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Argumentative Essay Guide

Types Of Argument

Learn Different Types of Arguments and Argument Claims

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An argument is a series of statements or facts intended to develop or support a point of view. It is usually known as a claim backed up with evidence, facts, and examples. 

The way you structure the argument in your essay makes a huge difference. It will either set your paper apart or mix up with the other average papers without leaving an impact.

In this article, we will be focusing entirely on the types of arguments and claims. 

So let’s get started!

• 1. 3 Main Types of Argument
• 2. Types of Argument Claims
• 3. Other Common Types of Arguments 
• 4. Tips to Stru cture an Argumentative Essay

3 Main Types of Argument

There are 3 types of arguments that you'll most likely encounter while writing an argumentative essay . These are:

Classical Argument 

The Classical or Aristotelian model of argument is the most common type of argument. It was developed by the Greek philosopher and Rhetorician Aristotle.

In the classical model, both sides of an argument are analyzed , and one side is proven right using clear evidence . 

This model efficiently utilizes Ethos (authenticity) + Pathos (emotion) + Logos (logic) to persuade an audience to a side of an argument.

The classical model argumentative essay takes into account the following things:

• Introduces the main claim or the argument of the essay.
• Present the writer's perspective on the argument. The reasons something is not working and why something should be done.
• Take into account the other side of the argument . Explain them in detail and refute them with the help of evidence.
• Provide clear evidence that proves that your side of the claim is true.
• Provide the conclusion which states the benefits of accepting your claim.

The structure of the classical model is as follows:

• Introduction   - hook , b rief background, thesis statement
• Body - topic sentence, facts & evidence to prove the argument
• Counter argument - opposing arguments, evidence and reasons to refute the counter-arguments
• Conclusion - restating the thesis statement, call to action and concluding remarks

Here is an example that follows this model:

Toulmin Argument 

The Toulmin model for argumentative essays was developed by Stephen Toulmin. Unlike the classical model of argument, it presents only one side of the argument . This model works well when there is no clear truth or an absolute solution to a problem.

It breaks the argument into 6 basic components: 

The structure of the Toulmin model is as follow:

• Introduction - thesis statement or the main claim
• Body - facts & evidence to support the argument
• Conclusion - rebuttal of counter-arguments

Here is an example outline of an argumentative essay about abortion in the Toulmin Model:

Rogerian Argument

The Rogerian model of argument was developed by Carl R. Rogers to provide a middle ground between opposing parties. This model works on collaboration and cooperation. It acknowledges that an argument can be looked at from different standpoints .

The objectives of the Rogerian model are:

• To show the reader that you have listened to their viewpoints and understood the complexities of the argument.
• To define the area where the writer acknowledges the reader's claim to be valid.
• Show the reader that you both share similar moral qualities and want to discover a solution that is mutually acceptable.

Each Rogerian model argumentative essay should define all of these aims.

The structure of the Rogerian model is as follow:

• Introduction - Introduction to the argument and thesis statement.
• Opposing position: An acknowledgment that there is another side of the argument.
• State your claim: Your own perspective about the argument. 
• Provide a middle ground: Carefully bring both sides of the argument together and provide a compromised solution. 
• Conclusion - Concluding remarks that state the benefits of a compromised solution.

Here’s a short example:

You can follow any of these 3 types of argument essay models in your argumentative essay. These models will help you to write an argumentative essay in a well-structured and persuasive way. 

Types of Argument Claims

An argument claim, often simply referred to as a "claim," is a 

“declarative statement or proposition put forward in an argument or discussion.”

It is the central point or thesis that the person making the argument is trying to prove or persuade others to accept. 

Factual Claims

Factual claims are statements that assert something as a fact or reality. They are based on observable evidence and can be proven or disproven. 

For example, 

Value Claims

Value claims express personal opinions, preferences, or judgments about something. They are not about facts but about what someone believes is right, good, or important. 

For instance, 

Policy Claims

Policy claims propose a specific course of action or advocate for a change in the way things are done. They are often found in discussions about laws, regulations, or actions that should be taken. 

An example would be,

Causal Claims

Causal claims assert a cause-and-effect relationship between two or more phenomena. They suggest that one thing is responsible for another.

For instance,

Definitional Claims

Definitional claims seek to clarify or establish the meaning of a term or concept. They aim to set a specific definition or understanding for a particular word or idea. 

For example , 

Understanding these different types of argument claims can help you identify the nature of statements in discussions and debates. This makes it easier to analyze and respond to various arguments.

Other Common Types of Arguments 

Arguments can be classified into several types based on their structure, purpose, or logical form. Here are some more common types of arguments:

• Deductive Arguments

These arguments aim to provide logically conclusive support for their conclusions. If the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true. Examples include:

• Categorical Syllogisms (All A are B. All C are A. Therefore, all C are B.)
• Disjunctive Syllogisms (Either A or B. Not A. Therefore, B.)
• Hypothetical Syllogisms (If A then B. B. Therefore, A.)
• Modus Ponens and Modus Tollens  (If A then B. A. Therefore, B.)
• Inductive Arguments

These arguments aim to provide probable support for their conclusions. The premises provide evidence that makes the conclusion likely but not certain. Examples include:

• Generalizations (inductive reasoning)
• Statistical syllogisms
• Analogical arguments

Abductive Arguments -H3

Also known as inference to the best explanation, abductive arguments propose that the best explanation for a set of evidence is a certain conclusion. It is commonly used in scientific reasoning.

Inference to the Best Explanation: 

• Premise 1: The ground is wet. 
• Premise 2: The weather report said it would rain today. 
• Conclusion: Therefore, it probably rained recently.

This abductive argument suggests that rain is the best explanation for the observed wet ground.

Causal Arguments

These arguments aim to establish a causal relationship between two or more events or variables. They often use premises about regularities or mechanisms to support a causal claim.

• Premise: Smoking cigarettes is a known cause of lung cancer. 
• Conclusion: Therefore, smoking cigarettes increases the risk of lung cancer.

This argument establishes a causal link between smoking and lung cancer based on known causal relationships.

Analogical Arguments 

These arguments draw parallels between two similar cases and argue that what is true in one case is likely true in the other.

For Example;

• Premise 1: Humans have a respiratory system.
• Premise 2: Birds have a respiratory system.
• Conclusion: Therefore, birds are similar to humans in having a respiratory system.

This analogical argument draws a parallel between humans and birds based on a shared characteristic.

Teleological Arguments

These arguments reason from the purpose, design, or end goal of something to its characteristics or existence.

• Premise: The universe exhibits complexity and order.
• Conclusion: Therefore, the universe must have been designed by an intelligent creator.

This teleological argument reasons that the existence of order and complexity in the universe implies a purposeful design.

Moral Arguments 

These arguments aim to establish moral conclusions based on moral principles or judgments.

• Premise 1: Killing another human being is morally wrong.
• Premise 2: Euthanasia involves intentionally ending a human life.
• Conclusion: Therefore, euthanasia is morally wrong.

This moral argument derives a moral judgment about euthanasia based on general moral principles.

Evaluation Arguments

Evaluation arguments focus on assessing the quality, effectiveness, or value of something. They often involve making judgments based on criteria or standards. Here are the components of evaluation arguments:

• Subject 

Tips to Stru cture an Argumentative Essay

You may have a very good and controversial argument in mind with strong evidence to prove it. However, if you haven't structured your argument properly, your argument is wasted.

He re are some tips that can help you structure your argument effectively:

• Choose a controversial and debatable topic. You can get ideas from our argumentative essay topics blog. 
• Decide the type of claim that you want to make and the type of argument structure you want to follow in your essay.
• Collect facts and evidence from credible sources and use them to support you r claim and develop a strong argumentative essay outline .
• Study some argumentative essay examples to get a deeper understanding of how to develop an argument in the essay.
• Begin your essay with an arguable claim or premises.

Now that you've got the basics of different argument types, you're all set to start writing your argumentative essays.

However, if you still need expert help, you can hire a qualified writer from our custom essay writing online .

We know how to create strong and convincing arguments that will make your essays shine. Our argumentative essay writing service is available 24/7 to assist you with all of your argumentative writing needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are fallacies, and how do they impact arguments.

Fallacies are errors in reasoning that can weaken the logic of an argument. They can be categorized into informal fallacies , which involve mistakes in the content, and formal fallacies , which concern errors in the logical form of an argument. Informal fallacies attempt to show a conclusion is true or false through misleading or irrelevant premises, while formal fallacies occur when the structure of an argument renders the conclusion invalid despite having true premises.

What are the three main types of arguments in logic?

In logic, the three main types of arguments are:

• Abductive Arguments

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5 Chapter 5: Types of Arguments

The types of arguments that college students will encounter can seem endless. Nearly everyone has a different way of categorizing arguments and their types. However, the basic argumentative types included here should be loose and general enough to give most students a sense of where to start with an assignment or writing project.

ARGUMENTS OF DEFINITION

Agreeing on what terms even mean is one of the fundamental arguments in academic writing, and it is one of the more basic skills involved in critical thinking. Many conflicts exist because of disagreement on what ‘X’ even means. An important task of all academic writers is to define terms clearly and fairly. Sometimes, however, definitions need to be presented in a persuasive and compelling manner.

Overview:  Definitional arguments attempt to establish that the focus of discussion fits into a broader category (that ‘X is a type of Y’ is a typical phrasing of the argument). In order for a definitional argument to work, the writer must establish the traits that define the category—the criteria. For example, an argument that a national chain of coffee shops is a restaurant franchise might rely on a definition of restaurant that involves serving food.

Many times, the argument itself needs to focus on the definition. Not everyone will agree with all definitions, and so writers must argue for their definitions or accept those of their readers. Then, they will need to establish that the focus of the discussion meets the definition. Even an argument like “murder is morally wrong” will, largely, come down to the definitions of  murder  and  wrong .

Application:  Many college-level arguments hinge on definitions. Many times, college students need to practice explaining their criteria, because those criteria are not commonly assumed or shared. Therefore, they need to build common ground in the course of creating their arguments.

Consider an argument over the ethics of the death penalty. One student might be tempted to argue that the death penalty is or is not a deterrent to crime. The question now becomes ‘what do we mean by deterrent?’ Likewise, arguments over abstract concepts like fairness, justice, and truth all need concrete definitions in place in order to function.

What to Avoid:  Obviously, student writers need to avoid assuming that their definitions are universally accepted. On another level, student writers also need to be careful to apply  all  criteria and not just those that are convenient. For example, if a ‘passing’ student is a student who turns in all assignments on time, completes all of the required reading, attends all classes, and submits all required revisions, then a student who does almost all of those things but who fails to attend class does not meet the criteria for ‘passing,’ even though a majority of the traits are present.

ARGUMENTS OF FACT

At some point, most arguments come down to what is or is not true. Arguments of fact attempt to establish whether or not a specific ‘truth claim’ happens to be valid.

Overview:  An argument of fact is basically a claim about what is or is not the case in the real world. While some claims of fact take on meaning outside of this, few of them are academic arguments. Many times, claims of fact need to go beyond what can be directly observed; academic claims of fact deal with inference and conclusion—they tend to involve a lot of analysis of evidence.

In order to argue a claim of fact, the writer needs to have access both to evidence and to clear definitions of all of the terms that might be used in the argument. For example, an argument about the population of the United States would need to establish who is and who is not to be included in that number, as well as what forms of estimation and sampling are acceptable. After all, simply going around and counting people is not practical.

Most of the time, arguments of fact come down to matters of  ethos . In other words, we are more likely to accept the support given for fact claims if we trust the source of that support.

Application:  Even if the paper is not primarily about claims of fact, college writers need to remember that facts are up for discussion. Some directly observable phenomena (the color of the sky, the presence of chairs in a classroom) are functionally settled, but for most other issues, facts are debatable. It is the student writer’s responsibility to suggest why one version of the truth is preferable to another.

Note that the ability to debate facts does not mean that the facts themselves are malleable. The earth is not actually a flat plate with four corners, no matter how much some people might ‘argue’ that this is the case.

What to Avoid:  Student writers need to avoid making sweeping generalizations and assuming that these generalizations are true. Even if the underlying claim is valid, readers will often want to be able to read the evidence that validates the claim. Additionally, writers should also be careful when making claims of fact that they are not constructing a circular argument. For example, imagine a student argues that a claim is true because “Source A says it”, and the student then argues “Source A is right because Person B says it is never wrong”. Meanwhile, “Person B knows Source A is never wrong because xe read it in Source A.” This argument proves nothing, except that Person B really trusts Source A.

Additionally, student writers need to avoid the two most common ‘traps’ of academic fact claims. The first mistake is too assume that all facts are matters of opinion (remember, no amount of opinion will cause gravity to turn off, so be careful where you test your opinion that you can fly!). Another mistake is to argue clearly demonstrable facts with those that are unwilling to consider contradictory evidence. In virtually every discussion, there is a small portion of a potential audience that will not listen to any evidence that contradicts their own position. Such close-minded potential readers should be handled carefully, but should not be allowed to dictate the terms of the entire argument.

ARGUMENTS OF VALUE

While claims of fact are relatively straightforward, claims of value involve comparison and evaluation. Most claims of value come in the form of arguments like “X is better than Y” or “X is a good Y.” Claims of value are frequently the trickiest form of academic argument, because they often come down to issues that cannot be resolved factually.

