hearsay around the corner and deliver your argument in a reasonable professional, and trustworthy tone.

ARGUMENT

STAND

Reason 1

Reason 2

Reason 3

OPINION

Evidence

Evidence

Evidence

FACTS