* Writing an Argumentative Paragraph
Tips for Writing an Argumentative Paragraph
Organizing Your Argumentative Paragraph
- An argumentative paragraph is used when you are arguing for or against a CLAIM or when you are trying to persuade someone to agree with you.
- If you are asked to write a paragraph that:
- Argues
- Evaluates
- Proposes
- Persuades
Organizing Your Argumentative Paragraph
- The organization of an argumentative paragraph is similar to an expository paragraph, but a persuasive paragraph includes a COUNTERARGUMENT.
CLAIM
|
EVIDENCE
|
LINK
|
COUNTERARGUMENT:
- This is where you acknowledge the opposing arguments and anticipate your readers' objections. Doing this will help your CLAIM seem more reasonable and valid.
- Introduce a possible argument against your CLAIM and then refute it with a REBUTTAL to explain why their argument is flawed and incorrect.
- Example: Some readers may challenge the view that animal testing can be done away with. After all, many believe that it is impossible to eliminate the need for animals in research. Nonetheless, my discussion of alternatives to animal testing is in fact addressing the larger issue of choice.
Sample Argumentative Paragraph
Writing Prompt:
After reading the article on animal testing, write a paragraph in which you address the question and argue for or against the use of animal testing. Support your position with evidence from the text.
After reading the article on animal testing, write a paragraph in which you address the question and argue for or against the use of animal testing. Support your position with evidence from the text.