Overview:  Value claims are statements about what should or should not be valued. As such, they require a level of justification beyond fact, making appeals to emotion (or  pathos ). For example, a claim such as ‘privacy is more important than security’ cannot appeal only to evidence, so it must instead deal with how readers react, emotionally, to the evidence. Many claims of value are based in a set of personally held criteria (e.g. I prefer salty food to sweet food, so potato chips are a better snack than a candy bar). As a consequence, arguments that involve value claims frequently must establish the facts first and then must add an additional step—arguing for how those facts should be weighed.

Values are almost always subjective, meaning that arguments over values need to reach out to the beliefs and opinions of the readers. Emotional appeals need to be presented in a way that is persuasive. Equally important, writers need to consider the beliefs that their readers are likely to hold on related issues.

Application:  Most college students will eventually find themselves writing a comparison paper of some kind. A political science class might require a comparison between two forms of government, a philosophy class could ask for students to decide between two systems of ethics, or an economics class might ask students to compare the merits of two possible investments.

However, comparison papers are simply one form of value claim. Many times, value claims are built into other, more complex arguments. In such circumstances, students must be ready to explain the reasons their audience should prefer one outcome or justification to another, even when the two both have advantages and disadvantages in the real world.

What to Avoid:  Try not to assume that others value the same things that you do. However, beyond this now-familiar advice, student writers need to avoid thinking that just because something comes down to emotion and belief that it cannot be argued at all. It is possible to change a reader’s mind on emotional issues; doing so simply requires patience and realistic goals.

ARGUMENTS OF POLICY

Claims of policy are arguments that urge action. Typically, a claim of policy ends up as a relatively straightforward proposition—“X should be done”, but a lot of different paths might need to be taken to reach that kind of conclusion.

Overview:  A basic policy claim is an argument that something should or should not be done. For example, arguing that marijuana should be legalized or that a friend should try a new food are both claims of policy. Because policy claims argue for an action, they imply a value claim—that taking the recommended action is better than  not taking it. This, in turn, means that claims of fact and definition become involved. Consequently, policy claims are some of the most complex arguments that exist.

Many academic policy arguments put forward a specific problem, and they then solve that problem with a course of action (i.e. you should do X because it makes Y better). Such arguments have an additional level of complexity, because they require that writers prove that the solution actually works.

Because policy arguments actually ask people to act in the real world, they frequently depend upon whether or not things ‘work’ in the same way that the author claims. In other words, they must make use of  logos  in order to demonstrate that they have validity.

Application:  College students frequently write policy arguments. Typically, a policy argument at the college level involves grappling with a single issue or justifying a single course of action. This argument must then be placed into a meaningful context. The student has to argue that the relative merits of the policy outweigh the relative costs.

It might be possible to reduce the problem of shoplifting rather dramatically, for example, if all shoplifters are simply executed. Are the merits of this approach worth the costs? The answer will vary from reader to reader, and a student’s essay on the subject would have to consider how readers will weigh the implications of such a policy.

Finally, policy arguments need to identify who has the power to take meaningful action in a situation. They must then make an argument that suggests why those with the power should, in fact, take the action.

What to Avoid:  One of the biggest reasons policy arguments fall apart is that they fail to distinguish between  doing something  and  doing something that matters . Students should avoid thinking that all solutions are created equal. Sometimes, a supposed solution actually just makes things worse (e.g. the fabled ‘I’ll help you deal with your stubbed toe by hitting you with a hammer – chances are you aren’t worried about the toe anymore, even if nothing is improved).

Another reason that policy arguments fall apart is that they fail to identify an entity (an agent) that could take the desired action. A simple, personal argument (eat less and exercise) at least attempts to convince individual readers to take action. However, an argument about lowering tuition or gas prices has no clear person or group who is supposed to do the lowering.

Writing Academic Arguments Copyright © by Joshua P. Sunderbruch. All Rights Reserved.

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Argumentative Essays

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What is an argumentative essay?

The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.

Please note : Some confusion may occur between the argumentative essay and the expository essay. These two genres are similar, but the argumentative essay differs from the expository essay in the amount of pre-writing (invention) and research involved. The argumentative essay is commonly assigned as a capstone or final project in first year writing or advanced composition courses and involves lengthy, detailed research. Expository essays involve less research and are shorter in length. Expository essays are often used for in-class writing exercises or tests, such as the GED or GRE.

Argumentative essay assignments generally call for extensive research of literature or previously published material. Argumentative assignments may also require empirical research where the student collects data through interviews, surveys, observations, or experiments. Detailed research allows the student to learn about the topic and to understand different points of view regarding the topic so that she/he may choose a position and support it with the evidence collected during research. Regardless of the amount or type of research involved, argumentative essays must establish a clear thesis and follow sound reasoning.

The structure of the argumentative essay is held together by the following.

• A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay.

In the first paragraph of an argument essay, students should set the context by reviewing the topic in a general way. Next the author should explain why the topic is important ( exigence ) or why readers should care about the issue. Lastly, students should present the thesis statement. It is essential that this thesis statement be appropriately narrowed to follow the guidelines set forth in the assignment. If the student does not master this portion of the essay, it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive essay.

• Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.

Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without logical progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s argument, and the structure will collapse. Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous section and introduce the idea that is to follow in the next section.

• Body paragraphs that include evidential support.

Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion of one general idea. This will allow for clarity and direction throughout the essay. In addition, such conciseness creates an ease of readability for one’s audience. It is important to note that each paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph. Some paragraphs will directly support the thesis statement with evidence collected during research. It is also important to explain how and why the evidence supports the thesis ( warrant ).

However, argumentative essays should also consider and explain differing points of view regarding the topic. Depending on the length of the assignment, students should dedicate one or two paragraphs of an argumentative essay to discussing conflicting opinions on the topic. Rather than explaining how these differing opinions are wrong outright, students should note how opinions that do not align with their thesis might not be well informed or how they might be out of date.

• Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).

The argumentative essay requires well-researched, accurate, detailed, and current information to support the thesis statement and consider other points of view. Some factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal evidence should support the thesis. However, students must consider multiple points of view when collecting evidence. As noted in the paragraph above, a successful and well-rounded argumentative essay will also discuss opinions not aligning with the thesis. It is unethical to exclude evidence that may not support the thesis. It is not the student’s job to point out how other positions are wrong outright, but rather to explain how other positions may not be well informed or up to date on the topic.

• A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided.

It is at this point of the essay that students may begin to struggle. This is the portion of the essay that will leave the most immediate impression on the mind of the reader. Therefore, it must be effective and logical. Do not introduce any new information into the conclusion; rather, synthesize the information presented in the body of the essay. Restate why the topic is important, review the main points, and review your thesis. You may also want to include a short discussion of more research that should be completed in light of your work.

A complete argument

Perhaps it is helpful to think of an essay in terms of a conversation or debate with a classmate. If I were to discuss the cause of World War II and its current effect on those who lived through the tumultuous time, there would be a beginning, middle, and end to the conversation. In fact, if I were to end the argument in the middle of my second point, questions would arise concerning the current effects on those who lived through the conflict. Therefore, the argumentative essay must be complete, and logically so, leaving no doubt as to its intent or argument.

The five-paragraph essay

A common method for writing an argumentative essay is the five-paragraph approach. This is, however, by no means the only formula for writing such essays. If it sounds straightforward, that is because it is; in fact, the method consists of (a) an introductory paragraph (b) three evidentiary body paragraphs that may include discussion of opposing views and (c) a conclusion.

Longer argumentative essays

Complex issues and detailed research call for complex and detailed essays. Argumentative essays discussing a number of research sources or empirical research will most certainly be longer than five paragraphs. Authors may have to discuss the context surrounding the topic, sources of information and their credibility, as well as a number of different opinions on the issue before concluding the essay. Many of these factors will be determined by the assignment.

What is an Argumentative Essay? How to Write It (With Examples)

We define an argumentative essay as a type of essay that presents arguments about both sides of an issue. The purpose is to convince the reader to accept a particular viewpoint or action. In an argumentative essay, the writer takes a stance on a controversial or debatable topic and supports their position with evidence, reasoning, and examples. The essay should also address counterarguments, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the topic.

Table of Contents

What is an argumentative essay  .

• Argumentative essay structure 
• Argumentative essay outline 
• Types of argument claims 

How to write an argumentative essay?

• Argumentative essay writing tips 
• Good argumentative essay example 

How to write a good thesis

• How to Write an Argumentative Essay with Paperpal? 

Frequently Asked Questions

An argumentative essay is a type of writing that presents a coherent and logical analysis of a specific topic. 1 The goal is to convince the reader to accept the writer’s point of view or opinion on a particular issue. Here are the key elements of an argumentative essay: 

• Thesis Statement : The central claim or argument that the essay aims to prove. 
• Introduction : Provides background information and introduces the thesis statement. 
• Body Paragraphs : Each paragraph addresses a specific aspect of the argument, presents evidence, and may include counter arguments.  Articulate your thesis statement better with Paperpal. Start writing now!
• Evidence : Supports the main argument with relevant facts, examples, statistics, or expert opinions.
• Counterarguments : Anticipates and addresses opposing viewpoints to strengthen the overall argument.
• Conclusion : Summarizes the main points, reinforces the thesis, and may suggest implications or actions. 

Argumentative essay structure  

Aristotelian, Rogerian, and Toulmin are three distinct approaches to argumentative essay structures, each with its principles and methods. 2 The choice depends on the purpose and nature of the topic. Here’s an overview of each type of argumentative essay format.

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Argumentative essay outline  

An argumentative essay presents a specific claim or argument and supports it with evidence and reasoning. Here’s an outline for an argumentative essay, along with examples for each section: 3  

1.  Introduction : 

• Hook : Start with a compelling statement, question, or anecdote to grab the reader’s attention. 

Example: “Did you know that plastic pollution is threatening marine life at an alarming rate?” 

• Background information : Provide brief context about the issue. 

Example: “Plastic pollution has become a global environmental concern, with millions of tons of plastic waste entering our oceans yearly.” 

• Thesis statement : Clearly state your main argument or position. 

Example: “We must take immediate action to reduce plastic usage and implement more sustainable alternatives to protect our marine ecosystem.” 

2.  Body Paragraphs : 

• Topic sentence : Introduce the main idea of each paragraph. 

Example: “The first step towards addressing the plastic pollution crisis is reducing single-use plastic consumption.” 

• Evidence/Support : Provide evidence, facts, statistics, or examples that support your argument. 

Example: “Research shows that plastic straws alone contribute to millions of tons of plastic waste annually, and many marine animals suffer from ingestion or entanglement.” 

• Counterargument/Refutation : Acknowledge and refute opposing viewpoints. 

Example: “Some argue that banning plastic straws is inconvenient for consumers, but the long-term environmental benefits far outweigh the temporary inconvenience.” 

• Transition : Connect each paragraph to the next. 

Example: “Having addressed the issue of single-use plastics, the focus must now shift to promoting sustainable alternatives.” 

3.  Counterargument Paragraph : 

• Acknowledgement of opposing views : Recognize alternative perspectives on the issue. 

Example: “While some may argue that individual actions cannot significantly impact global plastic pollution, the cumulative effect of collective efforts must be considered.” 

• Counterargument and rebuttal : Present and refute the main counterargument. 

Example: “However, individual actions, when multiplied across millions of people, can substantially reduce plastic waste. Small changes in behavior, such as using reusable bags and containers, can have a significant positive impact.” 

4.  Conclusion : 

• Restatement of thesis : Summarize your main argument. 

Example: “In conclusion, adopting sustainable practices and reducing single-use plastic is crucial for preserving our oceans and marine life.” 

• Call to action : Encourage the reader to take specific steps or consider the argument’s implications. 

Example: “It is our responsibility to make environmentally conscious choices and advocate for policies that prioritize the health of our planet. By collectively embracing sustainable alternatives, we can contribute to a cleaner and healthier future.” 

Types of argument claims  

A claim is a statement or proposition a writer puts forward with evidence to persuade the reader. 4 Here are some common types of argument claims, along with examples: 

• Fact Claims : These claims assert that something is true or false and can often be verified through evidence.  Example: “Water boils at 100°C at sea level.”
• Value Claims : Value claims express judgments about the worth or morality of something, often based on personal beliefs or societal values. Example: “Organic farming is more ethical than conventional farming.” 
• Policy Claims : Policy claims propose a course of action or argue for a specific policy, law, or regulation change.  Example: “Schools should adopt a year-round education system to improve student learning outcomes.” 
• Cause and Effect Claims : These claims argue that one event or condition leads to another, establishing a cause-and-effect relationship.  Example: “Excessive use of social media is a leading cause of increased feelings of loneliness among young adults.” 
• Definition Claims : Definition claims assert the meaning or classification of a concept or term.  Example: “Artificial intelligence can be defined as machines exhibiting human-like cognitive functions.” 
• Comparative Claims : Comparative claims assert that one thing is better or worse than another in certain respects.  Example: “Online education is more cost-effective than traditional classroom learning.” 
• Evaluation Claims : Evaluation claims assess the quality, significance, or effectiveness of something based on specific criteria.  Example: “The new healthcare policy is more effective in providing affordable healthcare to all citizens.” 

Understanding these argument claims can help writers construct more persuasive and well-supported arguments tailored to the specific nature of the claim.  

If you’re wondering how to start an argumentative essay, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with the argumentative essay format and writing process.

• Choose a Topic: Select a topic that you are passionate about or interested in. Ensure that the topic is debatable and has two or more sides.
• Define Your Position: Clearly state your stance on the issue. Consider opposing viewpoints and be ready to counter them.
• Conduct Research: Gather relevant information from credible sources, such as books, articles, and academic journals. Take notes on key points and supporting evidence.
• Create a Thesis Statement: Develop a concise and clear thesis statement that outlines your main argument. Convey your position on the issue and provide a roadmap for the essay.
• Outline Your Argumentative Essay: Organize your ideas logically by creating an outline. Include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each body paragraph should focus on a single point that supports your thesis.
• Write the Introduction: Start with a hook to grab the reader’s attention (a quote, a question, a surprising fact). Provide background information on the topic. Present your thesis statement at the end of the introduction.
• Develop Body Paragraphs: Begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that relates to the thesis. Support your points with evidence and examples. Address counterarguments and refute them to strengthen your position. Ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs.
• Address Counterarguments: Acknowledge and respond to opposing viewpoints. Anticipate objections and provide evidence to counter them.
• Write the Conclusion: Summarize the main points of your argumentative essay. Reinforce the significance of your argument. End with a call to action, a prediction, or a thought-provoking statement.
• Revise, Edit, and Share: Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and consistency. Check for grammatical and spelling errors. Share your essay with peers, friends, or instructors for constructive feedback.
• Finalize Your Argumentative Essay: Make final edits based on feedback received. Ensure that your essay follows the required formatting and citation style.

Struggling to start your argumentative essay? Paperpal can help – try now!   

Argumentative essay writing tips  

Here are eight strategies to craft a compelling argumentative essay: 

• Choose a Clear and Controversial Topic : Select a topic that sparks debate and has opposing viewpoints. A clear and controversial issue provides a solid foundation for a strong argument. 
• Conduct Thorough Research : Gather relevant information from reputable sources to support your argument. Use a variety of sources, such as academic journals, books, reputable websites, and expert opinions, to strengthen your position. 
• Create a Strong Thesis Statement : Clearly articulate your main argument in a concise thesis statement. Your thesis should convey your stance on the issue and provide a roadmap for the reader to follow your argument. 
• Develop a Logical Structure : Organize your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each paragraph should focus on a specific point of evidence that contributes to your overall argument. Ensure a logical flow from one point to the next. 
• Provide Strong Evidence : Support your claims with solid evidence. Use facts, statistics, examples, and expert opinions to support your arguments. Be sure to cite your sources appropriately to maintain credibility. 
• Address Counterarguments : Acknowledge opposing viewpoints and counterarguments. Addressing and refuting alternative perspectives strengthens your essay and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the issue. Be mindful of maintaining a respectful tone even when discussing opposing views. 
• Use Persuasive Language : Employ persuasive language to make your points effectively. Avoid emotional appeals without supporting evidence and strive for a respectful and professional tone. 
• Craft a Compelling Conclusion : Summarize your main points, restate your thesis, and leave a lasting impression in your conclusion. Encourage readers to consider the implications of your argument and potentially take action. 

Good argumentative essay example  

Let’s consider a sample of argumentative essay on how social media enhances connectivity:

In the digital age, social media has emerged as a powerful tool that transcends geographical boundaries, connecting individuals from diverse backgrounds and providing a platform for an array of voices to be heard. While critics argue that social media fosters division and amplifies negativity, it is essential to recognize the positive aspects of this digital revolution and how it enhances connectivity by providing a platform for diverse voices to flourish. One of the primary benefits of social media is its ability to facilitate instant communication and connection across the globe. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram break down geographical barriers, enabling people to establish and maintain relationships regardless of physical location and fostering a sense of global community. Furthermore, social media has transformed how people stay connected with friends and family. Whether separated by miles or time zones, social media ensures that relationships remain dynamic and relevant, contributing to a more interconnected world. Moreover, social media has played a pivotal role in giving voice to social justice movements and marginalized communities. Movements such as #BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo, and #ClimateStrike have gained momentum through social media, allowing individuals to share their stories and advocate for change on a global scale. This digital activism can shape public opinion and hold institutions accountable. Social media platforms provide a dynamic space for open dialogue and discourse. Users can engage in discussions, share information, and challenge each other’s perspectives, fostering a culture of critical thinking. This open exchange of ideas contributes to a more informed and enlightened society where individuals can broaden their horizons and develop a nuanced understanding of complex issues. While criticisms of social media abound, it is crucial to recognize its positive impact on connectivity and the amplification of diverse voices. Social media transcends physical and cultural barriers, connecting people across the globe and providing a platform for marginalized voices to be heard. By fostering open dialogue and facilitating the exchange of ideas, social media contributes to a more interconnected and empowered society. Embracing the positive aspects of social media allows us to harness its potential for positive change and collective growth.

• Clearly Define Your Thesis Statement:   Your thesis statement is the core of your argumentative essay. Clearly articulate your main argument or position on the issue. Avoid vague or general statements.  
• Provide Strong Supporting Evidence:   Back up your thesis with solid evidence from reliable sources and examples. This can include facts, statistics, expert opinions, anecdotes, or real-life examples. Make sure your evidence is relevant to your argument, as it impacts the overall persuasiveness of your thesis.  
• Anticipate Counterarguments and Address Them:   Acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints to strengthen credibility. This also shows that you engage critically with the topic rather than presenting a one-sided argument. 

How to Write an Argumentative Essay with Paperpal?  

Writing a winning argumentative essay not only showcases your ability to critically analyze a topic but also demonstrates your skill in persuasively presenting your stance backed by evidence. Achieving this level of writing excellence can be time-consuming. This is where Paperpal, your AI academic writing assistant, steps in to revolutionize the way you approach argumentative essays. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Paperpal to write your essay: 

• Sign Up or Log In: Begin by creating an account or logging into paperpal.com .  
• Navigate to Paperpal Copilot: Once logged in, proceed to the Templates section from the side navigation bar.  
• Generate an essay outline: Under Templates, click on the ‘Outline’ tab and choose ‘Essay’ from the options and provide your topic to generate an outline.  
• Develop your essay: Use this structured outline as a guide to flesh out your essay. If you encounter any roadblocks, click on Brainstorm and get subject-specific assistance, ensuring you stay on track. 
• Refine your writing: To elevate the academic tone of your essay, select a paragraph and use the ‘Make Academic’ feature under the ‘Rewrite’ tab, ensuring your argumentative essay resonates with an academic audience. 
• Final Touches: Make your argumentative essay submission ready with Paperpal’s language, grammar, consistency and plagiarism checks, and improve your chances of acceptance.  

Paperpal not only simplifies the essay writing process but also ensures your argumentative essay is persuasive, well-structured, and academically rigorous. Sign up today and transform how you write argumentative essays. 

The length of an argumentative essay can vary, but it typically falls within the range of 1,000 to 2,500 words. However, the specific requirements may depend on the guidelines provided.

You might write an argumentative essay when:  1. You want to convince others of the validity of your position.  2. There is a controversial or debatable issue that requires discussion.  3. You need to present evidence and logical reasoning to support your claims.  4. You want to explore and critically analyze different perspectives on a topic. 

Argumentative Essay:  Purpose : An argumentative essay aims to persuade the reader to accept or agree with a specific point of view or argument.  Structure : It follows a clear structure with an introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs presenting arguments and evidence, counterarguments and refutations, and a conclusion.  Tone : The tone is formal and relies on logical reasoning, evidence, and critical analysis.    Narrative/Descriptive Essay:  Purpose : These aim to tell a story or describe an experience, while a descriptive essay focuses on creating a vivid picture of a person, place, or thing.  Structure : They may have a more flexible structure. They often include an engaging introduction, a well-developed body that builds the story or description, and a conclusion.  Tone : The tone is more personal and expressive to evoke emotions or provide sensory details. 

• Gladd, J. (2020). Tips for Writing Academic Persuasive Essays.  Write What Matters . 
• Nimehchisalem, V. (2018). Pyramid of argumentation: Towards an integrated model for teaching and assessing ESL writing.  Language & Communication ,  5 (2), 185-200. 
• Press, B. (2022).  Argumentative Essays: A Step-by-Step Guide . Broadview Press. 
• Rieke, R. D., Sillars, M. O., & Peterson, T. R. (2005).  Argumentation and critical decision making . Pearson/Allyn & Bacon. 

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Get accurate academic translations, rewriting support, grammar checks, vocabulary suggestions, and generative AI assistance that delivers human precision at machine speed. Try for free or upgrade to Paperpal Prime starting at US$19 a month to access premium features, including consistency, plagiarism, and 30+ submission readiness checks to help you succeed.  

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An essay is a highly versatile, non-fictional piece of writing aimed at persuading, informing, or entertaining the reader. It can serve multiple functions, such as taking a stance on topics, disproving widely believed myths, and sharing interesting anecdotes. 

There are various styles and types of essay writing that can be used to serve specific functions. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at the four main types of essays, along with the combinations and derivations of these types. Let us understand what are the different types of essays.

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What are the four main types of essays?

There are four types of essays you can write depending on the message you want to convey. They include narrative essays, descriptive essays, argumentative essays, and expository essays.  

Narrative and descriptive essays aim to tell a story or describe an immersive experience with the help of sensory descriptors. Expository and argumentative essays aim to educate and inform the reader on a particular topic. 

There are many more types of essay that are a combination or derivation of these four essay types. Here are the four main types of essays. To help you better understand these essay types, we’ve also constructed relevant example essays. 

1. Narrative essay 

A narrative essay  is a type of writing that involves telling a story using either highly specific or open-ended prompts. It is a form of personal and creative nonfiction that tests your ability to build up your story in a well-structured format. The use of storytelling techniques such as similes, metaphors, alliteration, imagery, and dialogue is common in narrative essay writing.

It typically begins with the introduction of the settings and characters of the story. The body consists of the highlights of your life, often described with the help of vivid imagery. The conclusion includes reflections on the meaning or significance of the events, as well as any lessons learned or insights gained from experience.

A personal statement is one example of a narrative essay, where you tell a story about yourself in order to convince the reader of your suitability for a particular role or position.

Let’s understand the structure of a narrative essay better with the help of this example: 

My First Job as a Server

My first job as a server was a crash course in hard work, patience, and resilience. I was eager to work and earn my own money, but I had no idea what I had signed up for.

I soon discovered that this job was no walk in the park. I had to constantly be on my feet, multitasking and juggling multiple orders at once. But with the help of my manager and fellow servers, I was quickly able to learn the ropes.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was being patient with irate customers. Initially, their harsh words made me doubt my abilities. But, over time I developed a thick skin and became immune to their comments. 

These experiences taught me to be patient with myself as well as with others. I developed a sense of empathy, that I never would have otherwise and learned not to take things personally. Due to the fast-paced restaurant environment, I also learned how to multitask and manage my time efficiently.

Looking back, I can confidently say that these experiences shaped me into the person I am today.  These lessons have stayed with me throughout and continue to influence the way I approach challenges.

2. Descriptive essay

A descriptive essay aims to provide an immersive experience for the reader by using sensory descriptors. Unlike a narrative essay, which tells a story, a descriptive essay has a narrower scope and focuses on one particular subject or aspect of a story.

For example, a descriptive essay about a beach may describe the warmth of the sand underfoot, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, the salty smell of the ocean breeze, and the taste of saltwater on the lips. These sensory details bring the reader into the experience and allow them to imagine themselves in the setting.

One key tip for a descriptive essay is to choose your words carefully, using language that is both specific and evocative. By doing so, you can create a strong emotional connection between the reader and the subject of the essay. The goal is to make the reader feel as though they are a part of the setting, experiencing it firsthand.

Let’s understand this in more detail with the help of an example:

Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Japan’s cherry blossom season is a magical time of year when the country is covered in a sea of pink and white petals. The colors are striking and seem to change with the light and angle of the sun. 

The soft, delicate petals dance in the wind, filling the air with a sweet fragrance that can be smelled everywhere. The sound of the petals rustling and swaying in the breeze is soothing and calming. 

Families and friends gather beneath the trees, enjoying picnics and drinks, adding to the festive atmosphere. The taste of the cherry blossom is subtle but distinct, and many Japanese sweets and drinks are flavored with sakura. 

The essence of the cherry blossom is hope and renewal, reminding us of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of savoring each moment. It is a time when the entire country comes together to celebrate life’s beauty and the present moment. 

Witnessing the cherry blossom in Japan is a sensory feast that evokes feelings of joy, wonder, and gratitude. It is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed.

3. Argumentative essays

An argumentative essay is an extended argument that aims to persuade the reader to adopt a particular stance based on factual information and statistics. It is one of the most common forms of college essays.

The purpose of an argumentative essay is to present a well-reasoned and well-supported argument in favor of a particular position. You must provide relevant evidence, logical reasoning, and convincing arguments to support your stance. The goal is to convince the reader to accept your point of view.

To write an effective argumentative essay, you must conduct thorough research. This involves gathering reliable sources of information, analyzing it, and synthesizing it into a coherent argument. You should also consider counterarguments and address them in your essay to strengthen your position.

Let’s take a look at an example:

The Power of Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for motivating individuals and increasing performance efficiency. It involves rewarding desired behavior, rather than punishing negative behavior. Research has shown that positive reinforcement can be highly effective in both school and workplace settings.

In a study conducted by the University of Melbourne, researchers found that students who received positive feedback from their teachers were more likely to be engaged and motivated. They were also more likely to participate in class and have better academic performance.

