Basic way to approach writing a basic argument essay
This is just a guide to help you plan and organize an argument essay which is useful for any assignment that asks that you support a position. Just be sure to use pathos for this essay and if you use this guide for ethos, go low on the pathos, lol.
This planning guide is for an essay assignment that didn’t require sources but this will help you with any essay you write. Just remember that you must choose a topic that DOES require sources unlike the sample topic you see here. Thanks :-))))
1. After choosing a topic, prepare a pro/con list. Make sure you treat each side of the issue fairly.
Example: Should the college continue to ban children or should it invite children by having nightly educational programs?
Pro-Yes the college should ban children.
1. Children disrupt the library where many students study and where classes are held during the evenings.
2. Parents who are attending college should make arrangements for childcare instead of taking their children with them and expecting the library staff to “babysit.”
3. Some children are completely unattended by adults and think of the college library as a hang out place. This is unacceptable.
4. These programs will be expensive and time-consuming. Who will staff the programs? Who will pay for them?
The Term Paper on Homeless Women and Children college paper 10371
Homelessness is a devastating experience for families. It disrupts virtually every aspect of family life, damaging the physical and emotional health of family members, interfering with children’s education and development, and frequently resulting in the separation of family members. The dimensions, causes, and consequences of family homelessness are discussed below. Dimensions One of the fastest ...
Con- No, it should not
1. The college bills itself as a focal point of the community and says it “caters to the adult student”. Adults have children and since the county is one of the five poorest in the nation, it’s highly unlikely that most students have the money to pay for childcare. The college could have children friendly programs in the evenings.
2. Literacy is a problem here. Nightly programs in the library would involve children and promote a love of reading.
3. It’s better for unattended children to be in the library rather than roaming the streets. Where else is there here for children and young teens to go?
2. After thinking, decide which side you believe has the most reasonable argument and state it: This is the beginning of your thesis statement.
The library should open itself to children and young teens during the evenings instead of the current policy of banning them even to the point of calling the local police.
3. Go back to your pro/con list. Choose your three best reasons from the list. Add them to your thesis statement (optional, but highly recommended).
Now you have a more detailed thesis statement:
Example:
The library should open itself to youth by having nightly educational programs each evening because it will enable more parents to attend evening class, it will promote needed literacy and it will keep children safe.
5. Decide how you will support each of your reasons. Here are common ways to support the reasons in your argument:
A. Facts
B. statistics
C. inductive/deductive reasoning (your own logic).
D. Examples (personal or known and typical examples)
E. Scenarios (“What if” situations — make sure they are actually possible and likely. For example a scenario that says “What if a Martian lands in your house and steals your cat ” is not a likely or reasonable scenario to base an argument on).
The Research paper on Library System 6
The Problem and Its Background INTRODUCTION Throughout the year of existence, the item has come for its enhancement because computer technology arises for better improvement especially in information technology, which focuses mainly on business sectors. The library is a place where books, journals, microfilms, multimedia, audio & visual materials and computer data & terminals are kept and ...
However, a possible scenario could be something like: Imagine having a criminal record because you hung out at the library when you were twelve. So, instead of going to the library, you end up at a house party where there are drugs and alcohol.
F. Expert opinion
Remember, when you use facts, statistics or expert opinions, you must use sources, cite them and make a Reference page.
6. Go back to your list and look at “the other side’s reasons. Decide what you feel is the best objection the other side will have. Decide how to address the other side’s point(s).
You can refute the other side or accommodate it (meaning agree in part with it, but still say your opinion is the most reasonable overall).
7. Add the counterargument to your thesis (optional)
Now you have a complete thesis statement:
Example:
Even though there is a cost involved, the library should open itself to youth by having nightly educational programs each evening because it will enable more parents to attend evening class, it will promote needed literacy and it will keep children safe.
Now, you are ready to plan how you will present your argument. You have your reasons in your thesis statement. You know how you will address possible objections.
8. Decide on an organization. Your strongest reasons should go near the beginning and near the end. Bury your weakest reason in the middle. Start and end strong.
Decide where to address the counterargument. If you believe that the other side’s argument is very strong, address it in one of your first paragraphs. If it’s not that important, it can go anywhere.
