Argumentative writing

þ Brainstorm ideas on the subject.

þ Identify the main topics.

þ Use these topics as headings for organising your notes.

þ Decide which side you are on i.e. which arguments are most convincing. Make sure you choose the side that you can fully support.

þ Plan and write an outline for your essay noting down the information you will include in each paragraph.

Example outline

Thesis Statement:

I absolutely agree that the building of nuclear reactors should not be continued  in any country due to its cost, risk and less safety

Topic Sentence 1:

The first problem with nuclear reactors is its cost.

Topic Sentence 2:

Another problem is the serious consequences of accidents.

Topic Sentence 3:

Less safety precautions of its constructions is also one of the major problems of nuclear reactors building in any develop country.

Concluding Statement:

Refutation:

Some people might claim that there is no real alternative to nuclear power.

Conclusion:  

In short, although nuclear power is an attractive option, it has too many disadvantages.

Introductory paragraph

Your introduction should:

l Introduce the topic with a general statement

l State why it is important

l State there is a difference of opinion about this topic

l Thesis statement must state what YOUR claim is and can include the  “parts” of the argument you are going to state.

Body paragraph

l Arguments for:  The reasons “parts” of your thesis statement will be in your body paragraphs. 

l Give clear arguments for your claim with support (examples, statistics, explanations, etc.)

l Use transition words as you move from paragraph to paragraph (Firstly, secondly, furthermore, in addition, moreover, finally).

l You can also use any of the transitions from the other essay types as long as they are appropriate for your argument. (You may want to compare/contrast things, give reasons/results, descriptions, definitions etc.)

Refutation paragraph

l This is also used to support your claim.

l Use the counter arguments to show that your idea is the stronger one.

l Do not focus only on the opposing ideas.

l When you can think of the opposing opinion but you have not seen it written anywhere:

                   could be claimed  

It                 may be  asserted  that...   However,

                   might be  argued

l        When you have seen the opposing opinion written in another text:

claimed  

  It  has been asserted  that...   However,

argued

Concluding paragraph

Your conclusion should:

l Restate the main claim

l Present one or two general sentences which accurately summarise your arguments which support the main premise

l Provide a general warning of the consequences of not following the premise that you put forward and/or a general statement of how the community will benefit from following that premise