Introduce the topic.
Provide background information.
Present the thesis statement or main argument.
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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 :
Example: “Did you know that plastic pollution is threatening marine life at an alarming rate?”
Example: “Plastic pollution has become a global environmental concern, with millions of tons of plastic waste entering our oceans yearly.”
Example: “We must take immediate action to reduce plastic usage and implement more sustainable alternatives to protect our marine ecosystem.”
2. Body Paragraphs :
Example: “The first step towards addressing the plastic pollution crisis is reducing single-use plastic consumption.”
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.”
Example: “Some argue that banning plastic straws is inconvenient for consumers, but the long-term environmental benefits far outweigh the temporary inconvenience.”
Example: “Having addressed the issue of single-use plastics, the focus must now shift to promoting sustainable alternatives.”
3. Counterargument Paragraph :
Example: “While some may argue that individual actions cannot significantly impact global plastic pollution, the cumulative effect of collective efforts must be considered.”
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 :
Example: “In conclusion, adopting sustainable practices and reducing single-use plastic is crucial for preserving our oceans and marine life.”
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.”
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:
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.
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Here are eight strategies to craft a compelling argumentative essay:
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.
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:
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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.
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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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Now that you’ve seen examples of what good argumentative essay samples look like, follow these three tips when crafting your own essay.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do you need to write an argumentative essay as well? Check out our guide on the best argumentative essay topics for ideas!
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Types of arguments, learning objectives.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.”
Argumentative Essay Writing
Types Of Argument
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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!
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There are three basic types of arguments in writing that you will encounter while persuading others or presenting your point of view.
Letâs discuss each type in detail.
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.
Classical Argument Example (PDF)
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 doesnât fully agree with the writerâs 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:
Rogerian Argument Example (PDF)
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:
Letâs discuss them in detail.
Toulmin argument Example (PDF)
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 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:
The structure of an atom is similar to the solar system. Therefore, just as the solar system is stable, the atom is also stable. |
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:
Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Therefore, smoking cigarettes causes lung cancer. |
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.
80% of students who study consistently perform well on exams. Therefore, studying consistently increases the likelihood of performing well on exams. |
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.
Killing innocent individuals is morally wrong. Therefore, the death penalty is morally wrong. |
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.
Using public transportation reduces traffic congestion and air pollution. Therefore, it is pragmatic to use public transportation. |
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 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.
All humans are mortal. Socrates is a human. Therefore, Socrates is mortal. |
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.
Every observed swan so far is white. Therefore, all swans are white. |
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.
The grass is wet outside. It rained last night. |
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.
The universe exhibits incredible complexity and order. Such complexity and order imply the existence of an intelligent designer. Therefore, there must be a God or intelligent creator. |
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.
Causing unnecessary harm to sentient beings is morally wrong. Factory farming causes unnecessary harm to animals. Therefore, factory farming is morally wrong. |
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:
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.
"I believe we should invest in renewable energy to reduce our carbon footprint." "Why should we listen to you? You're not even an expert in the field." |
In this example, Person B dismisses Person A's argument by attacking their expertise instead of addressing the merits.
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.
"There is no scientific evidence disproving the existence of unicorns, so they must exist." |
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.
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.
"Dr. Smith, a famous actor, recommends this miracle product for weight loss, so it must be effective." |
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.
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.
"Either you're with us, or you're against us." |
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.
"I think we should invest more in public education to improve student outcomes." "So, you're saying we should just throw unlimited money at schools without any accountability?" |
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.
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.
"If we allow same-sex marriage, next people will start marrying animals, and eventually society will collapse." |
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.
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.
"I met two people from Country X, and they were rude. Therefore, all people from Country X must be rude." |
In this example, the fallacy draws a sweeping conclusion about an entire group based on the behavior of only two individuals.
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.
"God exists because the Bible says so, and we know the Bible is true because it is the word of God." |
In this example, the circular argument relies on assuming the truth of the conclusion in the premise and vice versa. Without providing independent evidence.
The red herring fallacy involves diverting attention from the main issue or topic by introducing an irrelevant or unrelated point or argument.
should focus on combating climate change." "But what about the economy? We can't afford to prioritize the environment over economic growth." |
In this example, the red herring fallacy deflects attention from the discussion about climate change by introducing an unrelated concern about the economy.
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.
"You argue for ethical eating, but I saw you eating a hamburger last week. Your argument is invalid." |
In this example, the appeal to hypocrisy disregards the merits of the argument by attacking the person's behavior instead.
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.
"I wore my lucky socks and won the game. Therefore, wearing my lucky socks made me win." |
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.
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.
"I've already spent so much money on this project; I can't quit now." |
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 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.
"Only man is rational. No woman is a man. Therefore, no woman is rational." |
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.
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.
"I know I failed the exam, but please give me a passing grade. My dog just passed away, and I've been going through a difficult time." |
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.
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.
"Everyone is using this new fitness product. You should too if you want to be in shape." |
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.
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:
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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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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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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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.
The three parts that make up all essays are described in the table below.
Part | Content |
---|---|
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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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:
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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Inici > Blog > Exemples d'assaigs de declaració de tesi
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.
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".
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.
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?"
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".
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vegem alguns exemples d'assaigs de declaració de tesi per entendre com elaborar-ne un de manera eficaç.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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".
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".
Si la vostra declaració de tesi és feble, aquí teniu com podeu reforçar-la:
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:
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.
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:
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.
Idealment, una declaració de tesi hauria de tenir una o dues frases.
La vostra declaració de tesi hauria d'estar al final del primer paràgraf, conegut com a introducció de l'assaig.
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.
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Most of the time, when your supervisors and others talk about academic essays what they mean is essays that present well-reasoned points of view on various topics. This article explains some essential kinds of these essays—exegetical, discursive, expository, and argumentative—and outlines their key differences and similarities. We'll call the group of them "persuasive essays," since ...
An argumentative essay in academic writing is where one takes a stance on a particular topic, presents arguments to support that stance, and aims to persuade readers to accept the point of view presented. Read this to learn how to write an argumentative essay with examples, create an argumentative essay outline, and gain expert tips for authors.
An argumentative essay is a piece of writing that uses logical evidence and empirical data to convince readers of a particular position on a topic. Because of its reliance on structure and planning, the first step in writing one is often drafting a solid argumentative essay outline.
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An argumentative essay is one that makes a clear assertion or argument about some topic or issue. When you're writing an argumentative essay, it's important to remember that an academic argument is quite different from a regular, emotional argument. Note that sometimes students forget the academic aspect of an argumentative essay and write essays that are much too emotional for an academic ...
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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. This article provides useful templates and tips to help you outline your essay, make decisions about your structure, and ...
Types of Thesis Statements. Your thesis should match the type of essay you're writing. Here are some examples of different types of thesis statements. Argumentative Thesis Statement. En una assaig argumentatiu, your thesis should take a strong position. Per exemple: