Search for notes by fellow students, in your own course and all over the country.
Browse our notes for titles which look like what you need, you can preview any of the notes via a sample of the contents. After you're happy these are the notes you're after simply pop them into your shopping cart.
Document Preview
Extracts from the notes are below, to see the PDF you'll receive please use the links above
Elements of an Argumentative Essay
Field 96
Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
An Argumentative Essay contains the following
• an introduction
• support
• a refutation
• a conclusion
In the Introduction
• background is appropriate
...
• a thesis statement is required
...
In the Body Paragraphs
• the writer presents his points of discussion
...
Most often, the writer begins with his weakest point and
concludes with his stronger arguments
...
In the Refutation
• the writer acknowledges the opposition
...
However, acknowledgement does not imply
agreement
...
*A Gentle Reminder from Lester Faigley and Jack Selzers’ Good Reasons:
1
...
”
2
...
”
In the Conclusion
• the writer restates, in general terms, the major arguments he has marshaled in defense of
his thesis
...
A Checklist : Writing Argumentative Essays
• Does the essay develop an argumentative thesis?
• Has the writer considered the opinions, attitudes, and values of his audience?
• Has the writer identified and refuted opposing arguments?
• Has the writer supported his assertions with evidence?
• Has the writer established his credibility?
• Has the writer been fair?
• Has the writer provided the reader with enough background information?
• Has the writer presented his points clearly and organized them logically?
• Has the writer written an interesting introduction and a strong conclusion?
• Has the writer presented his thoughts in a way that the reader is a “respected partner”
rather than a “competitor”? Has he set forth his arguments in the spirit of “mutual support”
and “negotiation”? Has he invited “cooperation” rather than “resistance”?
Essay Test Taking Tips
• Read the directions carefully
...
• Plan the essay before actually writing it
...
• Be neat
...
• Focus on one idea per paragraph
• If time allows, proofread
...
com