“ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY”

KURNIATI WIJAYANINGRUM
MAGHFIRA AZZANIA
WIDYASIH GHINAYYAH W.
 WHAT IS ARGUMENT ?

Argument is defined as “a reason or reasons why you support or

oppose an idea or suggestion, or the process of explaining these
reasons” in Cambridge dictionary. In our daily life, we try to solve
our problems by discussing about various issues or clarify our views
about any issue by observing arguments.
 WHAT IS ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY?

Argumentative essay is a kind of text in which an author supports his own view and try to refute
counter-view about an issue including counter views. The author aims to lead readers to think just
like himself in this kind of texts. It is not easy to change readers’ view or make them question. The
author is expected to explain why he supports these views and why counter-view is invalid so as to
achieve his goal. The author is supposed not only to have a strong idea about the issue discussed but
also to be wise for a successful argumentative essay (Knudson, 1992).

Serpil Özdemir, 2018, The Effect of Argumentative Text Pattern Teaching on Success of Constituting Argumentative
Text Elements, pp. 112-113.
There are many different ways to organize an argumentative essay. The most important thing to
remember about an argumentative essay is that you must show both sides of a contentious issue.
In other words, your topic must be debatable.

An argumentative essay is a good tool of persuasion because you show the reader:
1) You have considered both sides of the argument before choosing your position
2) You are able to anticipate and refute any opposing arguments.

Before you organize your essay, make sure that you have brainstormed both sides of the issue.
Once you know what you want to say, the organization you choose should be whichever will
best showcase your ideas.
There are many ways you could organize your argumentative essay. The one thing you need to
keep in mind is that you must show both side of the argument. Here are a few basic possibilities
for organizing an argumentative essay:
T H E FOL LOW ING O UT L I NE I S A P P ROPRI AT E I F Y O U A R E TA K ING A P O SI TI O N O N T H E
I S S UE

Introduction :
o Explain the importance of the issue
o Summarize the opposing side’s arguments very briefly
o Provide a thesis statement which recognizes your disagreement with the other side’s argument and
states your position clearly.
Body :
Paragraph 1-3 etc.
o State your opponent’s first argument and counter that argument directly with your points of
rebuttal
o Support your points with examples and research to strengthen your position
Conclusion :
o Rephrase your main point
o Summarize your main ideas in order to show how strong your position is over your opponent’s
o Provide a final thought for your reader
T H E FOL LOW ING O UT L I NE I S A P P ROPRI AT E I F Y O U A R E P R ESENT I NG A N O B JE CT I VE O R
N E U T R AL P O SIT I O N O N T H E I SSUE.

Introduction:
o Explain the importance of the issue
o Provide background information explaining why the issue is commonly debated
o Provide a thesis statement which recognizes the main perspectives of the opposing sides. (Do not
present your opinion)
Body :
Paragraph 1-3
o Present the first supporting point of one side
o Support the points with examples or research to illustrate their position
o Present the opposing or counter point to the above claim
o Support the points with examples or research to illustrate their position
Conclusion :
o Rephrase your main point
o Summarize your main ideas in order to show how strong your position is over your opponent’s
o Provide a final thought for the reader
EXAMPLE OF ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY: