ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS

There are different ways to organize an argumentative essay. As a writer, it is important to remember that argumentative essays give both sides to a contentious issue. Before you start writing the essay, you must consider both sides of the issue at hand. Some writers may use a pro and con outline as this helps to organize the ideas for the essay.

Pro	Con
Marijuana should be legal Humans have free will and the freedom of choice There is a psychological impact of having a “high”	Marijuana should never be legal The problem of addiction to marijuana arises from the frequent uses Marijuana is classified as an illegal substance

Note:

When presenting an argument remember to:

a)       Present both sides equally

OR

b)       Present your position on the issue as stronger than the opposing ideas.

Your thesis should reflect the purpose of writing the essay. You can

a)       Be objective

OR

b)       Take a position (agree or disagree)

For example:

Logical argument	Apple is a technological organization
Debatable topic	Apple is the leader in technology in the 21st century
Opposing view	Google is the leader in the 21st century

The argumentative thesis should express your position and answer the questions WHY and HOW.

For example:

Your position:

Apple is now the leader in technology in the 21st century.

Your full thesis along with the how or why:

Apple is now the leader in technology because statistics show that it maintains the highest number of sales. 

The Antithesis

This is the debatable opposing idea on the position that you have taken. A strong argumentative paper acknowledges the opposing idea and argues specific counterarguments. Your antithesis should also have a “how” and “why”.

For example:

Thesis:

Apple is the leader in technology because it boasts the highest number of sales.

Antithesis:

Google is a better technology company because, despite its lower sales records, they hold the highest customer satisfaction ratings.