28 June 2019
Argumentative Essay
The purpose of an Argumentative essay is to convince the reader (the examiner) to agree with the writer’s point of view relating to a topic. An example of an Argumentative essay – “Technology brings more benefits than problems. Do you agree?”. Below is the structure of an Argumentative essay.
Introduction
Present an overview of the topic. For instance, how technology has become an integral part of our lives. After the overview, present an opposing view. If you agree that technology brings more benefits, then first present why critics would say that technology creates more problems. After that, state why you feel that technology brings more benefits instead. Then you are ready to indicate your stand; that is – “I agree that technology brings more benefits than problems”.
Body Paragraphs
Give two supporting points and one opposing point. For upper secondary students, you also need to give one rebuttal to the opposing point. Remember to support each point with a real-life example or statistics.
Students are encouraged to organise their paragraphing as follows:
Paragraph 2 – Supporting Point #1 and one example or statistics
Paragraph 3 – Supporting Point #2 and one example or statistics
Paragraph 4 – Opposing Point and one example or statistics. Rebuttal (if required) can be in this paragraph.
Conclusion
The Conclusion paragraph reiterates why reader should agree with the writer by showing how all the arguments and evidence fit together.