The Argumentative Essay

At university in the West, an essay is usually given to help the student learn three things:

1. How to explore a subject area and make a judgment about a particular issue
2. How to create an argument supporting that judgment using reasoning and evidence
3. How to write an interesting and well-organised essay.

For most of us, an argument is a verbal fight we have when we disagree or are angry with someone else. Sometimes, arguments become violent and turn into physical fights. However, in university, argument has a different meaning.

If you are asked to write an argumentative essay, your task is to persuade an educated, critical reader (someone who will read what you say carefully, rather than just accepting or rejecting your point of view) that your point of view on a topic is correct. You cannot do this (in university writing) by making emotional pleas, or simply by listing one fact after another. Instead, you must make a well-reasoned and coherent argument that is based on good evidence.

As one writer says, at university:

We argue not because we are angry, but because arguing causes us to examine our own and others’ ideas carefully. It causes us to weigh conflicting claims; to make judgments about the nature of evidence; to state our thoughts clearly, accurately and honestly; to consider respectfully and critically the views of others.

The idea of you, a student, arguing your own point of view on a difficult topic may seem strange, as this is not often expected of Chinese students. However, in Western education, students are encouraged to form their own view on a given topic, and then support this view with evidence. This is what an academic paper is expected to do, and failure to do so will usually lead to a low mark.

Therefore, during the first part of this term, we will be focusing on how to make a well-reasoned and logical argument. Before we begin, we need to look at a few basic issues in writing an argumentative essay.

1. The Topic

Until now, most of the topics you have been asked to write about have been given to you, and this will continue to be the case in exams. However, as advanced students, I believe it is time you had more freedom to choose your own topics. I want to encourage you to search and find your own topics as much as possible, to give you freedom to discover and develop your own ideas and opinions. However, in choosing your own topic, you need to be aware of a few basic principles:

a. The topic must not be too broad

If the topic is too broad, you will not be able to write a coherent essay. For example “The Chinese Education System” is much too big a topic for one argumentative essay. You must spend time narrowing the topic to something that is manageable.

b. The topic must be accessible

Choose a topic that you can find relevant data and evidence about.

c. The topic should be controversial

You should choose a topic about which there is controversy or disagreement. This is very important, because there is little point in arguing about something that everybody already accepts. For example a topic such as “Apples are good for you” would not normally be acceptable. If, however, you have good evidence that something most people accept as true is actually NOT correct, then this is a good topic for an argumentative essay.

d. The topic should really interest you

Since you are going to spend some time reading, thinking and writing about your topic, be sure you are interested in it. If you get bored, so will the reader of your essay. Don’t just pick a topic because you think it is easy! Think about who you are. What are your special interests, experiences or abilities that could help you write an interesting essay?

2. Topic Questions

Once you have decided on your topic, you need to ask questions about it. Why is the topic controversial? How is it important? Where? When? Who? What? The more questions you can think of, the better!

Asking questions about your topic can help in several ways. Firstly, it can help you to narrow the topic to one aspect or issue involved, so that your essay will be focused and not too broad. Second, it can give you ideas about the information and evidence you need to find in order to form an argument. And finally, thinking about the answers to the questions can help you to form your own point of view.

When you have a number of questions, try to choose one that will become the main focus of your essay.

3. The Thesis Statement

Later in term we are going to look more carefully at writing a thesis statement, but for now, you can think of the thesis statement as a simple sentence that expresses your point of view or claim about the controversial topic you have chosen. Make sure that your thesis statement:

a. states your point of view in a clear and unequivocal way (try to avoid “maybe”, “possibly” etc.)

b. is short and simple

c. is limited to ONE main idea about your topic.