Similarly, in a corporate setting, positive reinforcement has been shown to improve employee morale and job satisfaction. A study by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 89% showed high levels of motivation when their achievements were recognized and appreciated. Additionally, 86% of employees showed increased job satisfaction.

Positive feedback, also helps individuals think creatively and develop strong problem-solving skills. A study conducted by the University of Illinois involved participants engaging in a brainstorming task, where some were provided with positive feedback and others were not. The results showed that those who received positive feedback demonstrated significantly greater creativity and better problem-solving abilities than those who did not.

Positive reinforcement is proven to be powerful tool that should be implemented in both academic and corporate settings. It not only improves academic and workplace achievements but also promotes creativity and problem-solving skills. 

4. Expository essays

An expository essay is a common format used in school and college exams to assess your understanding of a specific topic. The purpose of an expository essay is to present and explore a topic thoroughly without taking any particular stance or expressing personal opinions.

An expository essay does not require an original argument and requires less research as compared to an argumentative essay. However, you should be able to cover a topic from all angles and provide factual information to support your argument. You should also be able to structure your essay in a well-organized, logical format, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.  

The term “expository essay” is an umbrella term used to describe several different types of essays. They include classification essays, definition essays, compare and contrast essays, and cause and effect essays.

The Legacy of Thomas Edison 

Thomas Edison was one of the most important inventors in history, credited with over 1,000 patents during his lifetime. He was born in Ohio in 1847 and grew up in Michigan, where he received very little formal education. Despite this, Edison showed a strong interest in science and technology from an early age and began conducting experiments in his spare time.

In his early career, Edison worked as a telegraph operator and began to develop his own inventions, including an improved stock ticker and a quadruplex telegraph system. In 1877, he invented the phonograph, a device that could record and play back sound. This invention helped establish Edison as a leading inventor and made him a household name.

One of Edison’s most famous inventions was the incandescent light bulb, which he developed in the late 1870s. This invention revolutionized the way people lived, allowing them to work and live comfortably even after sunset. Edison’s work on the light bulb led to the development of the electrical power grid, which helped bring electricity to homes and businesses across the country.

Throughout his career, Edison remained committed to the idea of practical invention, focusing on creating devices that would have a real impact on people’s lives. He famously said, “Anything that won’t sell, I don’t want to invent. Its sale is proof of utility, and utility is success.”

Overall, Thomas Edison’s impact on the world of invention and innovation cannot be overstated. His inventions helped transform the world and set the stage for many of the technological advances that we enjoy today.

Other types of essays

Now that we’ve looked at the four main types of essays, let’s take a look at the combinations and derivations of these types.

These different types of essays include:  

1. Persuasive essays

These types of essays aim to convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint. They achieve this by using personal anecdotes and experiences, which are backed up by factual evidence. Although they share some similarities with argumentative essays, persuasive essays place greater emphasis on emotion and personal narratives, on top of providing factual evidence.

Persuasive essays follow three methods of persuasion: Ethos, pathos, and logos. These methods are utilized to effectively convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint. 

• Ethos involves establishing the writer’s strong moral character, creating a sense of trustworthiness and reliability with the reader. 
• Pathos aims to evoke an emotional response from the reader in order to sway them toward the writer’s viewpoint. 
• Logos relies on providing the reader with hard facts, statistics, and evidence to convince them to adopt the writer’s standpoint.

Here’s an example: 

Importance of Mental Health Days in Corporate Settings

Employees need mental health days for their overall wellbeing and productivity. According to the World Health Organization, one in four people globally are affected by mental health disorders, which can lead to absenteeism, presenteeism, and decreased productivity in the workplace.

Taking a mental health day can provide a necessary break from work-related stress and allow employees to focus on their mental well-being. It can help prevent burnout and reduce the risk of developing serious issues such as depression or anxiety. Employees who feel supported in taking mental health days are more likely to return to work feeling refreshed and recharged, leading to increased productivity and creativity.

Furthermore, promoting mental health days in the workplace can foster a culture of transparency and support. When employees feel comfortable discussing their concerns with their employers and colleagues, it creates a sense of trust and understanding. This can lead to a more positive work environment and a higher level of employee morale.

In conclusion, mental health days are not a luxury, but a necessity for maintaining employees’ mental health and wellbeing. Employers who recognize the importance of mental health days and actively promote them in the workplace can create a more productive, positive, and healthy work environment for their employees.

2. Critical essays

A critical essay is not necessarily an evaluative piece of writing, but rather a thoughtful and analytical approach to interpreting a work of art. Through this process, you can provide valuable insights that enhance the reader’s appreciation and understanding of a piece.

These types of essays are common projects assigned to students in school or college. They involve the analysis and interpretation of a text or a visual medium. It goes beyond criticism despite the negative connotation of the term “critical”. It analyzes themes, characters, plots, and other crucial aspects to gain a deeper insight into the message or purpose of a literary or visual piece.

The critical essay-writing process involves actively reading or observing a piece of art or literature and forming a central idea or thesis statement on the basis of these observations. The body paragraphs consist of topic sentences that bolster the thesis statement, along with pieces of evidence proving these statements. The conclusion consists of the summary of the most impactful parts of your essay along with a powerful concluding statement.

While writing a critical essay or literary analysis essay , it is crucial to inspect every little aspect of a piece. For example, when writing a critical essay on a poem, it is essential to analyze its structure, the specific use of language, and the various literary devices used by the poet. By examining these elements, you can effectively explain its intended message.

Take a look at an example: 

The Surreal Narrative of Virginia Woolf’s A Haunted House

Virginia Woolf’s A Haunted House is a surreal narrative that explores the interplay of light and shadow, the instability of time, and the haunting silence of an old house. The narrator’s state of mind is between sleep and wakefulness, which is reflected in the hazy lighting of the setting. The events of the night are narrated in the present tense, while the narrator’s waking hours are narrated in the past tense, heightening the sense of eeriness. The story takes place inside the narrator’s mind, bearing an imprint of their unconscious.

The provocation that “nothing really happens in A Haunted House” is inappropriate because it assumes there is one absolute reality in which events naturally unfold. In Woolf’s essay Modern Fiction , she reflects on the essential thing one looks for in fiction, which is often lost due to stagnant literary conventions like plot. Woolf rejects the realistic mode of storytelling to find a better form for the essential thing, which she creates out of the consciousness of her narrator.

One may argue that the narrator’s consciousness imagines the disembodied selves of old writers as the ghostly couple and gives form to “the light in the heart” when the ghosts bury it inside the house. The act of giving form to “the light in the heart” connects the new writer to the ghostly selves of old writers. These are the things that happen in the story.

In conclusion, the surreal narrative of A Haunted House is an exploration of the interplay of light and shadow, the instability of time, and the haunting silence of an old house. Through her rejection of stagnant literary conventions and the creation of a new reality shaped by the consciousness of her narrator, Woolf gives form to “the essential thing” in fiction.

3. Reflective essays

These essays provide an opportunity for you to share your personal insights, opinions, and reflections on an experience. They are highly creative and typically employ the first-person point of view. 

Through this form of writing, you can take the time to reflect on the meaning and significance of certain life events and their impact on you. It also allows you to share your key takeaways or lessons you’ve learned from these events. 

Here’s an example:

A Trip to My Home Country

My trip to Kenya, my home country, was an eye-opening experience that left a lasting impact on me. As a Kenyan-American, I had grown up hearing stories about my parents’ home country, but nothing prepared me for the reality of it. The vibrant colors, the delicious smells, and the welcoming people all contributed to a truly inspiring trip.

One of the most memorable moments was visiting a rural village and meeting a group of young girls who were determined to receive an education. Despite facing significant obstacles, such as the societal pressure to prioritize marriage over education, these girls were highly committed to their goals. It was truly inspiring to see their resilience and made me reflect on my own privileges and opportunities in life.

The trip also made me realize the importance of preserving one’s cultural heritage. As a Kenyan American who was born and raised in the United States, I had never fully appreciated the richness and diversity of Kenyan culture. However, being immersed in it made me realize the importance of keeping these traditions alive.

Overall, my trip to Kenya inspired me to be more appreciative of my cultural heritage, to work towards social justice and equality, and to never take my privileges for granted. It was a truly life-changing experience that will stay with me forever.

The next step to creating a perfect essay is thorough editing. You can either choose to edit it yourself or make things easier for yourself by consulting a professional essay editing service . Which you all the best in your essay-writing journey!

Keep reading with more resources from your loyal editors and proofreaders:

• How to Write an Essay Outline: 5 Examples & Free Template
• How to Start an Essay

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3 Strong Argumentative Essay Examples, Analyzed

General Education

Need to defend your opinion on an issue? Argumentative essays are one of the most popular types of essays you’ll write in school. They combine persuasive arguments with fact-based research, and, when done well, can be powerful tools for making someone agree with your point of view. If you’re struggling to write an argumentative essay or just want to learn more about them, seeing examples can be a big help.

After giving an overview of this type of essay, we provide three argumentative essay examples. After each essay, we explain in-depth how the essay was structured, what worked, and where the essay could be improved. We end with tips for making your own argumentative essay as strong as possible.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is an essay that uses evidence and facts to support the claim it’s making. Its purpose is to persuade the reader to agree with the argument being made.

A good argumentative essay will use facts and evidence to support the argument, rather than just the author’s thoughts and opinions. For example, say you wanted to write an argumentative essay stating that Charleston, SC is a great destination for families. You couldn’t just say that it’s a great place because you took your family there and enjoyed it. For it to be an argumentative essay, you need to have facts and data to support your argument, such as the number of child-friendly attractions in Charleston, special deals you can get with kids, and surveys of people who visited Charleston as a family and enjoyed it. The first argument is based entirely on feelings, whereas the second is based on evidence that can be proven.

The standard five paragraph format is common, but not required, for argumentative essays. These essays typically follow one of two formats: the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model.

• The Toulmin model is the most common. It begins with an introduction, follows with a thesis/claim, and gives data and evidence to support that claim. This style of essay also includes rebuttals of counterarguments.
• The Rogerian model analyzes two sides of an argument and reaches a conclusion after weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each.

3 Good Argumentative Essay Examples + Analysis

Below are three examples of argumentative essays, written by yours truly in my school days, as well as analysis of what each did well and where it could be improved.

Argumentative Essay Example 1

Proponents of this idea state that it will save local cities and towns money because libraries are expensive to maintain. They also believe it will encourage more people to read because they won’t have to travel to a library to get a book; they can simply click on what they want to read and read it from wherever they are. They could also access more materials because libraries won’t have to buy physical copies of books; they can simply rent out as many digital copies as they need.

However, it would be a serious mistake to replace libraries with tablets. First, digital books and resources are associated with less learning and more problems than print resources. A study done on tablet vs book reading found that people read 20-30% slower on tablets, retain 20% less information, and understand 10% less of what they read compared to people who read the same information in print. Additionally, staring too long at a screen has been shown to cause numerous health problems, including blurred vision, dizziness, dry eyes, headaches, and eye strain, at much higher instances than reading print does. People who use tablets and mobile devices excessively also have a higher incidence of more serious health issues such as fibromyalgia, shoulder and back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscle strain. I know that whenever I read from my e-reader for too long, my eyes begin to feel tired and my neck hurts. We should not add to these problems by giving people, especially young people, more reasons to look at screens.

Second, it is incredibly narrow-minded to assume that the only service libraries offer is book lending. Libraries have a multitude of benefits, and many are only available if the library has a physical location. Some of these benefits include acting as a quiet study space, giving people a way to converse with their neighbors, holding classes on a variety of topics, providing jobs, answering patron questions, and keeping the community connected. One neighborhood found that, after a local library instituted community events such as play times for toddlers and parents, job fairs for teenagers, and meeting spaces for senior citizens, over a third of residents reported feeling more connected to their community. Similarly, a Pew survey conducted in 2015 found that nearly two-thirds of American adults feel that closing their local library would have a major impact on their community. People see libraries as a way to connect with others and get their questions answered, benefits tablets can’t offer nearly as well or as easily.

While replacing libraries with tablets may seem like a simple solution, it would encourage people to spend even more time looking at digital screens, despite the myriad issues surrounding them. It would also end access to many of the benefits of libraries that people have come to rely on. In many areas, libraries are such an important part of the community network that they could never be replaced by a simple object.

The author begins by giving an overview of the counter-argument, then the thesis appears as the first sentence in the third paragraph. The essay then spends the rest of the paper dismantling the counter argument and showing why readers should believe the other side.

What this essay does well:

• Although it’s a bit unusual to have the thesis appear fairly far into the essay, it works because, once the thesis is stated, the rest of the essay focuses on supporting it since the counter-argument has already been discussed earlier in the paper.
• This essay includes numerous facts and cites studies to support its case. By having specific data to rely on, the author’s argument is stronger and readers will be more inclined to agree with it.
• For every argument the other side makes, the author makes sure to refute it and follow up with why her opinion is the stronger one. In order to make a strong argument, it’s important to dismantle the other side, which this essay does this by making the author's view appear stronger.
• This is a shorter paper, and if it needed to be expanded to meet length requirements, it could include more examples and go more into depth with them, such as by explaining specific cases where people benefited from local libraries.
• Additionally, while the paper uses lots of data, the author also mentions their own experience with using tablets. This should be removed since argumentative essays focus on facts and data to support an argument, not the author’s own opinion or experiences. Replacing that with more data on health issues associated with screen time would strengthen the essay.
• Some of the points made aren't completely accurate , particularly the one about digital books being cheaper. It actually often costs a library more money to rent out numerous digital copies of a book compared to buying a single physical copy. Make sure in your own essay you thoroughly research each of the points and rebuttals you make, otherwise you'll look like you don't know the issue that well.

