How to Write an Argumentative Essay with Example

Literacy In Focus

1 Feb 202302:54

Summary

TLDRThis video script outlines the structure of an argumentative essay: a five-paragraph format comprising an introductory hook, two to three background sentences, and a thesis statement. It continues with two body paragraphs detailing reasons and evidence to support the thesis, each starting with a transition word. The third body paragraph introduces a counterargument followed by a rebuttal, both backed by evidence. The conclusion restates the thesis, summarizes supporting reasons, and ends with a strong statement. Lastly, the script mentions the importance of a reference list, formatted alphabetically with proper indentation.

Takeaways

📝 Argumentative essays typically have five paragraphs: an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
🎓 The introduction should start with a hook, followed by background information, and end with a clear thesis statement.
📌 The thesis statement is crucial as it states the writer's position on the topic and outlines the arguments to be presented.
🔍 Body paragraphs 1 and 2 should provide reasons, evidence, and explanations to support the thesis, starting with a transition word.
📑 Credible evidence includes examples, quotes, facts, and statistics, and it's important to cite the sources used.
✏️ Each body paragraph should conclude with an example or explanation that demonstrates what the evidence proves.
🔄 The third body paragraph should present the counterargument to the thesis, followed by a rebuttal supported by evidence.
🏁 The conclusion restates the thesis, summarizes the supporting reasons, and ends with a strong final statement on the topic.
🚫 The conclusion should not introduce new reasons or evidence.
📚 A reference list or bibliography is always included, with entries alphabetized and formatted correctly.
👍 Encouragement to like, subscribe, and comment on the video is given as a call to action for viewers.

Q & A

What is the structure of an argumentative essay according to the transcript?
-An argumentative essay typically consists of five paragraphs: an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
What is the purpose of the hook in the introduction of an argumentative essay?
-The hook is an attention-grabbing statement used to draw the reader's interest to the topic at hand.
How many background sentences are usually included in the introduction of an argumentative essay?
-The introduction includes two to three background sentences about the topic.
What is the significance of the thesis statement in an argumentative essay?
-The thesis statement, also known as the claim, is the most important part of the essay as it clearly states the writer's position on the topic.
What are the key elements of the first two body paragraphs in an argumentative essay?
-The first two body paragraphs provide reasons, evidence, and explanations to support the argument presented in the thesis statement.
What is the role of transition words in the body paragraphs of an argumentative essay?
-Transition words are used at the beginning of each body paragraph to guide the reader through the structure of the essay.
What types of credible evidence can be used to support the reasons in the body paragraphs?
-Credible evidence can include examples, quotes, facts, and statistics.
Why is it important to provide in-text citations when using evidence from other authors?
-In-text citations are important to give credit to the authors whose work is used as evidence, which helps maintain academic integrity.
What is the function of the third body paragraph in an argumentative essay?
-The third body paragraph presents the counter argument and rebuttal, which adds credibility to the essay and helps gain the reader's trust.
How should the conclusion of an argumentative essay be structured?
-The conclusion should restate the thesis, summarize the reasons supporting the thesis, and end with a strong statement about the topic without introducing new reasons or evidence.
What is included in the reference list of an argumentative essay?
-The reference list includes all the sources used in the essay, which are alphabetized by the author's name or article title, with the first line of each citation aligned left and the following lines indented.

Outlines

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📝 How to Write an Argumentative Essay

The paragraph outlines the structure of an argumentative essay, which typically consists of five paragraphs: an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction should start with a hook, followed by background information, and conclude with a thesis statement, which is the central claim of the essay. The thesis statement should clearly state the writer's position and be supported by reasons. The first two body paragraphs provide reasons, evidence, and explanations to support the thesis. Each paragraph should start with a transition word, state a reason, and be backed by credible evidence, such as examples, quotes, facts, and statistics. Proper citation is crucial, including in-text citations and a reference list. The third body paragraph introduces a counterargument and rebuttal, which adds credibility and trust by addressing opposing views with evidence and explanations. The conclusion restates the thesis, summarizes supporting reasons, and ends with a strong statement on the topic without introducing new evidence.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay is a type of academic writing that presents a point of view on a controversial issue and supports it with evidence and reasoning. In the video, this is the central theme, as the script outlines the structure and components of such an essay, emphasizing the importance of a clear thesis and supporting evidence.

