ENGL 101 Prince Sultan University Does Religion Cause War Essay

What is an argumentative essay?

The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.

Argumentative essay assignments generally call for extensive research of literature or previously published material. Argumentative assignments may also require empirical research where the student collects data through interviews, surveys, observations, or experiments. Detailed research allows the student to learn about the topic and to understand different points of view regarding the topic so that she/he may choose a position and support it with the evidence collected during research. Regardless of the amount or type of research involved, argumentative essays must establish a clear thesis and follow sound reasoning.

The structure of the argumentative essay is held together by the following.

• A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay.

In the first paragraph of an argument essay, students should set the context by reviewing the topic in a general way. Next the author should explain why the topic is important (exigence) or why readers should care about the issue. Lastly, students should present the thesis statement. It is essential that this thesis statement be appropriately narrowed to follow the guidelines set forth in the assignment. If the student does not master this portion of the essay, it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive essay.

• Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.

Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without logical progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s argument, and the structure will collapse. Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous section and introduce the idea that is to follow in the next section.

• Body paragraphs that include evidential support.

Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion of one general idea. This will allow for clarity and direction throughout the essay. In addition, such conciseness creates an ease of readability for one’s audience. It is important to note that each paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph. Some paragraphs will directly support the thesis statement with evidence collected during research. It is also important to explain how and why the evidence supports the thesis (warrant).

However, argumentative essays should also consider and explain differing points of view regarding the topic. Depending on the length of the assignment, students should dedicate one or two paragraphs of an argumentative essay to discussing conflicting opinions on the topic. Rather than explaining how these differing opinions are wrong outright, students should note how opinions that do not align with their thesis might not be well informed or how they might be out of date.

• Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).

The argumentative essay requires well-researched, accurate, detailed, and current information to support the thesis statement and consider other points of view. Some factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal evidence should support the thesis. However, students must consider multiple points of view when collecting evidence. As noted in the paragraph above, a successful and well-rounded argumentative essay will also discuss opinions not aligning with the thesis. It is unethical to exclude evidence that may not support the thesis. It is not the student’s job to point out how other positions are wrong outright, but rather to explain how other positions may not be well informed or up to date on the topic.

• A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided.

It is at this point in the essay that students may begin to struggle. This is the portion of the essay that will leave the most immediate impression on the mind of the reader. Therefore, it must be effective and logical. Do not introduce any new information into the conclusion; rather, synthesize the information presented in the body of the essay. Restate why the topic is important, review the main points, and review your thesis. You may also want to include a short discussion of more research that should be completed in light of your work.

Link to Reference

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/essay_writing/argumentative_essays.html

Argumentative Essay Steps

1. Review all the reading material on the subject — notes, highlighting, etc.
2. Divide the main points into those for your issue and those against your issue.
3. Write a thesis statement identifying the issue and your position.
4. Construct an outline that has the primary main ideas supporting your position and one or two opposing arguments for refutation. Choose a pattern of organization that is logical and convincing.
5. Outline secondary supports for each of your major points, including evidence, examples, explanations, testimony, cause/effect, etc. and, of course, include your reference material.
6. Begin your draft. Write the body of the essay based on your outline, using your major supports as topic sentences. Make sure that you use transitions between and within paragraphs. Make sure that opposition arguments are stated briefly and refuted at length so that your reader knows you do not support the opposition’s points.
7. Write your introduction. Include some background information briefly so you set the stage for your argument. State that there is an opposition view and the main points you plan to dispute. Give your thesis and an essay map outlining the main points in support of your thesis.
8. Write your conclusion. Make sure you restate the main premise, present one or two arguments that summarize your main points. Provide a general warning of the consequences of not following your premise and/or a general statement of how the community will benefit from following your premise.
9. Check your draft for the following:
   • Do your paragraphs present arguments that support your main points as non-debatable or as facts? Do you have adequate and convincing support?
   • Do one or two of your paragraphs present arguments that oppose your main premise as debatable and possibly untrue? Do you begin those parts with phrases such as “opponents believe” or “some people argue,” etc.?
   • Have you clearly marked the place where you shift from the opposing to the supporting points with such words as “however”?
   • Do you have an introduction that draws your reader into your argument? Do you have a conclusion that leaves the reader feeling the strength and logic of your position?
10. Revise, revise, and proofread. Take your paper to the writing center, please.

Link to Reference:

https://www.lycoming.edu/academic-resource-center/argumentation-essay.aspx

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