Argumentative Essay Example 2

There are multiple drugs available to treat malaria, and many of them work well and save lives, but malaria eradication programs that focus too much on them and not enough on prevention haven’t seen long-term success in Sub-Saharan Africa. A major program to combat malaria was WHO’s Global Malaria Eradication Programme. Started in 1955, it had a goal of eliminating malaria in Africa within the next ten years. Based upon previously successful programs in Brazil and the United States, the program focused mainly on vector control. This included widely distributing chloroquine and spraying large amounts of DDT. More than one billion dollars was spent trying to abolish malaria. However, the program suffered from many problems and in 1969, WHO was forced to admit that the program had not succeeded in eradicating malaria. The number of people in Sub-Saharan Africa who contracted malaria as well as the number of malaria deaths had actually increased over 10% during the time the program was active.

One of the major reasons for the failure of the project was that it set uniform strategies and policies. By failing to consider variations between governments, geography, and infrastructure, the program was not nearly as successful as it could have been. Sub-Saharan Africa has neither the money nor the infrastructure to support such an elaborate program, and it couldn’t be run the way it was meant to. Most African countries don't have the resources to send all their people to doctors and get shots, nor can they afford to clear wetlands or other malaria prone areas. The continent’s spending per person for eradicating malaria was just a quarter of what Brazil spent. Sub-Saharan Africa simply can’t rely on a plan that requires more money, infrastructure, and expertise than they have to spare.

Additionally, the widespread use of chloroquine has created drug resistant parasites which are now plaguing Sub-Saharan Africa. Because chloroquine was used widely but inconsistently, mosquitoes developed resistance, and chloroquine is now nearly completely ineffective in Sub-Saharan Africa, with over 95% of mosquitoes resistant to it. As a result, newer, more expensive drugs need to be used to prevent and treat malaria, which further drives up the cost of malaria treatment for a region that can ill afford it.

Instead of developing plans to treat malaria after the infection has incurred, programs should focus on preventing infection from occurring in the first place. Not only is this plan cheaper and more effective, reducing the number of people who contract malaria also reduces loss of work/school days which can further bring down the productivity of the region.

One of the cheapest and most effective ways of preventing malaria is to implement insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs).  These nets provide a protective barrier around the person or people using them. While untreated bed nets are still helpful, those treated with insecticides are much more useful because they stop mosquitoes from biting people through the nets, and they help reduce mosquito populations in a community, thus helping people who don’t even own bed nets.  Bed nets are also very effective because most mosquito bites occur while the person is sleeping, so bed nets would be able to drastically reduce the number of transmissions during the night. In fact, transmission of malaria can be reduced by as much as 90% in areas where the use of ITNs is widespread. Because money is so scarce in Sub-Saharan Africa, the low cost is a great benefit and a major reason why the program is so successful. Bed nets cost roughly 2 USD to make, last several years, and can protect two adults. Studies have shown that, for every 100-1000 more nets are being used, one less child dies of malaria. With an estimated 300 million people in Africa not being protected by mosquito nets, there’s the potential to save three million lives by spending just a few dollars per person.

Reducing the number of people who contract malaria would also reduce poverty levels in Africa significantly, thus improving other aspects of society like education levels and the economy. Vector control is more effective than treatment strategies because it means fewer people are getting sick. When fewer people get sick, the working population is stronger as a whole because people are not put out of work from malaria, nor are they caring for sick relatives. Malaria-afflicted families can typically only harvest 40% of the crops that healthy families can harvest. Additionally, a family with members who have malaria spends roughly a quarter of its income treatment, not including the loss of work they also must deal with due to the illness. It’s estimated that malaria costs Africa 12 billion USD in lost income every year. A strong working population creates a stronger economy, which Sub-Saharan Africa is in desperate need of.  

This essay begins with an introduction, which ends with the thesis (that malaria eradication plans in Sub-Saharan Africa should focus on prevention rather than treatment). The first part of the essay lays out why the counter argument (treatment rather than prevention) is not as effective, and the second part of the essay focuses on why prevention of malaria is the better path to take.

• The thesis appears early, is stated clearly, and is supported throughout the rest of the essay. This makes the argument clear for readers to understand and follow throughout the essay.
• There’s lots of solid research in this essay, including specific programs that were conducted and how successful they were, as well as specific data mentioned throughout. This evidence helps strengthen the author’s argument.
• The author makes a case for using expanding bed net use over waiting until malaria occurs and beginning treatment, but not much of a plan is given for how the bed nets would be distributed or how to ensure they’re being used properly. By going more into detail of what she believes should be done, the author would be making a stronger argument.
• The introduction of the essay does a good job of laying out the seriousness of the problem, but the conclusion is short and abrupt. Expanding it into its own paragraph would give the author a final way to convince readers of her side of the argument.

Argumentative Essay Example 3

There are many ways payments could work. They could be in the form of a free-market approach, where athletes are able to earn whatever the market is willing to pay them, it could be a set amount of money per athlete, or student athletes could earn income from endorsements, autographs, and control of their likeness, similar to the way top Olympians earn money.

Proponents of the idea believe that, because college athletes are the ones who are training, participating in games, and bringing in audiences, they should receive some sort of compensation for their work. If there were no college athletes, the NCAA wouldn’t exist, college coaches wouldn’t receive there (sometimes very high) salaries, and brands like Nike couldn’t profit from college sports. In fact, the NCAA brings in roughly $1 billion in revenue a year, but college athletes don’t receive any of that money in the form of a paycheck. Additionally, people who believe college athletes should be paid state that paying college athletes will actually encourage them to remain in college longer and not turn pro as quickly, either by giving them a way to begin earning money in college or requiring them to sign a contract stating they’ll stay at the university for a certain number of years while making an agreed-upon salary.  

Supporters of this idea point to Zion Williamson, the Duke basketball superstar, who, during his freshman year, sustained a serious knee injury. Many argued that, even if he enjoyed playing for Duke, it wasn’t worth risking another injury and ending his professional career before it even began for a program that wasn’t paying him. Williamson seems to have agreed with them and declared his eligibility for the NCAA draft later that year. If he was being paid, he may have stayed at Duke longer. In fact, roughly a third of student athletes surveyed stated that receiving a salary while in college would make them “strongly consider” remaining collegiate athletes longer before turning pro.

Paying athletes could also stop the recruitment scandals that have plagued the NCAA. In 2018, the NCAA stripped the University of Louisville's men's basketball team of its 2013 national championship title because it was discovered coaches were using sex workers to entice recruits to join the team. There have been dozens of other recruitment scandals where college athletes and recruits have been bribed with anything from having their grades changed, to getting free cars, to being straight out bribed. By paying college athletes and putting their salaries out in the open, the NCAA could end the illegal and underhanded ways some schools and coaches try to entice athletes to join.

People who argue against the idea of paying college athletes believe the practice could be disastrous for college sports. By paying athletes, they argue, they’d turn college sports into a bidding war, where only the richest schools could afford top athletes, and the majority of schools would be shut out from developing a talented team (though some argue this already happens because the best players often go to the most established college sports programs, who typically pay their coaches millions of dollars per year). It could also ruin the tight camaraderie of many college teams if players become jealous that certain teammates are making more money than they are.

They also argue that paying college athletes actually means only a small fraction would make significant money. Out of the 350 Division I athletic departments, fewer than a dozen earn any money. Nearly all the money the NCAA makes comes from men’s football and basketball, so paying college athletes would make a small group of men--who likely will be signed to pro teams and begin making millions immediately out of college--rich at the expense of other players.

Those against paying college athletes also believe that the athletes are receiving enough benefits already. The top athletes already receive scholarships that are worth tens of thousands per year, they receive free food/housing/textbooks, have access to top medical care if they are injured, receive top coaching, get travel perks and free gear, and can use their time in college as a way to capture the attention of professional recruiters. No other college students receive anywhere near as much from their schools.

People on this side also point out that, while the NCAA brings in a massive amount of money each year, it is still a non-profit organization. How? Because over 95% of those profits are redistributed to its members’ institutions in the form of scholarships, grants, conferences, support for Division II and Division III teams, and educational programs. Taking away a significant part of that revenue would hurt smaller programs that rely on that money to keep running.

While both sides have good points, it’s clear that the negatives of paying college athletes far outweigh the positives. College athletes spend a significant amount of time and energy playing for their school, but they are compensated for it by the scholarships and perks they receive. Adding a salary to that would result in a college athletic system where only a small handful of athletes (those likely to become millionaires in the professional leagues) are paid by a handful of schools who enter bidding wars to recruit them, while the majority of student athletics and college athletic programs suffer or even shut down for lack of money. Continuing to offer the current level of benefits to student athletes makes it possible for as many people to benefit from and enjoy college sports as possible.

This argumentative essay follows the Rogerian model. It discusses each side, first laying out multiple reasons people believe student athletes should be paid, then discussing reasons why the athletes shouldn’t be paid. It ends by stating that college athletes shouldn’t be paid by arguing that paying them would destroy college athletics programs and cause them to have many of the issues professional sports leagues have.

• Both sides of the argument are well developed, with multiple reasons why people agree with each side. It allows readers to get a full view of the argument and its nuances.
• Certain statements on both sides are directly rebuffed in order to show where the strengths and weaknesses of each side lie and give a more complete and sophisticated look at the argument.
• Using the Rogerian model can be tricky because oftentimes you don’t explicitly state your argument until the end of the paper. Here, the thesis doesn’t appear until the first sentence of the final paragraph. That doesn’t give readers a lot of time to be convinced that your argument is the right one, compared to a paper where the thesis is stated in the beginning and then supported throughout the paper. This paper could be strengthened if the final paragraph was expanded to more fully explain why the author supports the view, or if the paper had made it clearer that paying athletes was the weaker argument throughout.

3 Tips for Writing a Good Argumentative Essay

Now that you’ve seen examples of what good argumentative essay samples look like, follow these three tips when crafting your own essay.

#1: Make Your Thesis Crystal Clear

The thesis is the key to your argumentative essay; if it isn’t clear or readers can’t find it easily, your entire essay will be weak as a result. Always make sure that your thesis statement is easy to find. The typical spot for it is the final sentence of the introduction paragraph, but if it doesn’t fit in that spot for your essay, try to at least put it as the first or last sentence of a different paragraph so it stands out more.

Also make sure that your thesis makes clear what side of the argument you’re on. After you’ve written it, it’s a great idea to show your thesis to a couple different people--classmates are great for this. Just by reading your thesis they should be able to understand what point you’ll be trying to make with the rest of your essay.

#2: Show Why the Other Side Is Weak

When writing your essay, you may be tempted to ignore the other side of the argument and just focus on your side, but don’t do this. The best argumentative essays really tear apart the other side to show why readers shouldn’t believe it. Before you begin writing your essay, research what the other side believes, and what their strongest points are. Then, in your essay, be sure to mention each of these and use evidence to explain why they’re incorrect/weak arguments. That’ll make your essay much more effective than if you only focused on your side of the argument.

#3: Use Evidence to Support Your Side

Remember, an essay can’t be an argumentative essay if it doesn’t support its argument with evidence. For every point you make, make sure you have facts to back it up. Some examples are previous studies done on the topic, surveys of large groups of people, data points, etc. There should be lots of numbers in your argumentative essay that support your side of the argument. This will make your essay much stronger compared to only relying on your own opinions to support your argument.

Summary: Argumentative Essay Sample

Argumentative essays are persuasive essays that use facts and evidence to support their side of the argument. Most argumentative essays follow either the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model. By reading good argumentative essay examples, you can learn how to develop your essay and provide enough support to make readers agree with your opinion. When writing your essay, remember to always make your thesis clear, show where the other side is weak, and back up your opinion with data and evidence.

What's Next?

Do you need to write an argumentative essay as well? Check out our guide on the best argumentative essay topics for ideas!

You'll probably also need to write research papers for school. We've got you covered with 113 potential topics for research papers.

Your college admissions essay may end up being one of the most important essays you write. Follow our step-by-step guide on writing a personal statement to have an essay that'll impress colleges.

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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Module 9: Writing Workshop—Academic Argument

Types of arguments, learning objectives.

• Examine types of argumentative essays

How to Build an Argument

Building a strong argument is a process. It requires a lot of work before you can get to writing down something that you can work with. Think of these steps as not only going in order, but being rearranged and revisited time and time again as you work through your own thoughts and opinions coupled with what you discover in your research.

• Identify possible topics (or review an assigned topic)
• Narrow it down to a manageable chunk that can be analyzed within the context of a larger issue
• Come up with an argument about your topic that will guide your research and analysis
• Develop a thesis statement
• Be prepared to revise your thesis statement more than once as you engage in research and draft your essay

Sometimes instructors will give you free rein on choosing your own topic, and sometimes they will assign one to you. Depending on the class theme, the type of text you interact with, and the professor, there are a variety of ways to write an argument.

In this writing workshop, we will step through this process of building an argument First, we’ll learn about arguments generally, then get assigned a topic. Using that topic, we’ll develop an initial stance, then do some basic research to create a thesis statement.

Review: Types of Arguments

First, let’s review the types of arguments. Knowing the type of argument you are asked to make can help you organize your essay and will aid you in getting started.

