ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY The argumentative essay is a genre

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.

• An argument is a reasoned, logical way of demonstrating that the writer’s position, belief, or conclusion is valid. • In short, arguments seek to make people believe that something is true or to persuade people to change their beliefs or behavior

Key Terms for Argumentation Syllogism • Claim – Your basic belief about a particular topic, issue, event, or idea ▫ Grounds – “reasoning” - the “because” part of an argument and the explanation for why a claim is made; �Warrant – connects your grounds to your claim. Gives support for the reasoning in an argument; the “for example” aspect of an argument; the best evidence is text-based, reasonable, and reliable. The warrant, in other words, explains why the data proves the claim • Counterclaim – A solid and reasonable argument that opposes or disagrees with your claim • Rebuttal – A written or verbal response to a counterclaim. ▫ The object of the rebuttal is to take into account the ideas presented in the counterclaim and explain why they aren’t persuasive enough, valid enough, or important enough to outweigh your own claim.

OUTLINE FOR ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY - Classical Method • The Classical Method of structuring an argument is a common way to organize your points. Originally devised by the Greek philosopher Aristotle (and then later developed by Roman thinkers like Cicero and Quintilian). The basic format of the Classical Method is as follows: 1. Introduction (Exordium): Introduce the issue and explain its significance. You should also establish your credibility and the topic’s legitimacy. THIS IS YOUR HOOK 2. Statement of Background (Narratio): Present vital contextual or historical information to the audience to further their understanding of the issue. By doing so, you provide the reader with a working knowledge about the topic independent of your own stance. THIS IS YOUR PERTINENT BACKGOUND INFORMATION THAT EDUCATES YOUR AUDIENCE ON THE TOPIC 3. Proposition (Propositio): After you provide the reader with contextual knowledge, you are ready to state your claims which relate to the information you have provided previously. This section outlines your major points for the reader. THIS IS YOUR THESIS

4. Proof (Confirmatio): You should explain your reasons and evidence to the reader. Be sure to thoroughly justify your reasons. 5. Refutation (Refuatio): In this section, you show your understanding of anticipated counterarguments that disagree with your thesis. Though you acknowledge the other side’s perspective, it is important to prove why your stance is more logical. 6. Conclusion (Peroratio): You should summarize your main points. The conclusion also caters to the reader’s emotions and values. Make your call to action here.

THESIS STATEMENT • Your thesis needs to establish a clear position that you will support with balanced proofs (logos, pathos, ethos). Use the checklist below to help you create a thesis. • Make sure you avoid the following when creating your thesis: A thesis is not a title: Homes and schools (title) vs. Parents ought to participate more in the education of their children (good thesis). A thesis is not an announcement of the subject: My subject is the incompetence of the Supreme Court vs. The Supreme Court made a mistake when it ruled in favor of George W. Bush in the 2000 election. A thesis is not a statement of absolute fact: Jane Austen is the author of Pride and Prejudice.

Thesis No-No’s • Don’t’ state “I think”, “In my opinion”, “I will prove that…”, etc. • Don’t’ go more than one sentence • Don’t use vague/dull words • Don’t state it as a question • Don’t quote someone else in your thesis – this is all you! • Don’t ride the fence – you must take a stance/position

An argumentative thesis must be: Debatable • An argumentative thesis must make a claim about which reasonable people can disagree. Statements of fact or areas of general agreement cannot be argumentative theses because few people disagree about them.

EXAMPLE • Junk food is bad for your health is not a debatable thesis. ▫ Most people would agree that junk food is bad for your health. • Because junk food is bad for your health, the size of sodas offered at fast-food restaurants should be regulated by the federal government is a debatable thesis. ▫ Reasonable people could agree or disagree with the statement.

An argumentative thesis must be: Assertive • An argumentative thesis takes a position, asserting the writer’s stance. • Questions, vague statements, or quotations from others are not argumentative theses because they do not assert the writer’s viewpoint.

EXAMPLE • Federal immigration law is a tough issue about which many people disagree is not an arguable thesis because it does not assert a position. • Federal immigration enforcement law needs to be overhauled because it puts undue constraints on state and local police is a start to an argumentative thesis because it asserts a position that immigration enforcement law needs to be changed.

An argumentative thesis must be: Reasonable • An argumentative thesis must make a claim that is logical and possible. Claims that are outrageous or impossible are not argumentative theses.

