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| | Argument Characteristics

The sociable argument essay
Fosters debate, requires respect for opponent

An argument essay has certain characteristics that distinguish it from its cousin, the persuasive essay. The better you understand the characteristics of the argument genre, the more likely you are to craft writing prompts that foster the critical thinking such essays require.

The defining characteristics of arguments make them just as applicable to a debate topic for oral presentation in an English or speech class as they are for written essays and research papers

7 marks of argument essay

Familiarize yourself with the seven characteristics listed here so you can incorporate them in assignments that require students to write arguments.

1. Written for a specific audience

Writing for "the general public" is not normal or comfortable for most people. In ordinary situations, we 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.

2. Treats readers with respect

Respectful disagreement is permitted; personal attacks are not. An argument essay may convey a position about which the writer is passionate, but it should not attack the reader.

3. Provides 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.

For that reason, starting an essay with the thesis statement is not appropriate.

4. Discusses 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.)
  • matter of taste (Broccoli is gross.)
  • personal opinion (Rap is better than jazz.)
  • 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.

5. Discusses 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.

6. Supports the thesis with evidence

The evidence for an argument essay 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.

7. Recognize and/or refute opposition

An argument essay 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.

Arguments don't require passion

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.

Extend students the courtesy of adequate time to master the major types of nonfiction writing before you make them write on a topic that's important to them for an audience that's important to them.

No one wants to embarrass themselves in front of people who matter to them.

Linda Aragoni writes about teaching writing

Thesis first

When you teach how to write an essay, start with the thesis statement. It is the center of every essay. Everything else follows from it.

Linda

Linda Aragoni

 

Comment by visitor to you-can-teach-writing.com

Got thesis & outline help

Beginning in August I'll be teaching public speaking to high-school students. While I have a general idea of the direction in which I want to teach the course, I've been panicking all summer about how to teach thesis writing and outlining.

Your site is AWESOME.

~ Carrie

 

shape critical thinking skills

Teaching tip: fit topic to students

Writers cannot argue on topics they cannot grasp.

After that, you may turn them loose to argue for truth, beauty, and justice.

Argument-related information on other threads

Writing arguments is a major requirement of the Common Core State Standards. Click the link to examine four argument essay topics for ELA classes and writing prompts for those topics.

Published 03-Sep-08; updated 19-Dec-2012
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