• In this type of argument, you argue that something has caused something else. For example, you might explore the causes of the decline of large mammals in the world’s ocean and make a case for your cause.

Causal Essay OUtline

If you are assigned to write an essay about how one thing led to another, you can look at templates for causal arguments to find that it may look something like this:

• First Piece/Introduction  – In your introduction, which may be more than one paragraph, summarize the details of the issue. This may take one or two paragraphs. End with a thesis statement that makes an assertion about causes or what led to something.
• Second Piece/Evidence  – Present your detailed support for your claim with a focus on the reasons something has happened or a sequence of events that led to something.
• Third Piece/Opposition  – Address the opposing views. What problems exist with your claim? Be sure to bring the focus back to your points in relation to the causes or sequence of events you address.
• Fourth Piece/Conclusion  – Finally, in the conclusion, summarize the main points of your essay and relate your issue to the bigger picture. If you see the current situation as something that needs to change, you can call for change here, but your focus should be on emphasizing the causes of something.
• In this type of argument, you make an argumentative evaluation of something as “good” or “bad,” but you need to establish the criteria for “good” or “bad.” For example, you might evaluate a children’s book for your education class, but you would need to establish clear criteria for your evaluation for your audience.
• In this type of argument, you must propose a solution to a problem. First, you must establish a clear problem and then propose a specific solution to that problem. For example, you might argue for a proposal that would increase retention rates at your college.
• In this type of argument, you make your case by telling a story with a clear point related to your argument. For example, you might write a narrative about your experiences with standardized testing in order to make a case for reform.
• In a rebuttal argument, you build your case around refuting an idea or ideas that have come before. In other words, your starting point is to challenge the ideas of the past.
• In this type of argument, you use a definition as the starting point for making your case. For example, in a definition argument, you might argue that NCAA basketball players should be defined as professional players and, therefore, should be paid.

Writing WorkshoP: Types of arguments

Open your working document to the section labeled “Types of Arguments.”

Review the list of the types of arguments above. Pick THREE and write examples of arguments that fit that description. For example, an example of a causal argument could be that “In America, the decline in the popularity of baseball has contributed to increasingly disconnected communities.”

• [EXAMPLE OF THIS TYPE OF ARGUMENT]
• Authored by : Marcella Lapriore for Lumen Learning. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
• Argumentative Essay. Authored by : Types of Arguments. Provided by : Excelsior OWL. Located at : https://owl.excelsior.edu/rhetorical-styles/argumentative-essay/ . License : CC BY: Attribution

Argumentative Essay Writing

Types Of Argument

Basic Types of Argument and How to Use Them?

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Published on: Jul 5, 2020

Last updated on: Jan 30, 2024

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Are you struggling to construct compelling arguments and effectively communicate your ideas? 

Do you find the different types of arguments and logical fallacies confusing? 

As students, it's crucial to master the art of persuasive communication and understand various argument types.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore types of arguments in-depth, along with examples. We'll also delve into common logical fallacies to help you identify and avoid them. 

By the end, you'll have the knowledge and skills to construct strong arguments and critically evaluate information.

So why wait? Let’s dig in!

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

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Types of Arguments

There are three basic types of arguments in writing that you will encounter while persuading others or presenting your point of view. 

Let’s discuss each type in detail.

Classical Argument

The classical or Aristotelian argument is a form of argument developed by the Greek philosopher Aristotle. 

The goal is to convince the audience using strategies about a certain side of the issue. The classical argument uses ethos, pathos, and logos in the most persuasive way possible.

If you are drafting an essay using the classical argument, use the following format to structure your essay. 

• Introduction: Capture the audience's attention, and provide context.
• Thesis Statement: Concisely state the main argument or claim.
• Background Information: Establish context, and provide relevant details.
• Main Points: Present supporting reasons with evidence.
• Counter Arguments and Rebuttal: Address opposing viewpoints, and provide counterarguments.
• Conclusion: Restate the thesis, summarize the main points, and provide a ‘Call-to-Action’ to leave a lasting impression.

Classical Argument Example (PDF)

Rogerian Argument

A Rogerian argument is an argument type that focuses on finding a middle ground between the audience and the writer. In many situations, the audience doesn’t fully agree with the writer’s argument. 

This argument time is extremely convincing and helps the writer understand his own biases. 

The Rogerian argument strategy structures your document in the following way:

• Introduction: Establish the issue and the importance of respectful communication.
• Understanding Opposing Views: Demonstrate empathy and understanding of opposing perspectives.
• Statement of Position: Present your own argument objectively and respectfully.
• Exploration of Shared Ground: Identify areas of agreement or shared values.
• Presentation of Evidence and Support: Provide evidence that supports your position while emphasizing shared values.
• Addressing Counterarguments: Respectfully address and respond to counterarguments without direct refutation.
• Conclusion: Emphasize the importance of respectful dialogue and suggest further steps for collaboration.

Rogerian Argument Example (PDF)

Toulmin Argument

A Toulmin argument is a structure developed by Stephen Toulmin to analyze arguments.

This argument type is used when there are no clear or absolute solutions to the issues and problems. It takes into account the complexity of the situations.

According to the Toulmin method, there are seven elements to analyze and present the argument:

Let’s discuss them in detail.

• Claim: Present a clear and concise thesis statement.
• Data: Provide evidence, examples, or statistics that support the claim is true.
• Warrant: Explain the logical reasoning that connects the data to the claim.
• Backing: Offer additional support or evidence for the warrant.
• Qualifier: Acknowledge limitations or conditions under which the claim is valid.
• Rebuttal: Address potential counterarguments or opposing viewpoints.
• Conclusion: Restate the claim and summarize key points, reinforcing the argument's strength.

Toulmin argument Example (PDF)

Types of Arguments in Critical Thinking 

Critical thinking involves analyzing and evaluating arguments. 

Various types of arguments are encountered in this process, each with its own characteristics and logical structure. 

Here are some types of arguments commonly encountered in critical thinking, along with examples:

Analogical Arguments 

Analogical arguments draw comparisons between similar situations or cases to support a conclusion. 

They rely on the assumption that if two or more situations share relevant similarities, they are likely to have similar characteristics or outcomes. 

For example:

Causal Arguments 

Causal arguments aim to establish cause-and-effect relationships. They propose that one event or factor is responsible for bringing about another. 

Causal arguments often rely on empirical evidence, statistical data, or logical reasoning to support the claim of causation.

For example: 

Statistical Arguments 

Statistical arguments utilize statistical data or probabilities to support a conclusion. They draw on the principles of probability and inferential statistics to make claims about a population based on a sample. 

Moral Arguments 

Moral arguments employ ethical principles or values to support a claim or position. They appeal to moral reasoning and address questions of right and wrong, justice, and fairness. 

Pragmatic Arguments

Pragmatic arguments focus on practicality, usefulness, or pragmatic considerations. They weigh the costs, benefits, and practical consequences of different courses of action. 

Pragmatic arguments often involve considerations of efficiency, feasibility, societal impact, or individual well-being.

Types of Arguments in Philosophy 

In philosophy, various types of arguments are used to explore and analyze different aspects of knowledge. 

Here are some of the key types of arguments used in philosophy:

Deductive Arguments 

Deductive arguments in philosophy follow the principles of deductive reasoning. 

These arguments aim to establish conclusions that necessarily follow from the given premises. If the premises are true and the logical structure of the argument is valid, the conclusion must also be true. 

Deductive arguments play a fundamental role in formal logic and are used extensively in philosophical debates.

Inductive Arguments 

Inductive arguments in philosophy rely on observations, evidence, or patterns to draw general conclusions. These arguments reason from specific instances or data to broader generalizations. 

Unlike deductive arguments, inductive arguments provide probabilistic support rather than absolute certainty. 

Inductive reasoning is common in scientific inquiries and empirical investigations.

Abductive Arguments 

Abductive arguments are employed to propose plausible explanations for observed phenomena. 

These arguments involve generating hypotheses or explanations that best account for the available evidence. 

The goal is to identify the most reasonable or likely explanation, even if it cannot be proven definitively. Abductive reasoning aids in hypothesis formation and theory building.

Teleological Arguments 

Teleological arguments, also referred to as arguments from design, explore the existence and purposeful order in the world. 

These arguments suggest that the complexity, order, and apparent design in nature indicate the existence of a smart creator or designer.

Teleological arguments often draw upon examples from biology, cosmology, or fine-tuning of physical constants.

Ethical Arguments 

Ethical arguments delve into moral principles, values, and ethical theories to support claims about what is right, wrong, or morally permissible. 

These arguments explore questions of ethics, moral duties, and normative judgments.

Ethical arguments often involve discussions on consequentialism, deontology, virtue ethics, or ethical relativism.

Types of Argument Fallacies 

In critical thinking, fallacies refer to common errors or flaws in reasoning that can weaken or invalidate an argument.

By understanding these different types of argument fallacies, individuals can identify and avoid faulty reasoning.

Here are several types of argument fallacies, along with detailed explanations and examples:

Ad Hominem 

The ad hominem fallacy involves attacking the person making an argument instead of addressing the substance of their argument.

It attempts to undermine the credibility or character of the person rather than engaging with their ideas.

In this example, Person B dismisses Person A's argument by attacking their expertise instead of addressing the merits.

Appeal to Ignorance 

The appeal to ignorance fallacy occurs when the absence of evidence is used as evidence for a claim.

It asserts that something must be true or false simply because it hasn't been proven otherwise.

In this example, the lack of evidence disproving unicorns is used as a basis for asserting their existence. This is a fallacious appeal to ignorance.

Appeal to Authority 

The appeal to authority fallacy relies on citing an authority figure or expert to support an argument. 

Even if the authority figure's expertise lies outside the relevant domain or if there is disagreement among experts.

In this example, the appeal to authority uses the celebrity status of Dr. Smith to endorse a weight loss product, despite the lack of relevant expertise in the field.

False Dilemma Fallacy 

The false dilemma fallacy is also known as the black-or-white fallacy.

It presents a limited set of options or viewpoints as the only possibilities. When, in reality, there are more alternatives or shades of gray.

In this example , the false dilemma fallacy presents only two extreme options, disregarding the possibility of alternative perspectives or nuanced positions.

The straw man fallacy involves misrepresenting or distorting someone's argument to make it easier to attack or refute. 

Instead of addressing the actual argument, a weaker or distorted version is attacked.

In this example, Person B misrepresents Person A's argument by implying they advocate for unlimited funding without accountability. This is not what Person A originally stated.

Slippery Slope Fallacy 

The slippery slope fallacy suggests that a small, initial action will inevitably lead to a series of increasingly negative consequences. 

Without sufficient evidence to support the causal link between the actions.

In this example, the slippery slope fallacy suggests an unsupported chain of events. It implies that allowing same-sex marriage will lead to extreme and unfounded consequences.

Hasty Generalization 

The hasty generalization fallacy occurs when a conclusion is drawn based on insufficient or unrepresentative evidence. 

It involves making a broad generalization about a whole group based on a limited sample.

In this example, the fallacy draws a sweeping conclusion about an entire group based on the behavior of only two individuals.

Circular Argument 

The circular argument is also known as circular reasoning. 

This is a fallacy where the conclusion is restated or presupposed in the premises, resulting in circular or tautological reasoning.

In this example, the circular argument relies on assuming the truth of the conclusion in the premise and vice versa. Without providing independent evidence.

Red Herring Fallacy 

The red herring fallacy involves diverting attention from the main issue or topic by introducing an irrelevant or unrelated point or argument.

In this example, the red herring fallacy deflects attention from the discussion about climate change by introducing an unrelated concern about the economy.

Appeal to Hypocrisy 

The appeal to hypocrisy fallacy attempts to discredit an argument or position by pointing out inconsistencies in the person making the argument. Rather than addressing the argument itself.

In this example, the appeal to hypocrisy disregards the merits of the argument by attacking the person's behavior instead.

Causal Fallacy 

The causal fallacy is also known as the post hoc fallacy. It assumes that one event follows another. 

The first event caused the second event without considering other potential causes or factors.

In this example, the causal fallacy assumes a cause-and-effect relationship between wearing lucky socks and winning. Without considering other factors that may have contributed to the outcome.

Fallacy of Sunk Costs 

The fallacy of sunk costs occurs when past investments (time, money, or effort) are used as a reason to continue with a course of action. 

Even when it no longer serves the present or future interests.

In this example, the fallacy of sunk costs ignores the current situation and decision-making based on past investments. Even if continuing with the project may not be rational or beneficial.

Equivocation 

Equivocation is a fallacy that relies on the use of ambiguous or multiple meanings of a word or phrase to mislead or confuse the audience. 

It involves shifting the meaning of a term within an argument to support a particular conclusion.

In this example, equivocation occurs by shifting the meaning of "man" from referring to all humans to exclusively referring to males. This leads to an invalid and biased conclusion.

Appeal to Pity Fallacy 

The appeal to pity fallacy is also known as the argument from pity or the ad misericordiam fallacy. 

It seeks to evoke sympathy or pity from the audience in order to support a claim. It relies on emotional manipulation rather than sound reasoning or evidence.

In this example, the appeal to pity attempts to gain special treatment or leniency. 

It is done by appealing to the sympathy generated from personal circumstances. Rather than addressing academic performance.

Bandwagon Fallacy 

The bandwagon fallacy is also known as the appeal to popularity or the argumentum ad populum fallacy. 

