An argument essay has certain characteristics that distinguish
it from its close relative, the persuasive
essay. The better you understand these characteristics, the
more likely you are to craft writing prompts that foster the kind
of thinking such essays require.
Be written for a particular audience.
Writing for "the general public" is not normal or comfortable
for most writers. In ordinary situations, writers usually write
for a specific audience or audiences.
Writing for a vaguely defined audience is especially difficult
for beginning writers. Writing for people whose positions can
be researched and whose responses can be predicted helps
beginners find their feet.
Make the reader feel his opinion is respected even if the reader
disagrees.
Respectful disagreement is permitted; personal attacks are not.
An essay may convey a position about which the writer is passionate,
but it should not attack the reader.
Provide context.
The essay introduction should lead readers to see why they need
to be concerned about the topic before it presents the writer's
position on the topic.
Opening with the thesis statement is not appropriate.
Discuss a debatable thesis.
A debatable thesis is
a statement on which a reasonable person using the same definitions
of key terms could argue for the opposite position, supporting
that opposing position with facts. A debatable thesis is
-
Not a statement of fact. (The moon revolves around the
earth.)
-
Not a matter of taste. (Broccoli is gross.)
-
Not a personal opinion. (Rap is better than jazz.)
-
Not a definition. (Abortion is murder.)
The thesis also should be presented in neutral terms, free
of inflammatory language. If the thesis implies something unflattering
about anyone who disagrees, it is not appropriately worded for debate.
Discuss a matter of public interest.
A matter of public interest is a topic in which many people
not directly involved have an interest.
Your son's problems in sixth grade are a matter of private interest.
The difficulties of middle school children with attention deficit
disorder are a matter of public interest.
Support the thesis through evidence.
The evidence for an argument must be more than just the
experience of the writer. Information from others, preferably from
experts, is required.
Generalizations are not evidence. Generalizations do not
come from an identified source. For example, "students
do not have adequate grammar background to use a handbook"
is a generalization. No person or group of persons is identified
as the source.
Evidence might be a statement that "In a survey of 100 USC
students in their first college writing class, 87 reported not being
able to understand The Little, Brown Compact Handbook, according
to Paul Poll."
The two sides in the debate may disagree over the value of certain
evidence, but they should be clear as to the source of the
information.
Acknowledge and/or refute opposition.
An argument must not only consider what readers are likely
to say in opposition to the thesis, but also must actively note
and, if possible, provide evidence to contradict the opposing
position.
Passion is not required.
Did you notice I didn't say anything about the paper being on some
deeply held conviction? Being passionate on a topic is not necessary;
passion may even hinder writers from doing a thorough job.
Writing is hard enough to master without having the additional
burden of putting your most cherished beliefs on public exhibit.
After that, you may turn them loose to argue for truth, beauty,
and justice.
created 03-Sep-08; updated 22-Sep.2008
