Argumentative Essay Techniques:
Introduction
- Clear, concise and defined thesis statement.
- Set the context by reviewing topic in general way.
- Explain why the topic is important or why reader should care about the issue.
- Present thesis statement.
Body paragraphs:
- Each paragraph should be limited to discussion of 1 general idea.
- Must have some logical connection to the thesis statement in the introduction paragraph
- Explain how and why the evidence supports the thesis statement
Counterargument paragraphs:
- 1-2 paragraphs to discuss conflicting opinions on the topic.
- Explain how these opinions do not align with their thesis, in other words disprove them.
- Eg: out of date, or not well-informed piece of evidence.
Some factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal evidence should support the thesis.
Conclusion:
- Does not simply restate the thesis, but also redresses it considering the evidence provided.
- 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 the thesis.
sample conclusion:
- perhaps this conundrum is best summarised by the sagacious words of Friedrich Nietzsche who mused on the idea of moral relativism. he opined to any problem - “you have your way, i have my way, but as for the right way, the correct way, and the only way it does not exist”
His words remind us that issues such as this seldom have a single right answer; rather, they reflect the diversity of human values and perspectives.
the above conclusion is best suited for essays with topics on moral, ethical, or opinion based debates like:
- should we always tell the truth
- is it right to sacrifice privacy for security
- is there such as thing as absolute right and wrong. do not use for practical issues (should students wear uniforms, is tech harmful to relationships.)
- might sound pretentious here.