EXAMPLE • City council members stink and should be thrown in jail is not an argumentative thesis. ▫ City council members’ ineffectiveness is not a reason to send them to jail. • City council members should be term limited to prevent one group or party from maintaining control indefinitely is an arguable thesis because term limits are possible, and shared political control is a reasonable goal.

An argumentative thesis must be: Evidence Based • An argumentative thesis must be able to be supported by evidence. Claims that presuppose value systems, morals, or religious beliefs cannot be supported with evidence and therefore are not argumentative theses.

EXAMPLE • Individuals convicted of murder will go to hell when they die is not an argumentative thesis because its support rests on religious beliefs or values rather than evidence. • Rehabilitation programs for individuals serving life sentences should be funded because these programs reduce violence within prisons is an argumentative thesis because evidence such as case studies and statistics can be used to support it.

An argumentative thesis must be: Focused • An argumentative thesis must be focused and narrow. A focused, narrow claim is clearer, more able to be supported with evidence, and more persuasive than a broad, general claim.

EXAMPLE • The federal government should overhaul the U. S. tax code is not an effective argumentative thesis because it is too general (What part of the government? Which tax codes? What sections of those tax codes? ) and would require an overwhelming amount of evidence to be fully supported. • The U. S. House of Representative should vote to repeal the federal estate tax because the revenue generated by that tax is negligible is an effective argumentative thesis because it identifies a specific actor and action and can be fully supported with evidence about the amount of revenue the estate tax generates.

Thesis Activity • Read thesis statements in this activity. • Each one has potential but isn't as strong as it could be for an argumentative essay. • Your task is to read the sample thesis statement and pick a revision that would make for a stronger argumentative thesis.

Select the best revised thesis based upon the original thesis statement. In this paper, I will explore the topic of gaming in education. • Gaming in education is an important issue. • Most people agree that games in education is a controversial issue, and this essay will explore that issue, ultimately, working to convince you of the value of gaming in education. • As a new generation of students enters college, it is time for higher education to use gaming to appeal to students and make learning more engaging.

Correct Answer As a new generation of students enters college, it is time for higher education to use gaming to appeal to students and make learning more engaging. **This thesis makes a clear, specific assertion and doesn't simply provide an announcement. **Never state “In this paper I will…. ”

Select the best revised thesis based upon the original thesis statement: Most states have animal rights laws that are too lenient. • This paper will explore animal rights laws in all fifty states and share which states have the best laws. • This essay will explore the large amount of current animal abuse cases in the media and argue for better laws to protect animals. • Animal abuse laws in most states are so lenient that offenders face almost no punishment, so stronger, stricter laws are necessary to protect animals.

Correct Answer • Animal abuse laws in most states are so lenient that offenders face almost no punishment, so stronger, stricter laws are necessary to protect animals. • This thesis is specific and assertive and works well as an argumentative thesis.

Select the best revised thesis based upon the original thesis statement. Our country needs to support organic farmers better. • The number of small farmers is on the rise in some states, but, nationally, most farming is done by factory farms, most of which are not organic farms. • In order to provide consumer with healthier food options, our government needs to provide the same kind of subsidies to small, organic farmers that it offers to large, factory farms. • This essay will explore some of the many options available to potential farmers who are interested in organic farming, which provides people in our country with healthier food options.

Correct Answer • In order to provide consumer with healthier food options, our government needs to provide the same kind of subsidies to small, organic farmers that it offers to large, factory farms. • This thesis is more specific, offers an opinion, and makes the assertion clear.

Select the best revised thesis based upon the original thesis statement. Although providing more educational options seems like a good idea, this essay will argue that more options, such as having more charter schools, is not always a good thing. • Although providing more educational options seems like a good idea in theory, the reality is that charter schools and other alternative school options have not proven beneficial as a whole and may, in fact, be harming the public school system. • This essay proposes that educational reform is needed but more school options may not be the solution. • It is a simple fact that educational reform is necessary. Research shows charter schools are not the answer.

Correct Answer • Although providing more educational options seems like a good idea in theory, the reality is that charter schools and other alternative school options have not proven beneficial as a whole and may, in fact, be harming the public school system. • This thesis offers a clear, specific opinion and makes the argument clear.

LET’S PLAY 2 CORNERS! • The gender pay gap is a real issue and should be made equal.

Now create a thesis • Public safety is more important than an individual’s right to privacy

• Teachers should be armed

• The US should abolish the electoral college

• The government should provide free birth control