Terry Reilly
STRUCTURE OF AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
An argumentative essay presents an opinion or an argument and then supports that opinion with evidence. As in arguing a case in court or in Parliament, the aim of the argumentative essay is to persuade.
When putting forward an opinion or a solution, it is essential to provide reasons. If the reasons are weak or can be proved to be false the argument will not be valid. Therefore the supporting evidence needs to be selected correctly and the reasons sound.
The Argumentative Essay
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Opening statement: this is quite general and introduces the subject of the essay (eg: The future of petrol as fuel for private transport is more likely to become obsolete within the next 20 years.)
1.2 Background information: relevant information about the subject in the past and any relevant immediate information about changes in the present should be considered (eg: Petrol has been a reliable fuel for transport and industry for approximately 100 years but within the last ten years it has become abundantly clear that oil will most likely become rare and alternatives which are happening now --- such as electricity or part petrol and part electricity --- will need to be developed to satisfy private and public needs.) This provides a proper basis or foundation to prove your argument.
1.3 Definition: if a definition is required, it can be placed here.
1.4 Thesis: the writer’s opinion or solution needs to be written specifically so that the reader clearly understands his or her position (eg: Part electric and part petrol-driven vehicles are currently the most effective choice for maintaining people’s current standard of living over the next decade.)
1.5 Scope sentence: This sentence outlines the purpose of the essay and the stages it will cover. (eg: This essay will argue that oil and petrol as people know them today will be gradually replaced by a hybrid form of energy and this essay will first detail the importance of part electric and part fuel-driven vehicles with significant reasons followed by a counter-argument that claims more oil exploration in Africa, America and Afghanistan should be undertaken to continue the current standards of petrol-driven transport.
2.0 Body Paragraph (Argument)
2.1 Topic sentence and explanation: that petrol-driven transport will gradually become over-expensive and unreliable.
2.2 Supporting evidence: here, you will introduce the evidence, state it with facts, reasons and statistics and then explain it which will involve interpreting.
2.3 Examples: two or three relevant examples will provide extra support to your argument.
2.4 Analysis: analysis of the evidence and your argument where you contrast and compare information recognising some weaknesses but highlighting important strengths
2.5 Concluding sentence: round off the paragraph with a clear sentence that relates back to the importance of your topic sentence.
3.0 Body Paragraph (Counter-Argument)
3.1 Topic sentence and explanation: (that oil exploration in Africa, America and Afghanistan should lead to continuing the current standards in petrol-driven transport.
3.2 Supporting evidence: as in 2.1, provide facts that offer support such as statistics, reasons and facts
3.3 Examples: offer one or two examples that appear to support the topic sentence
3.4 Analysis: here you can challenge the assertion of the essay through contrasting the information.
3.5 Concluding sentence
4.0 Conclusion
4.1 Summarise or sum up the key facts of the essay
4.2 Re-emphasise the thesis of your essay stating that is this the better solution
4.3 Leave the reader with a clear impression that your thesis is right along with a suggestion that people will need to investigate very closely the value of alternative fuels for convenience and safety.