Introduction to

Argumentative Essay

FCL 10001
Faculty of Language & Communication
INTRODUCTION
 The 3 Parts of an Essay
 Transition Signals
 What is an Argumentative Essay

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An Essay
• is a piece of writing several paragraphs long.
• is about one topic, just as a paragraph is.
• The topic of an essay is too complex to discuss
in a single paragraph. Therefore,
– it is divided into several paragraphs, one for each
major point; and is tied together by
– an introduction, and
– a conclusion.

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An Essay has 3 Main Parts
• An introduction (introductory paragraph)
• A Body (3 paragraphs)
• A Conclusion (concluding paragraph)

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Important Tip to Essay Writing
• Because an essay is long, it is important to
organise and plan before you write.
• Do this by making an outline.
• This organises your thoughts and keeps you on
track once you begin to write.

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The Introductory Paragraph
• Has two parts
1.General Statements
• introduce the general topic of the essay;
• capture the reader’s interest
2.The thesis statement
• states the specific topic;
• may list subtopics or subdivisions of the main topic;
• may indicate the pattern of organisation of the essay;
• is normally the last sentence in the introductory
paragraph.

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The Basic Pattern of Body Paragraphs
• is a logical division of ideas.
• The following are the keys to organising a logical
division essay:
1. Divide the topic into subtopics.
2. Discuss each subtopic in a separate paragraph.
3. Write a thesis statement that indicates this logical
division.
4. Use transitions between paragraphs to guide
your reader from one subtopic to the next.
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The Body of an Essay
• should consist of
– 3 paragraphs
• Each paragraph should consist of
– a topic sentence
– 2 - 3 pieces of support
– a concluding sentence (optional)

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The Concluding Paragraph
• Has three purposes:
1. It signals the end of the essay (use transition
signals).
2. It reminds the reader of your main points which
you can do in two ways:
1. Summarize your subtopics or
2. Paraphrase your thesis.
3. It leaves the reader with your final thoughts on
the topic – your opportunity to convey a strong,
effective message your reader will remember.
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The Conclusion
• should re-state or summarise the main points
in the essay; and
• have a final (concluding) statement.

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An Essay
• Should have unity and coherence
• Uses transition signals and repetition of key
nouns to link the paragraphs into a cohesive
whole.
• Some transition signals include:
– In addition □ furthermore □
moreover
– On the other hand □ besides □ also
– In contrast □ however □ too

– As a consequence □ nonetheless □ still

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More Transition Signals
– even though □ though □ and □ if
– otherwise □ although □ but □ or
– whereas □ in spite of □ that is □ so
– In fact □ indeed □ while □
yet
– in summary □ next □ last □
finally
– as a result □ accordingly □ in brief □ hence
– for example □ in short □ that is □ thus

– in conclusion □ such as □ clearly □ first

– as a consequence
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 What is an Argumentative
Essay?

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An Argumentative Essay
• is an essay in which you agree or disagree with
an issue,
• Using reasons to support your argument.

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Your goal
• is to convince your reader that you are right.
• You need to
– take a stand on an issue;
– support your stand with solid reasons;
– support your reasons with solid evidence.

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In an Argumentative Essay,
• You must give reasons to support your stand
– Remind your readers of your stand in the topic sentence of
each paragraph.
– Make sure that your arguments are expressed as clear and
simple as possible
• You must also discuss the opposing stand
– this is done by discussing the other side’s reasons and
– then rebutting or refuting them.
– We do this to show the readers that we:
• have considered all sides of an issue;
• are reasonable and open-minded, therefore readers are more
likely to listen to our point of view.
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Voice
• Definition:
– The ways in which the writer’s personality and
attitude toward the topic are revealed to the
reader.
• Depends on the audience (reader).
• In academic writing, the voice should be
formal, objective and reasonable.
• It is sometimes acceptable to have a more
personal, conversational voice, but the
objective approach is preferred.

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For this assignment,
• The argumentative essay should
– be written using formal language;
– use an objective and reasonable tone with
• Support for arguments and
• Substantiated refutation of counter-arguments

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Organisation of Argumentative Essays

• Block Pattern
– Pattern A (Pro arguments first, followed by Con
arguments)
– Pattern B (Con arguments first, followed by Pro
arguments)

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Block Pattern A
I. Introduction Paragraph
Explanation of the issue + Background +Thesis statement
II. Body Paragraphs
Pro #1
Pro #2
Con
III. Concluding Paragraph
Summary of main points + [Recommendation(s) /
solution / prediction]

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Block Pattern B
I. Introduction Paragraph
Explanation of the issue + Background +Thesis statement
II. Body Paragraphs
Con
Pro #1
Pro #2
III. Concluding Paragraph
Summary of main points + [Recommendation(s) /
solution / prediction]

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