9. Write an introduction (We haven’t learned much about these yet, but generally the introduction has two jobs: Grab attention and at the end is where you place your thesis statement).
10. Write at least one body paragraph (1-5 depending on the length of your essay) for each reason and at least one paragraph for each of the counterarguments you raise, accommodate or refute.
11. Write a conclusion.
A counter-argument is what someone opposed to your thesis statement or a part of your thesis statement would express in disagreement with your position.
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One argument used to rationally support the existence of God is the ontological argument. There are many forms of ontological arguments, one of the main perspective of it comes from Anselm. The context of Anselm’s argument is that by logic, God must be an existing being hence nothing greater can be imagined. Anselm wrote his popular form of the argument in his ‘Proslogion’. He had 2 forms to the ...
Why is it good to address a counter-argument in the persuasive essay?
a. It gives you the opportunity to respond to any objection your readers will have.
b. It shows that you are a reasonable person who has considered all sides of the issue.
These reasons make your essay more persuasive.
When you address counter-arguments be sure to:
a. Do so fairly: Ask yourself if people who actually disagree with you hold that position and would accept your way of stating it. Don’t use biased language or misrepresent their position. You will seem unreasonable and not credible if you do so. For example, if you were to write in support of pro-life, don’t characterize your opposition as being “for” abortion. No one advocates abortion. The other side is “for choice”, not “for abortion.”
b. Do so with some depth: Don’t just say, “Some people will not agree.” Instead, explain why.
What are the ways to address counter-arguments?
You have two choices. Either refute the possible objection(s,) or accommodate the possible objections.
Example of an accommodation: Admit that the other side makes a good point(s), but say your point(s)outweigh their point(s).
Certainly, the establishment of a nightly children’s program at the college library will be time-consuming and put a burden on the library staff. However, the children of the community need and deserve the time and attention of adults while their parents are attending classes…. etc.
Example of a refutation: This means you say the other side is wrong.
Many people say that it’s up to the parents to figure out what to do with their children while they are in class, and the college should not get involved since it’s not the college’s responsibility. However, the fact is that many parents don’t have the money for babysitters and no one can force parents to keep their children at home. It is morally irresponsible for the college to lock children out of the library or class buildings in the cold or to allow children to roam the campus or community unattended. Calling the police is also not helping the situation. It is merely criminalizing behaviors that are not in fact criminal. The university is the heart of this community and to make a criminals out of the youth being here seems counterproductive. Instead, the college could use this as an opportunity to invest in the young and the future. Etc.
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Positive environment A positive environment is one that supports all aspects of the child’s development; staff members/carers can provide the children different ways to extend their developments. By doing activities and guiding the children through their learning, this creates a positive environment for them. Example: Reading and writing activities will help the child or young person’s cognitive ...
Where does the counter-argument go?
A counter-argument can go anywhere except the conclusion. Here are some tips though. If you think your readers will have a strong objection to your argument, you might wish to address counter-arguments early in the essay, especially if you plan to accommodate their position(s).
The other tip is to put them where they best fit. (Sometimes, depending on what you are arguing, you might address several counter-arguments).
How do I word the counter-argument?
It’s important to use clear signals that you are going to address the ‘other side” or else your readers will be confused and think you are contradicting yourself.
The counter-argument will begin with a word, phrase or sentence to indicate that what follows is not YOUR view.
Ways to introduce counter-arguments include the following:
Often people (say, argue or think etc.) that (state the counter-argument), but__________________
It is often (thought or believed) that (state the counter-argument; however, ___________.
Commonly, (people, researchers, politicians, citizens or whatever group) think (state the counter-argument), but__________________
You can also use and cite sources to help you refute or accommodate an opposing view. This is effective especially when the other side has well-known supporter(s).
You will want to use your OWN well-known opposition
On the other hand, Senator Smith says that local children’s literacy programs have been effective and cites that there is grant funding available …
However, researcher Jones argues that the cost to implement these programs saves money in the end because …
Here is a link to more information on counter-arguments
http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/argument.html#5
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What was the real message Abraham Lincoln was saying in his famous Gettysburg Address? His message was that everyone is equal. During the Civil War, almost everyone living in our country was affected. Lincoln also practiced his speech by including everyone, who died in the devastating war. We still practice that important message today in America. When the war between our nations began, everyone ...