It suggests that an idea or action is valid or desirable simply because it is popular or widely accepted.

In this example, the bandwagon fallacy assumes that the popularity of a fitness product automatically makes it effective or necessary. 

It disregards individual needs or other viable options.

How to Structure an Argument for an Essay?

Having a strong argument and good supporting information is worthless if the argument is not structured. When drafting a formal document, it is essential to shape your statement to make it effective.

The following are the professional steps used in structuring an argument:

• Come Up With an Interesting Topic - For your document, choose an arguable and strong topic. Your topic should motivate the audience to read your entire essay. Drafting an  argumentative essay  will become more comfortable if your topic is debatable or controversial.
• Identify the Type of Claim - When drafting an argumentative essay, five general claims can be selected. Choose a claim that suits your purpose:
• Fact - Is your argument true or false?
• Definition - Meaning of the argument
• Value - Importance and significance of the argument
• Causes and effects of the problem
• Policy - What to do to solve the problem?
•  Decide on the argument type - Whether it is Toulmin, deductive and inductive, etc. Then decide the structure you want to follow in shaping your essay. 
• Consult credible and authentic sources to gather information for your deductive, inductive argument, etc. 
• Draft an essay outline and organize the gathered data accordingly.
• Draft an introduction with a strong claim or premises
• Make sure to develop a logical claim.
• Write the conclusion that perfectly goes with the argument type you chose for the essay.

In conclusion, understanding the different types of arguments and fallacies is essential for developing strong critical thinking skills. 

By recognizing the structure and characteristics of various argument types, students can effectively communicate their ideas and persuade others.

If you still feel stuck, experts suggest getting professional help from qualified essay writers. 

Our custom essay writing service provides expert help for all your academic assignments. 

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Guide to Different Kinds of Essays

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An essay is a paper that discusses, describes or analyzes one topic. It can discuss a subject directly or indirectly, seriously or humorously. It can describe personal opinions, or just report information. An essay can be written from any perspective, but essays are most commonly written in the first person ( I ), or third person (subjects that can be substituted with the he, she, it, or they pronouns).

There are many different kinds of essays. The following are a some of the most common ones:

Descriptive Cause/Effect Argumentative Definition Narrative Critical Compare/Contrast Process

Descriptive:

Examples: A descriptive essay could describe . . .

The descriptive essay provides details about how something looks, feels, tastes, smells, makes one feel, or sounds. It can also describe what something is, or how something happened. These essays generally use a lot of sensory details. The essay could be a list-like description that provides point by point details. Or, it could function as a story, keeping the reader interested in the plot and theme of the event described.

Definition:

Examples: A definition essay may try and define . . .

A definition essay attempts to define a specific term. It could try to pin down the meaning of a specific word, or define an abstract concept. The analysis goes deeper than a simple dictionary definition; it should attempt to explain why the term is defined as such. It could define the term directly, giving no information other than the explanation of the term. Or, it could imply the definition of the term, telling a story that requires the reader to infer the meaning.

Compare/Contrast:

Examples:A compare/contrast essay may discuss . . .

The compare/contrast essay discusses the similarities and differences between two things, people, concepts, places, etc. The essay could be an unbiased discussion, or an attempt to convince the reader of the benefits of one thing, person, or concept. It could also be written simply to entertain the reader, or to arrive at an insight into human nature. The essay could discuss both similarities and differences, or it could just focus on one or the other. A comparison essay usually discusses the similarities between two things, while the contrast essay discusses the differences.

Cause/Effect:

Examples:A cause/effect essay may explain . . .

The cause/effect essay explains why or how some event happened, and what resulted from the event.

This essay is a study of the relationship between two or more events or experiences. The essay could discuss both causes and effects, or it could simply address one or the other. A cause essay usually discusses the reasons why something happened. An effect essay discusses what happens after a specific event or circumstance.

The example below shows a cause essay, one that would explain how and why an event happened.

If this cause essay were about a volcanic eruption, it might go something like this: “Pressure and heat built up beneath the earth’s surface; the effect of this was an enormous volcanic eruption.”

The next example shows an effect essay, one that would explain all the effects that happened after a specific event, like a volcanic eruption.

If this effect essay were about a volcanic eruption again, it might go something like this:

“The eruption caused many terrible things to happen; it destroyed homes, forests, and polluted the atmosphere.”

Examples:A narrative essay could tell of . . .

The narrative essay tells a story. It can also be called a “short story.” Generally, the narrative essay is conversational in style and tells of a personal experience. It is most commonly written in the first person (uses I ). This essay could tell of a single, life-shaping event, or simply a mundane daily experience.

Examples: A process essay may explain . . .

A process essay describes how something is done. It generally explains actions that should be performed in a series. It can explain in detail how to accomplish a specific task, or it can show how an individual came to a certain personal awareness. The essay could be in the form of step-by-step instructions, or in story form, with the instructions/explanations subtly given along the way.

Argumentative:

Examples: An argumentative essay may persuade a reader that . . .

An argumentative essay is one that attempts to persuade the reader to the writer’s point of view. The writer can either be serious or funny, but always tries to convince the reader of the validity of his or her opinion. The essay may argue openly, or it may attempt to subtly persuade the reader by using irony or sarcasm.

Examples: A critical essay may analyze . . .

A critical essay analyzes the strengths, weaknesses, and methods of someone else’s work. Generally, these essays begin with a brief overview of the main points of the text, movie, or piece of art, followed by an analysis of the work’s meaning. It should then discuss how well the author/creator accomplishes his/her goals and makes his/her points. A critical essay can be written about another essay, story, book, poem, movie, or work of art.

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• How to structure an essay: Templates and tips

How to Structure an Essay | Tips & Templates

Published on September 18, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

The basic structure of an essay always consists of an introduction , a body , and a conclusion . But for many students, the most difficult part of structuring an essay is deciding how to organize information within the body.

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Table of contents

The basics of essay structure, chronological structure, compare-and-contrast structure, problems-methods-solutions structure, signposting to clarify your structure, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about essay structure.

There are two main things to keep in mind when working on your essay structure: making sure to include the right information in each part, and deciding how you’ll organize the information within the body.

Parts of an essay

The three parts that make up all essays are described in the table below.

Order of information

You’ll also have to consider how to present information within the body. There are a few general principles that can guide you here.

The first is that your argument should move from the simplest claim to the most complex . The body of a good argumentative essay often begins with simple and widely accepted claims, and then moves towards more complex and contentious ones.

For example, you might begin by describing a generally accepted philosophical concept, and then apply it to a new topic. The grounding in the general concept will allow the reader to understand your unique application of it.

The second principle is that background information should appear towards the beginning of your essay . General background is presented in the introduction. If you have additional background to present, this information will usually come at the start of the body.

The third principle is that everything in your essay should be relevant to the thesis . Ask yourself whether each piece of information advances your argument or provides necessary background. And make sure that the text clearly expresses each piece of information’s relevance.

The sections below present several organizational templates for essays: the chronological approach, the compare-and-contrast approach, and the problems-methods-solutions approach.

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The chronological approach (sometimes called the cause-and-effect approach) is probably the simplest way to structure an essay. It just means discussing events in the order in which they occurred, discussing how they are related (i.e. the cause and effect involved) as you go.

A chronological approach can be useful when your essay is about a series of events. Don’t rule out other approaches, though—even when the chronological approach is the obvious one, you might be able to bring out more with a different structure.

Explore the tabs below to see a general template and a specific example outline from an essay on the invention of the printing press.

• Thesis statement
• Discussion of event/period
• Consequences
• Importance of topic
• Strong closing statement
• Claim that the printing press marks the end of the Middle Ages
• Background on the low levels of literacy before the printing press
• Thesis statement: The invention of the printing press increased circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation
• High levels of illiteracy in medieval Europe
• Literacy and thus knowledge and education were mainly the domain of religious and political elites
• Consequence: this discouraged political and religious change
• Invention of the printing press in 1440 by Johannes Gutenberg
• Implications of the new technology for book production
• Consequence: Rapid spread of the technology and the printing of the Gutenberg Bible
• Trend for translating the Bible into vernacular languages during the years following the printing press’s invention
• Luther’s own translation of the Bible during the Reformation
• Consequence: The large-scale effects the Reformation would have on religion and politics
• Summarize the history described
• Stress the significance of the printing press to the events of this period

Essays with two or more main subjects are often structured around comparing and contrasting . For example, a literary analysis essay might compare two different texts, and an argumentative essay might compare the strengths of different arguments.

There are two main ways of structuring a compare-and-contrast essay: the alternating method, and the block method.

Alternating

In the alternating method, each paragraph compares your subjects in terms of a specific point of comparison. These points of comparison are therefore what defines each paragraph.

The tabs below show a general template for this structure, and a specific example for an essay comparing and contrasting distance learning with traditional classroom learning.

• Synthesis of arguments
• Topical relevance of distance learning in lockdown
• Increasing prevalence of distance learning over the last decade
• Thesis statement: While distance learning has certain advantages, it introduces multiple new accessibility issues that must be addressed for it to be as effective as classroom learning
• Classroom learning: Ease of identifying difficulties and privately discussing them
• Distance learning: Difficulty of noticing and unobtrusively helping
• Classroom learning: Difficulties accessing the classroom (disability, distance travelled from home)
• Distance learning: Difficulties with online work (lack of tech literacy, unreliable connection, distractions)
• Classroom learning: Tends to encourage personal engagement among students and with teacher, more relaxed social environment
• Distance learning: Greater ability to reach out to teacher privately
• Sum up, emphasize that distance learning introduces more difficulties than it solves
• Stress the importance of addressing issues with distance learning as it becomes increasingly common
• Distance learning may prove to be the future, but it still has a long way to go

In the block method, each subject is covered all in one go, potentially across multiple paragraphs. For example, you might write two paragraphs about your first subject and then two about your second subject, making comparisons back to the first.

The tabs again show a general template, followed by another essay on distance learning, this time with the body structured in blocks.

• Point 1 (compare)
• Point 2 (compare)
• Point 3 (compare)
• Point 4 (compare)
• Advantages: Flexibility, accessibility
• Disadvantages: Discomfort, challenges for those with poor internet or tech literacy
• Advantages: Potential for teacher to discuss issues with a student in a separate private call
• Disadvantages: Difficulty of identifying struggling students and aiding them unobtrusively, lack of personal interaction among students
• Advantages: More accessible to those with low tech literacy, equality of all sharing one learning environment
• Disadvantages: Students must live close enough to attend, commutes may vary, classrooms not always accessible for disabled students
• Advantages: Ease of picking up on signs a student is struggling, more personal interaction among students
• Disadvantages: May be harder for students to approach teacher privately in person to raise issues

An essay that concerns a specific problem (practical or theoretical) may be structured according to the problems-methods-solutions approach.

This is just what it sounds like: You define the problem, characterize a method or theory that may solve it, and finally analyze the problem, using this method or theory to arrive at a solution. If the problem is theoretical, the solution might be the analysis you present in the essay itself; otherwise, you might just present a proposed solution.

The tabs below show a template for this structure and an example outline for an essay about the problem of fake news.

• Introduce the problem
• Provide background
• Describe your approach to solving it
• Define the problem precisely
• Describe why it’s important
• Indicate previous approaches to the problem
• Present your new approach, and why it’s better
• Apply the new method or theory to the problem
• Indicate the solution you arrive at by doing so
• Assess (potential or actual) effectiveness of solution
• Describe the implications
• Problem: The growth of “fake news” online
• Prevalence of polarized/conspiracy-focused news sources online
• Thesis statement: Rather than attempting to stamp out online fake news through social media moderation, an effective approach to combating it must work with educational institutions to improve media literacy
• Definition: Deliberate disinformation designed to spread virally online
• Popularization of the term, growth of the phenomenon
• Previous approaches: Labeling and moderation on social media platforms
• Critique: This approach feeds conspiracies; the real solution is to improve media literacy so users can better identify fake news
• Greater emphasis should be placed on media literacy education in schools
• This allows people to assess news sources independently, rather than just being told which ones to trust
• This is a long-term solution but could be highly effective
• It would require significant organization and investment, but would equip people to judge news sources more effectively
• Rather than trying to contain the spread of fake news, we must teach the next generation not to fall for it

Signposting means guiding the reader through your essay with language that describes or hints at the structure of what follows.  It can help you clarify your structure for yourself as well as helping your reader follow your ideas.

The essay overview

In longer essays whose body is split into multiple named sections, the introduction often ends with an overview of the rest of the essay. This gives a brief description of the main idea or argument of each section.

The overview allows the reader to immediately understand what will be covered in the essay and in what order. Though it describes what  comes later in the text, it is generally written in the present tense . The following example is from a literary analysis essay on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein .

Transitions

Transition words and phrases are used throughout all good essays to link together different ideas. They help guide the reader through your text, and an essay that uses them effectively will be much easier to follow.

Various different relationships can be expressed by transition words, as shown in this example.

Because Hitler failed to respond to the British ultimatum, France and the UK declared war on Germany. Although it was an outcome the Allies had hoped to avoid, they were prepared to back up their ultimatum in order to combat the existential threat posed by the Third Reich.

Transition sentences may be included to transition between different paragraphs or sections of an essay. A good transition sentence moves the reader on to the next topic while indicating how it relates to the previous one.

… Distance learning, then, seems to improve accessibility in some ways while representing a step backwards in others.

