An argumentative essay is a type of research paper that allows you to look at an issue from different perspectives.
Objective: to develop the skills and abilities to present your position clearly and reasonably.
Advice for the teacher
Before inviting students to write an argumentative essay they should be introduced to the four main parts of the essay: the introduction, the presentation of a thesis, the expectations of a rebuttal and the conclusion.
The introductory preparatory part should determine: what information to include, who to refer to, how to interpret the facts, what methodology to choose.
There are two points to use in the introduction:
1. An introductory statement (introduction to the topic, background, purpose of the research) using familiar techniques (unusual statement, interesting quote, surprising statistical data, etc.)
2. A thesis statement, which is essentially the statement to be argued. (specify which sides and to what extent arguments are needed).
Presentation of the thesis - the main part of the essay in which the arguments in favour of the chosen position are stated. The most common way is to make a statement followed by facts as a justification. It is also possible the other way round: first a list of facts and then a conclusion, a consequence (statement).
Waiting for objections. It is thought that a thesis statement is more persuasive if it provides arguments to the opposing statement by giving it a critical analysis. Then offer a compromise solution by giving some concessions to the opposing view.
Conclusion. This part of the essay should show the reasonableness and validity of the chosen position. In order to achieve this objective, the final part of the essay should:
1. Summarise the main points of the statement with evidence and examples;
2. Reformulate the thesis statement to emphasise its importance (it is possible to repeat the wording verbatim or to paraphrase);
3. Discuss the perspective of the main thesis;
4. Show the practical relevance;
5. Pose questions that help to look at the topic from a new perspective.
