The sociable argument essay
Fosters debate, requires respect

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.

Note: The defining characteristics listed below 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.

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.

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.

For that reason, starting an essay 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 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.

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.

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.

Writers cannot argue on topics they cannot grasp. Let kids write on kid-sized argument topics at least until they are competent writers.

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