However , considering the issue of personal interaction among students presents a different picture.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

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The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

An essay isn’t just a loose collection of facts and ideas. Instead, it should be centered on an overarching argument (summarized in your thesis statement ) that every part of the essay relates to.

The way you structure your essay is crucial to presenting your argument coherently. A well-structured essay helps your reader follow the logic of your ideas and understand your overall point.

Comparisons in essays are generally structured in one of two ways:

• The alternating method, where you compare your subjects side by side according to one specific aspect at a time.
• The block method, where you cover each subject separately in its entirety.

It’s also possible to combine both methods, for example by writing a full paragraph on each of your topics and then a final paragraph contrasting the two according to a specific metric.

You should try to follow your outline as you write your essay . However, if your ideas change or it becomes clear that your structure could be better, it’s okay to depart from your essay outline . Just make sure you know why you’re doing so.

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If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Caulfield, J. (2023, July 23). How to Structure an Essay | Tips & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved August 29, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/essay-structure/

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Inici > Blog > Exemples d'assaigs de declaració de tesi

Exemples d'assaigs de declaració de tesi

• Equip Editorial Smodin
• Actualitzat: Agost 30, 2024
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Escriure un assaig pot semblar un repte, però una declaració de tesi sòlida pot facilitar-ho. Una declaració de tesi és una part crucial de qualsevol assaig. Ofereix al vostre lector una comprensió clara de la vostra idea principal. L'objectiu hauria de ser oferir una declaració contundent, concisa, però convincent que submergiu el lector en el vostre escrit. Una declaració de tesi forta significa a inici fort al teu assaig !

Hem desenvolupat aquesta guia completa per explorar què és una bona declaració de tesi. Parlarem de diferents exemples d'assaigs d'enunciats de tesi i us mostrarem els passos per escriure una declaració contundent. Tant si esteu escrivint un treball de recerca, un assaig argumentatiu o una proposta política, una declaració de tesi sòlida és clau.

Què és una declaració de tesi?

Per dir-ho simplement, una declaració de tesi resumeix tot el vostre article. Normalment apareix al final del primer paràgraf, conegut com a introducció de l'assaig. La teva tesi ha de ser específica, concisa i clara.

Ha d'expressar una idea principal i guiar la vostra redacció. Per exemple, si el vostre article explica el canvi climàtic, la vostra tesi podria afirmar que "El canvi climàtic suposa una amenaça important per als ecosistemes globals".

Com escriure una tesi: exemple i què incloure

En aquesta secció, incloem com escriure una declaració de tesi amb un exemple per ajudar-vos en el procés. A continuació, hem enumerat alguns dels passos que s'han de seguir durant la compilació d'una declaració de tesi.

Comença amb una pregunta

Tota bona declaració de tesi comença amb una pregunta. Penseu en què voleu explorar o decidiu sobre el vostre tema. Per exemple, "Internet ha tingut un impacte positiu o negatiu en l'educació?"

Escriu la teva resposta inicial

Després d'una mica d'investigació, escriviu una resposta senzilla i provisional a la vostra pregunta. Això guiarà el vostre procés de recerca i redacció. Per exemple, "Internet ha tingut un impacte positiu en l'educació".

Refina la teva declaració de tesi

La teva tesi final hauria d'explicar al lector per què ocupes aquesta posició. Podeu elaborar i explicar què aprendran del vostre assaig i els punts clau del vostre argument.

Per exemple, “L'impacte positiu d'Internet en l'educació supera els seus negatius en facilitar l'accés a la informació. L'exposició a diferents perspectives i un entorn d'aprenentatge flexible per a estudiants i professors hi contribueixen”.

Un bon exemple de declaració de tesi

Una bona declaració de tesi és concisa, coherent i controvertida. Ha d'indicar clarament la vostra idea principal i estar recolzat per proves específiques. Mireu l'exemple següent d'una bona tesi:

"Tot i que molta gent creu que el canvi climàtic és un fenomen natural, l'evidència demostra que les activitats humanes contribueixen significativament a la seva acceleració".

Aquesta afirmació és clara, concisa i discutible. Presenta una posició sòlida que es pot recolzar amb proves.

Tipus d'enunciats de tesi

La vostra tesi ha de coincidir amb el tipus d'assaig que esteu escrivint. A continuació es mostren alguns exemples de diferents tipus de declaracions de tesi.

Declaració de tesi argumentativa

En una assaig argumentatiu , la teva tesi hauria de tenir una posició forta.

Per exemple:

"El govern hauria d'implementar regulacions més estrictes sobre les emissions de carboni per combatre el canvi climàtic".

Un document argumentatiu fa una afirmació clara i discutible que requereix proves i raonaments. Aquesta tesi presenta un argument clar que es recolzarà amb evidències al llarg de l'assaig.

Declaració de tesi expositiva

En una assaig expositiu , la teva tesi ha d'explicar els fets d'un tema o procés.

"La invenció del braille va millorar la vida de les persones cegues ja que els va permetre llegir i escriure de manera independent".

Aquesta afirmació explica l'impacte del braille sense prendre una posició.

Exemples d'assaig de declaració de tesi per a diferents tipus de treballs

Vegem alguns exemples d'assaigs de declaració de tesi per entendre com elaborar-ne un de manera eficaç.

Exemple 1: Document argumentatiu

Tema: L'impacte de la vigilància en la societat

Declaració de la tesi: "Tot i que la vigilància sovint es considera negativament, els seus efectes positius sobre la seguretat pública superen els seus inconvenients".

Aquesta tesi presenta un argument clar que es recolzarà amb evidències al llarg de l'assaig.

Exemple 2: Paper expositiu

Tema: Història d'Internet

Declaració de la tesi: "Internet va revolucionar la comunicació en permetre l'accés instantani a la informació i connectar persones a nivell mundial".

Aquesta afirmació explica com Internet ha canviat la comunicació sense presentar cap argument.

En ambdós exemples, les declaracions de la tesi són clares i concises i proporcionen un full de ruta per a l'assaig.

Exemple 3: Paper analític

Tema: L'impacte de les xarxes socials en la salut mental

Declaració de la tesi: "Les xarxes socials influeixen en la salut mental augmentant l'ansietat, promovent imatges corporals poc realistes i millorant les connexions socials".

Una declaració de tesi analítica desglossa una idea en parts per examinar i interpretar. Aquest exemple mostra l'impacte de les xarxes socials en components específics per a una anàlisi detallada. Un article analític divideix temes complexos en components per a un examen i anàlisi detallats.

Característiques d'una bona tesi

Una declaració de tesi eficaç és la columna vertebral d'un assaig ben estructurat. Els exemples de declaracions de tesi ajuden a il·lustrar les diferències entre afirmacions de tesi fortes i febles. Aquestes són les característiques essencials d'una bona tesi.

Resum concís

Les millors declaracions de la tesi han de ser breus i concretes. Eviteu paraules innecessàries. Per exemple, en lloc de dir: "En aquest assaig, discutiré les raons per les quals el canvi climàtic és un tema crític que necessita una atenció urgent", podeu dir: "El canvi climàtic requereix una atenció urgent a causa del seu impacte greu en els ecosistemes globals". Això manté la teva tesi clara i centrada.

L'objectiu és portar la declaració al punt final de la manera més eficaç possible.

Evidència específica

En la redacció acadèmica, la vostra declaració de tesi ha d'estar recolzada per proves específiques. No només hauria de fer una afirmació, sinó també proporcionar una pista de l'evidència que ho avala. Per exemple, "Les activitats humanes, com la desforestació i el consum de combustibles fòssils, contribueixen significativament al canvi climàtic", indica que l'assaig tractarà aquestes activitats específiques.

Idea principal

Una declaració de tesi contundent indica clarament la teva idea principal. Ha de transmetre el punt central del vostre assaig d'una manera que sigui fàcil d'entendre. Per exemple, "Les fonts d'energia renovables són essencials per reduir les emissions de carboni i combatre el canvi climàtic", afirma clarament la idea principal de l'assaig.

3 errors comuns que cal evitar

Segons The Guardian , els professors estan observant que els estudiants tenen problemes contínuament per escriure assajos. Això pot ser degut a diversos motius, com ara la manca d'habilitats bàsiques per escriure o la probabilitat que cometin errors específics en compilar els seus assaigs i declaracions de tesi.

A continuació hem enumerat alguns dels errors comuns que poden cometre els estudiants quan escriuen una declaració de tesi per al seu treball.

1. Ser massa ampli

Una afirmació de tesi massa àmplia manca d'enfocament i no ofereix un argument clar. Per exemple: "El canvi climàtic és dolent", és massa ampli. En lloc d'això, reduïu el vostre enfocament a alguna cosa més específica, com ara "El canvi climàtic afecta significativament les ciutats costaneres augmentant la freqüència de les inundacions".

2. No entrar en detalls

Una declaració de tesi vaga no dóna detalls específics, cosa que dificulta que el lector entengui el vostre argument. Per exemple, "El canvi climàtic afecta el medi ambient" és massa vague. Una tesi més precisa seria: "El canvi climàtic accelera la fusió dels casquets polars, donant lloc a l'augment del nivell del mar".

3. Només exposar un fet

En un gran treball de recerca, no es pot discutir una declaració de tesi que estableix un fet més que un argument. Per exemple, "El canvi climàtic existeix" és una afirmació de fet i no discutible. Una tesi més discutible seria: "Es requereix una acció immediata per mitigar els impactes del canvi climàtic en les generacions futures".

Com reforçar una declaració de tesi feble

Si la vostra declaració de tesi és feble, aquí teniu com podeu reforçar-la:

• Contextualitza el teu tema: entén el context més ampli del teu tema. Això ajuda a reduir el focus i fer-lo més específic.
• Feu que sigui discutible: assegureu-vos que la vostra tesi sigui una cosa que es pugui debatre. Una tesi sòlida sovint pren una posició clara sobre un tema.
• Suport amb evidència: estigueu preparat per avalar la vostra tesi amb proves específiques. Això afegeix credibilitat i força a la teva declaració.

Exemple de tesi feble

Una declaració de tesi feble, com ara "Internet és útil", és massa general i manca d'especificitat. No proporciona cap direcció per a l'assaig, i els lectors no tenen clar què tractarà l'assaig. Una declaració de tesi feble:

• Manca d'enfocament: la declaració "Internet és útil" no especifica com ni per què és útil Internet. Aquesta manca d'enfocament pot confondre els lectors i fer que sigui difícil desenvolupar arguments de suport.
• No s'aprofundeix en un tema específic: aquesta tesi és massa àmplia i cobreix massa temes potencials sense aprofundir en un aspecte específic.
• No deixa espai per al debat: no presenta una reivindicació discutible. Una tesi sòlida hauria de fer una afirmació que altres puguin discutir, proporcionant una base per a l'argumentació i la discussió.

Per exemple, un assaig basat en la tesi feble "Internet és útil" podria serpentejar per diversos temes com ara compres en línia, xarxes socials i investigació, sense una estructura ni argument clar. Això fa que els lectors siguin difícils de comprendre el punt o propòsit principal de l'assaig.

Exemple de tesi sòlida

Una afirmació de tesi contundent, com "Internet és útil per a l'educació perquè proporciona accés a una gran quantitat d'informació i recursos", és específica i proporciona un argument clar recolzat per evidències. També indica què tractarà l'assaig, cosa que ajuda a guiar el lector.

Per tant, una declaració de tesi contundent hauria de:

• Tenir un enfocament clar: aquesta tesi especifica que l'assaig se centrarà en els beneficis educatius d'internet. Aquesta claredat ajuda els lectors a entendre el propòsit de l'assaig des del principi.
• Sigueu al punt: la tesi esmenta "l'accés a una gran quantitat d'informació i recursos". Per tant, proporciona un angle específic sobre com és útil Internet, cosa que ajuda a reduir l'abast de l'assaig.
• Incloeu una afirmació discutible: la declaració fa una afirmació que es podria argumentar. Suposa que Internet és beneficiós per a l'educació. Però, també implica que hi ha maneres específiques en què això és cert. Així, la declaració obre la porta a la discussió i l'anàlisi.
• Guia l'assaig: aquesta tesi sòlida proporciona un full de ruta per a l'assaig. Suggereix que els paràgrafs següents exploraran com Internet facilita l'educació mitjançant l'accés a la informació i la disponibilitat de recursos.

Preguntes freqüents

Què inclou una declaració de tesi.

Una declaració de tesi és una frase que resumeix el punt principal del vostre assaig. Normalment apareix al final del primer paràgraf.

Un enunciat de tesi pot ser més d'una frase?

Idealment, una declaració de tesi hauria de tenir una o dues frases.

On he de col·locar la meva declaració de tesi?

La vostra declaració de tesi hauria d'estar al final del primer paràgraf, conegut com a introducció de l'assaig.

Millora les teves declaracions de tesi amb Smodin.io

Una bona declaració de tesi és la columna vertebral del vostre assaig. Guia la teva redacció i diu al teu lector què espera. Seguint els passos que hem descrit en aquests exemples, podeu escriure una declaració de tesi sòlida.

Estàs preparat per millorar les teves habilitats d'escriptura i crear assaigs convincents? Millora la teva escriptura amb l'eina d'escriptura AI de Smodin. Tant si escriviu un treball de recerca com un assaig argumentatiu, Smodin us pot ajudar a elaborar una declaració de tesi sòlida. Uneix-te a nosaltres ara a Smodin.io i porta la teva escriptura al següent nivell.