💡Hook

A hook in writing is an attention-grabbing statement that draws the reader into the text. The script mentions that the introduction of an argumentative essay should begin with a hook to engage the reader's interest, setting the stage for the rest of the essay.

💡Background Sentences

Background sentences provide context and set the stage for the thesis statement. According to the script, after the hook, the introduction should include two to three background sentences about the topic to give the reader necessary information before presenting the thesis.

💡Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is a clear assertion that states the writer's position on an issue. The script identifies the thesis statement as the most important part of an argumentative essay, serving as the central claim that the rest of the essay supports.

💡Body Paragraphs

Body paragraphs are the main sections of an argumentative essay where the writer presents reasons, evidence, and explanations to support the thesis. The script explains that the first two body paragraphs provide support for the thesis, while the third addresses the counterargument and rebuttal.

💡Transition Word

A transition word is used to guide the reader through the text by showing the relationship between ideas. The script mentions that each body paragraph begins with a transition word to introduce the reason that supports the thesis.

💡Credible Evidence

Credible evidence is information from reliable sources that supports the writer's argument. The script specifies that body paragraphs should include credible evidence such as examples, quotes, facts, and statistics, which must be properly cited.

💡In-Text Citation

An in-text citation is a brief reference within the text that gives credit to the original source of the evidence. The script explains that when using evidence, the writer must provide an in-text citation with the author's last name and the year of publication.

💡Counter Argument

A counter argument presents the opposing viewpoint to the writer's thesis. The script advises including a counter argument in the third body paragraph to add credibility and show that the writer has considered different perspectives.

💡Rebuttal

A rebuttal is a response to a counter argument that refutes it with evidence and reasoning. The script states that the rebuttal should effectively disprove the counter argument, further strengthening the writer's position.

💡Conclusion

The conclusion is the final paragraph of an argumentative essay that restates the thesis and summarizes the main points. The script emphasizes that the conclusion should not introduce new reasons or evidence but rather reinforce the writer's argument.

💡Reference List

A reference list is an alphabetized list of all the sources cited in the essay. The script mentions that a reference list should be included at the end of an argumentative essay, with each citation formatted correctly.

Highlights

Argumentative essays typically consist of five paragraphs: an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

The introduction starts with a hook, an attention-grabbing statement about the topic.

Background sentences follow the hook, providing context about the topic.

The introduction concludes with a clearly defined thesis statement, also known as the claim.

The thesis statement is crucial as it states the writer's position on the topic.

Body paragraphs 1 and 2 provide reasons, evidence, and explanations to support the thesis.

Each body paragraph begins with a transition word to guide the reader.

Credible evidence such as examples, quotes, facts, and statistics is used to support reasons.

It is important to give credit to the authors of the evidence used with in-text citations.

The in-text citation includes the author's last name and the year of publication.

An example or explanation is provided to demonstrate what the evidence proves.

The third body paragraph presents the counter argument and rebuttal.

A counter argument adds credibility to the essay by presenting the opposing view.

The rebuttal disproves the counter argument with credible evidence and an explanation.

The conclusion restates the thesis, summarizes supporting reasons, and ends with a strong statement on the topic.

The conclusion should not introduce new reasons or evidence.

A reference list or bibliography is included, alphabetized by author name or article title.

The first line of each citation in the reference list is aligned left, with subsequent lines indented.

The video provides a comprehensive guide on how to write an argumentative essay.

Encouragement to like, subscribe, and comment on the video to support the channel.