An argument essay has certain characteristics that distinguish
it from its close relative, 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 kind of thinking such essays require.
Master 7 argument characteristics
Argument has defining characteristics that are 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.
Familiarize yourself with the seven listed here so you can teach
this material to your students.
1. Be written for a particular 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.
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2. 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.
3. 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.
For that reason, starting an essay with the thesis statement
is not appropriate.
4. Discuss a debatable thesis.
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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.
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5. 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.
6. Support the thesis through 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. Acknowledge 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.
Passion is not required for argument
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.
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.
