Writing an essay

• The writer presents a point of view and supports it.

• It is common in academic writing..

• The argument is carefully supported in order to persuade the reader.

Argumentative essay

• To present your point of view and to persuade the reader to agree with you.

• In some cases you may also want to convince the reader to take action.

Purpose

​Brief explanation of the topic.
Why it is an important issue.

Introduction

​Give arguments to support the main idea.
A counterargument might be presented.

Body

​Arguments are restated, tying the points together.

Conclusion

​Paragraphs which show support for the author’s thesis (for example: reasons, evidence, data, statistics).

Argument

An opposing point of view that you recognize it exists, but that you can state is not as strong as the original arguments.

Counterargument